Strategy 1
Principled Perfectionist
- Desire
- Goodness, integrity and being at peace with yourself
- Fear
- Making a mistake, failing and being bad inside
Strategy 5
Capable Expert
- Desire
- Understanding and the ability to handle the world
- Fear
- Helplessness, incompetence, and overwhelm
Why People Confuse Them
Both strategies come across as matter-of-fact, reserved and rational. Both enjoy thinking, value knowledge and can seem cold or distant. At first glance, both look like head people.
What the Difference Is
The One is first and foremost a person of action. They're interested in ideas that lead to practical improvement, and their opinions are firmly set. They think in order to back those opinions up. The Five is truly a person of the head. They can explore an idea simply because it's interesting, without caring whether anything comes of it. They build theories and tear them down again without a second thought.
The One judges: they start from how things should be and assess the world accordingly. The Five questions: they examine data and assumptions, and judgments matter less to them. Under pressure, the One hardens and becomes even more certain of their truth. The Five, by contrast, doubts more and withdraws into themselves. The One doesn't pull away from the world; they want to apply their principles in everyday life.
Subtypes: The social One is the closest match for the Five: they tend to be aloof and self-sufficient, but their anger sits closer to the surface and is aimed at fixing things, not at conserving energy.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- Why do you learn new things?
1More likely a One if you want to know how to do things better and more correctly.
5More likely a Five if you enjoy understanding how things work, even with no practical use.
- How do you feel when you're asked to state a clear opinion?
1More likely a One if you usually have one right away and feel sure of it.
5More likely a Five if you see plenty of caveats and would rather look into it further.
- What do you do when you're tired of people?
1More likely a One if you still finish what needs doing, and rest is something you have to earn.
5More likely a Five if you retreat into your own space and need to be alone with your thoughts.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot a One →How to Spot a Five →How They Work Together in a Relationship →