Strategy 6
Security-Minded Traditionalist
- Desire
- Security, support, and safety
- Fear
- Loss of support and guidance
Why People Confuse Them
Both strategies read other people well, doubt themselves, and can stand up to authority or established rules. It's more often Sixes who think they're Fours. They recognize themselves in the description of sadness and feelings of inferiority, or they have artistic leanings and believe creativity belongs only to Fours.
What the Difference Is
The Four works mainly from their own feelings. They want to be seen as unique and often feel they're missing something others have. Sadness and longing dominate. When they slide into despondency, it's usually disappointment in themselves: they missed the chance to be who they wanted to be.
The Six works from the head and from a need for safety. Worry and doubt dominate; they look for security and for people they can rely on. They easily form strong bonds and feel more like one of many than an exception. When they're down, it's usually the fear that they've angered or let down someone important.
The difference shows in creative work too. Sixes often stick to tradition, or define themselves against it, and deal with themes like family, belonging, and shared values. Fours go their own way, and for them tradition is just a backdrop.
Subtypes: The Four most similar to the Six is the social Four, who focuses on what's wrong or missing in their life.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- What troubles you most often?
4More likely a Four if it's the feeling that something is missing and that others don't understand you.
6More likely a Six if it's worries about what could go wrong and uncertainty about whom to trust.
- How do you want others to see you?
4More likely a Four if you want to be seen as exceptional and unmistakable.
6More likely a Six if you'd rather be part of a group and someone people can rely on.
- When you're feeling low, what's behind it?
4More likely a Four if it's disappointment in yourself or over a missed opportunity.
6More likely a Six if it's fear that you've let someone down and that there will be consequences.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot a Four →How to Spot a Six →How They Work Together in a Relationship →