Strategy 6
Security-Minded Traditionalist
- Desire
- Security, support, and safety
- Fear
- Loss of support and guidance
Strategy 7
Enthusiastic Optimist
- Desire
- Contentment and freedom of choice
- Fear
- Deprivation and pain there's no escaping
Why People Confuse Them
Both are head strategies: they think fast and have a rich imagination. Fear sits in the background for both, even if they don't notice it. The most common mix-ups are Sixes with a Seven wing and Sevens with a Six wing.
What the Difference Is
A Six responds to anxiety by analyzing it even more. They imagine what could go wrong so they're prepared for it, doubt themselves, and test others. They have a strong sense of duty and only rest once everything is done. They need structure and clear rules, and once they trust someone, they're loyal to them.
A Seven responds to anxiety with distraction. They think about pleasant plans, see problems in a better light, and push away self-doubt. They're spontaneous, dislike commitments that would tie them down, and treat authority figures as equals. To a Seven, a Six seems needlessly cautious; to a Six, a Seven seems reckless.
Subtypes: A counterphobic Six closely resembles a Seven: they meet risk head-on just like a Seven, only with force instead of charm.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- What's the first thing that comes to mind with a new project?
6More likely a Six if you think of the risks and what could go wrong.
7More likely a Seven if you think of the possibilities and everything that could be done.
- When do you allow yourself to rest?
6More likely a Six if only after your duties are done.
7More likely a Seven if you rest whenever you feel like it, and duties can wait.
- How do you approach commitments?
6More likely a Six if you take them seriously and keep them.
7More likely a Seven if you dislike them and want to keep your options open.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot a Six →How to Spot a Seven →How They Work Together in a Relationship →