Strategy 6
Security-Minded Traditionalist
- Desire
- Security, support, and safety
- Fear
- Loss of support and guidance
Why People Confuse Them
Both strategies can be combative, defy authority, and protect the weak. The Eight's closest look-alike is the counterphobic Six, who confronts threats and comes across as strong and fearless. When they're in a bad place, both can look equally aggressive.
What the Difference Is
An Eight genuinely feels little fear. They have a strong will, act quickly, and don't get held up by doubts. Resistance tends to energize them. They don't need to please anyone and trust people who seem capable until they let them down.
A Six fights because they're afraid, even if they don't feel it themselves. For them, attack is defense: they don't want anyone pushing or manipulating them. They often doubt themselves, swing between different positions, and give trust slowly. Under enough pressure they eventually give in, whereas an Eight digs in even harder.
Put simply: a Six pushes back so no one pushes them around; an Eight pushes to get what they want.
Subtypes: This mainly concerns the one-to-one (counterphobic) Six; few people mistake other Sixes for Eights.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- When you get into an argument, what drives you?
6More likely a Six if you don't want anyone walking all over you, and inside you're tense.
8More likely an Eight if you want to get your way and the argument actually energizes you.
- How often do you doubt yourself?
6More likely a Six if you doubt yourself often, even if it doesn't show on the outside.
8More likely an Eight if almost never; you act first and see what happens.
- Who do you trust?
6More likely a Six if only those who gradually earn it and pass your testing.
8More likely an Eight if people who seem capable, until they let you down.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot a Six →How to Spot an Eight →How They Work Together in a Relationship →