Strategy 6
Security-Minded Traditionalist
- Desire
- Security, support, and safety
- Fear
- Loss of support and guidance
Strategy 9
Calm Mediator
- Desire
- Inner peace and harmony
- Fear
- Conflict, separation, and loss of connection
Why People Confuse Them
This is a common mix-up. Both strategies are loyal, family-oriented, modest, and dislike being the centre of attention. Both put off tasks and like it when things don't change unnecessarily. On top of that, a Nine under stress sometimes acts like an anxious Six.
What the Difference Is
The easiest way to tell them apart is how they behave when there's a problem. A Six can't hide their worry: it upsets them, they need to talk it out, and they work out what to do next. They distrust people at first and test them, have a complicated relationship with authority, and like to question things.
A Nine stays outwardly calm even when a lot is going on around them. Beneath the calm, though, is a stubborn refusal to be rattled. They trust people easily, adapt to them, and see all sides of a dispute.
Even the procrastination has different roots. A Nine puts things off because they lose touch with what they themselves want. A Six puts things off because they're afraid something will go wrong.
Subtypes: The Nine's closest look-alike is the more fearful (phobic) Six, who also avoids conflict; the counterphobic Six, on the other hand, goes into conflict.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- How do you react when something goes wrong?
6More likely a Six if it upsets you and you need to talk it over with someone.
9More likely a Nine if you stay calm and hope it works itself out somehow.
- How do you approach new people?
6More likely a Six if you approach them cautiously and want to get to know and test them first.
9More likely a Nine if you're open and trust them until you have a reason not to.
- Why do you put things off?
6More likely a Six if you're afraid it won't turn out well.
9More likely a Nine if you're not clear on what you actually want and find it easier to start on something else.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot a Six →How to Spot a Nine →How They Work Together in a Relationship →