Strategy 5
Capable Expert
- Desire
- Understanding and the ability to handle the world
- Fear
- Helplessness, incompetence, and overwhelm
Strategy 9
Calm Mediator
- Desire
- Inner peace and harmony
- Fear
- Conflict, separation, and loss of connection
Why People Confuse Them
This is one of the most common mix-ups, but almost always in one direction: Nines, especially the thoughtful ones, think they're Fives. Both strategies tend to be calm and reserved, dislike conflict and pressure, and both can disconnect from their own feelings. On top of that, a Nine often knows little about themselves and easily recognizes themselves in a description of a thoughtful person.
What the Difference Is
A Five pulls away from people so they don't drain them. They know what they want, can say no, and guard their boundaries. They think in a focused, detailed way; one topic can absorb them for a long time, and they tend to see risks and dark sides. They come across as intense and a bit distant.
A Nine, by contrast, connects with people and tunes in to them. They often don't know what they want, find it hard to say no, and would rather adapt. They think more in wholes, simplify, and look for a conciliatory interpretation. They're easily distracted and lose focus when bored or nervous. They come across as friendly, calm, and non-confrontational.
In short: a Five complicates things, a Nine simplifies them. A Five distrusts people, a Nine trusts them too much.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- When you don't want to do something, what do you say?
5More likely a Five if you simply say no.
9More likely a Nine if you say yes and then somehow keep putting it off.
- How do you think about a topic that interests you?
5More likely a Five if you keep going deeper and new questions pull you further in.
9More likely a Nine if you're interested in the big picture and a clear conclusion, and you don't feel like going into depth.
- What does time spent with people do to you?
5More likely a Five if it drains you and you then need plenty of time alone.
9More likely a Nine if you enjoy being with people and easily go along with their pace and plans.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot a Five →How to Spot a Nine →How They Work Together in a Relationship →