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Beatrice Chestnut

The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge

Ones and Nines have share several characteristics in common. In work settings, both appreciate structure and process. Both Ones and Nines make good mediators, Nines because they can easily see many sides of an issue and feel motivated to create harmony, and Ones because they have standards of fairness and can be objective and discerning judges. Both styles tend to have a difficult time noticing and asserting their own needs and wants, and both can be perfectionistic, though Ones are usually more perfectionistic than Nines. Both Ones and Nines can work well within and respect the existing authority structure, though Nines will sometimes rebel in subtle, passive ways if they feel controlled.

Many differences also exist between Ones and Nines. Ones tend to be fairly opinionated, often believing they know the one right way to do something, and Nines can have a hard time locating their own opinion as a natural consequence of being so attuned to other people’s varied perspectives. Nines typically don’t assert a position, while Ones often assume their position is the only correct point of view. Related to this, Ones tend to think in terms of black and white and believe there is “one right way,” while Nines see many shades of gray. Although both styles want to avoid conflict, the Nine does so more than the One, who may not be able to stop from engaging in arguments when they feel strongly about something. Ones like to do things their way, and Nines adapt more easily to others, often preferring to follow along with someone else’s agenda rather than having to assert their own. When accomplishing a task, Ones make a lot of effort to make things perfect, relying on their own internal standards of the ideal, whereas Nines are more oriented to what other people think and want. Ones usually have a clear vision of the correct way to do things, while Nines seek consensus, wanting to hear from others when making decisions about what the standards should be. Ones are more observant of rules and will confront those who do not follow the rules, while Nines are more easy-going and much less likely to confront people who don’t obey guidelines.

The Enneagram Institute

Misidentifications

Usually this mistype is caused by confusion about the wing and dominant type: is the person a Nine with a One-wing or a One with a Nine-wing? In some cases, with a strong wing, this can be a difficult call. Both can be idealistic, philosophical, and somewhat withdrawn. Neither feels comfortable with their anger. Usually, the Nine's reluctance to get into conflicts is the easiest way to discern these adjacent types. Average Nines want to maintain peace in their lives, and while they may hold strong personal convictions, they generally do not want to argue about them with people–especially people with whom they have an emotional attachment. For Ones, however, the principle is foremost, and Ones will drive home their point to convert the other to their view, even if it risks creating upsets and arguments. ("The truth is the truth.")

While Nines can be hard workers, it does not take much to convince them that a break would be useful. They enjoy down time, and tend to have difficulty shifting gears from relaxation to activity or vice versa. Ones are extremely driven and have difficulty tearing themselves away from their various projects to take a rest or relax. They feel anxious when they are not being productive (like Threes), and want to get back to work to avoid attacks from their superego.

Another distinction can be found in how the two types handle stress. Nines initially become more emotionally disengaged and resistant, but eventually become more anxious and reactive as they go to Six. Ones, initially become more fervent in their efforts to convince the other that they are right, but then collapse into moodiness and a tight-lipped testiness as they go to Four.