This is the type most devoted to the internal and external quest for peace, for themselves and others. They constantly work to maintain a peace of mind as well as to establish peace and harmony in their world. They are often spiritual seekers and can either be in touch with their instinctive qualities (exuding elemental power and magnetism) or conversely cut off from them (seeming disengaged and even remote). When out of touch with themselves Nines retreat into their minds and emotional fantasies, damming up their energies.

Nines generally don’t have a strong sense of their own identity. They prefer to melt into someone else or quietly follow idyllic daydreams. They can often ignore the disturbing aspects of life and “numb out” to obtain peace and comfort. More than any other type, they will seek to runaway from the tensions of life by trying to transcend them or finding simple and painless solutions. Often this is achieved by simply accomodating others’ views, melting into the background and focusing on the positives in life. This premature “Buddha” approach to life is a false promise, leaving the Nine ultimately feeling disconnected, unheard and unvalued.

One of the greatest strengths of the Nine is their profound patience – an ability to let people be and develop on their own – supported by a great strength and tremendous endurance. When healthy, they can outlast most and adeptly handle crisis as a result of their extraordinary inner stability.

The challenge for a Nine is to recognise and accept their own essential value. When they do they overcome the Nobody Special role and find an energy and charisma not previously obvious. They  begin to energise others and be valued for who they are, able to speak up freely while also allowing others to be heard. Their self possession allows them to create deeply satisfying personal relationships, as they become dynamic (getting things done like a healthy Three) and joyful, working for peace in the world. Paradoxically, realising their value and truly engaging with the world  (rather than accomodating it) delivers the sense of connection and peace they have long desired.

How to Recognise a Nine

At first, it is difficult to notice a Nine because a Nine’s natural inclination is towards self-effacement. Nines are happy to just be and if that means making no effort to promote themselves, that’s fine by them. Nines go missing a lot. They like to wander by themselves, feeling quite at home in natural surroundings. A Nine will dress unremarkably, merging with the way others dress. They don’t like to change what they wear too often. The lack of direction displayed by Nines is reflected in their speech patterns: they are mumblers and monotonous ramblers or say nothing. When they do speak, though, Nines reveal their true selves: simple, candid, unadorned, childlike, with plenty of common sense and no ulterior hidden motives.

To discover the Nines on your team, ask yourself: “Who always goes along with the majority?”; “Who finds the shortest route?” and “Who tends to be the most relaxed member of the team?”

The Nine at Work

Nines are torn between leading a life that is fully receptive to others and one in which they’re unsure about whether to bother to live at all. Somewhere in the middle of this dilemma is Work. Work – in the sense that Western industrialised organisations understand it – is something that Nines would rather not have to think about too much. They already experience the joy and contentment of life. Why work for it as well? This can set Nines at odds with other people in the team. When others deliver on time, Nines are usually late; when others produce a six-page report, Nines make do with one, if any; and when others put their nose to the grindstone, Nines will find a reason to be off on an errand somewhere.

Working with a Nine

They might say … not much, as they seek to maintain the peace and avoid conflict and discomfort.

They get stressed by …

Taking a position, saying no to someone and that person getting angry, having to make timely decisions and set priorities, dealing with a commitment they made that they didn’t really want to make, making a decision, prioritising.

They get angry because of …

Being treated as not important, feeling controlled by others, being forced to face conflict, being overlooked, not being heard.

Get along with them by…

Ask a lot of questions and listen properly, take time to create a pleasant environment, encourage them to take action.