Nine personality types
Nine-type models, the best known of which is the Enneagram, sort personality by a core motivation: what someone most wants, and what they most want to avoid. Two people can act in the same way for very different reasons, and a nine-type model looks at the reason.
MindScale's nine types use our own names and descriptions. Most people see something of themselves in more than one type, and the results name the closest type along with any that sit close behind it.
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The Improver (type 1)
Driven to do things right and make them better.
- Toward the high end
- Doing things properly matters a lot to people here. They notice what could be better and hold themselves to high standards.
- Around the middle
- People here care about doing things well, without needing everything to be just right.
- Toward the low end
- People here are relaxed about how things are done. "Good enough" usually is.
The Caregiver (type 2)
Driven to help, support and be close to people.
- Toward the high end
- Helping others matters a lot to people here. They sense what others need and like to be there for them.
- Around the middle
- People here enjoy helping others and also look after their own needs.
- Toward the low end
- Looking after others is not what drives people here most. They expect people to ask when they need something.
The Go-getter (type 3)
Driven to achieve, succeed and make progress.
- Toward the high end
- Goals and results matter a lot to people here. They like to succeed and work hard to get there.
- Around the middle
- People here like to do well, without measuring themselves only by what they achieve.
- Toward the low end
- Achievement and status are not what drives people here most. How things feel matters more to them than how things look.
The Sensitive Soul (type 4)
Driven to be true to yourself and find meaning.
- Toward the high end
- Being themselves matters a lot to people here. They feel things deeply and look for meaning and beauty.
- Around the middle
- People here value self-expression and depth, alongside the practical side of life.
- Toward the low end
- Looking inward is not what drives people here most. They tend to take feelings as they come.
The Thinker (type 5)
Driven to understand how things work.
- Toward the high end
- Understanding things matters a lot to people here. They like to study, think and keep their independence.
- Around the middle
- People here enjoy ideas and time to think, and are also happy to jump in.
- Toward the low end
- Studying a subject in depth is not what drives people here most. They'd rather learn by doing.
The Loyal Ally (type 6)
Driven to feel safe and supported, and to be someone others can rely on.
- Toward the high end
- Security and trust matter a lot to people here. They are loyal, prepare for problems and stand by their people.
- Around the middle
- People here like to feel prepared, without letting worry run the show.
- Toward the low end
- Planning for what could go wrong is not what drives people here most. They tend to trust that things will work out.
The Optimist (type 7)
Driven to enjoy life and keep options open.
- Toward the high end
- Fun, variety and new experiences matter a lot to people here. They stay upbeat and like to keep their options open.
- Around the middle
- People here enjoy new experiences and can also stay with something that is dull or hard.
- Toward the low end
- Chasing new experiences is not what drives people here most. They're content with routine.
The Powerhouse (type 8)
Driven to be strong, in control and to protect others.
- Toward the high end
- Strength and control matter a lot to people here. They take charge, speak plainly and stand up for others.
- Around the middle
- People here can take charge when needed and are also happy to follow.
- Toward the low end
- Taking control is not what drives people here most. They prefer to avoid confrontation.
The Harmonizer (type 9)
Driven to keep the peace, inside and around you.
- Toward the high end
- Calm and harmony matter a lot to people here. They see every side and like things to stay peaceful.
- Around the middle
- People here like peace and can also stand their ground when it matters.
- Toward the low end
- Keeping the peace is not what drives people here most. A bit of conflict doesn't bother them.
How scoring works
Each statement has five response choices. A response contributes from 1 to 5 points to the scale it belongs to, and the points become a position from 0 to 100. Around 0–33 is the low third, 34–66 is around the middle and 67–100 is the high third.
For the type result, the highest position is the closest match. A scale within 10 points of the highest can also appear as close behind, because a questionnaire cannot turn a mix of traits into one perfect box.
The benefits of knowing your type
Looking at motivation can explain patterns that are hard to see from the outside: why a compliment on your work means more than one on your looks, why unfinished plans bother you, or why conflict feels worth avoiding at almost any cost.
Each type also comes with its own blind spots. Naming them makes them easier to catch.
The nine types in everyday life
A type is most useful as a question to ask yourself in the moment: what am I really after here? Recognition, safety, harmony, getting it right? The answer can make a reaction easier to understand, and easier to choose differently.
It also helps with other people. Knowing what drives a friend or colleague can make their choices easier to follow, even when they're not the ones you'd make.
How to take the test
MindScale's nine-type personality test has 36 statements and no time limit. Choose the response that best matches how you usually are, not how you would like to be.
You can go back and change an answer. When you finish, you can unlock your score and full report: $2.95 for 7 days of full access, then $29.95 every 4 weeks until you cancel.
Your score and full report: $2.95 for 7 days of full access, then $29.95 every 4 weeks until you cancel.
Conclusion
Nine-type models describe personality by core motivation. MindScale's nine types run from the Improver, driven to do things right, to the Harmonizer, driven to keep the peace.
If you'd like to find the one closest to you, the MindScale nine-type personality test has 36 statements on what drives you. The price is shown before you start.
See your own result
Your score and full report: $2.95 for 7 days of full access, then $29.95 every 4 weeks until you cancel.