In this guide we will be comparing Enneagram personality types 1w2 and 9w1. We will do a general comparison before proceeding to the characteristic traits, strengths, weaknesses and other aspects of these two personality types.
1w2 vs 9w1:
1w2 and 9w1 are two personality types in the Enneagram system of personality. 1w2s have a core type 1 with a type 2 wing, meaning that they primarily have traits of type 1 with a few characteristics of type 2. 9w1s on the other hand, have a type 9 core with a type 1 wing, meaning that they primarily have traits of type 9 with a few traits of type 1.
1w2s receive the title of ‘The Activist’ because they are motivated to bring about social reform and stand up for those less privileged than themselves. 9w1s receive the title of ‘The Negotiator’ because their basic desire is to balance and peace both within and without themselves.
These two personality types differ on some crucial points. The basic fear of 1w2s is of doing something that is immoral or unethical. On the other hand, the basic fear of 9w1s is feeling separated from the world or losing something that is important to them. The basic desire of 9w1s is for peace and order in their internal and external environment. 1w2s on the other hand seek social justice and equality and fight for those who are weaker than them. 1w2s like to acquire power and influence the people around them. They are very conscious of their public image and often come across and pompous and hypocritical. 9w1s on the other hand, prioritise balance and peace over power and status.
Both 1w2s and 9w1s seek affection and enjoy spending time with other people. However, 9w1s often become so all-bent on pleasing others that they may neglect their own needs. Additionally, 9w1s have a tendency to avoid conflicts in a bid to maintain peace, which is absent in 1w2s who try to challenge the existing social order. However, 1w2s are often hypercritical of people who don’t meet their expectations. In contrast, 9w1s are usually more open-minded and understanding.
1w2s are fair and ethical and have a clear and rational approach to things. They are constantly striving to improve themselves and the people around them. 9w1s are a lot gentler. They nurture and encourage those around them without placing any major demands for improvement. Thus they come across as a lot less demanding and controlling than 1w2s.
There are arrows leading to and from the nine personality types on the Enneagram that signify whether an individual with a specific type is moving in the direction of integration or disintegration. Arrows that move away from a certain personality type indicate disintegration or stress points for that type. Conversely, arrows that move towards a type signify integration or personal growth. When moving in the direction of disintegration, 1w2s are moving towards unhealthy type 4 and become irrational and temperamental. When moving in the direction of integration (healthy type 7) they become a lot more spontaneous and cheerful than other type 1s. On the other hand, when en route to disintegration, 9w1s become like unhealthy 6s; anxious and tense. When moving towards integration (healthy type 3), 9w1s become energetic and focused on their personal growth.
However, since both 1w2s and 9w1s have traits of type 1, they have some similarities as well. Both personality types place a lot of emphasis on morality and they tend to be idealistic in their view of the world and the future. The type 1 influence on both personalities further contributes to both 1w2s and 9w1s having a firm set of standards and expectations for themselves and others. However, 1w2s are a lot more rigid and intolerant. Owing to the 9w1’s type 9 core, they balance the type 1 rigidity with their desire to keep the peace.
Strengths:
1w2:
- Advocating for justice and equality
- Standing up for those weaker than themselves
- Action-oriented
- Sensitive and empathetic
- Participate in their community life
- Creative problem solving
- Altruistic and selfless
9w1:
- Adopting multiple perspectives on a situation
- Good concentration and work ethic
- High motivation
- Desire to serve people
- Tolerant and non-judgemental
Weaknesses:
1w2:
- Unctuous and controlling
- Highly image-conscious
- Critical of self and others
- Black and white thinking
- Perfectionistic and obsessive
- Difficulty following through with plans and ideas
If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.
9w1:
- Self-critical
- Neglect own needs
- Come across as distant and aloof
- Abstain from necessary conflict
Sources of Stress:
1w2:
- Being unable to help those in need
- Criticism or negative appraisals from respected people
- Others not measuring up to their expectations
9w1:
- Being overlooked or undervalued
- Disappointing others
- Neglecting own needs
- Failure to accomplish goals
Sources of Motivation:
1w2:
- Advocating for social reform
- Volunteering to help those in need
- Solving complex societal problems
- Working directly with people
9w1:
- Uniting people in peace and harmony
- Having routine and structure
- Support from others
- Participating in their community
Work:
1w2:
In the workplace, 1w2s seek a balance between controlling and influencing people and forming connections with them. They gravitate towards jobs that allow them to spend time with people and have a lasting and positive impact on society. They prefer to be specific and clear rather than deal in general terms when it comes to their work. 1w2s are usually good in positions of leadership.
Jobs that are suitable for 1w2s include: lawyer, judge, politician, social worker, religious worker, doctor, nurse, real estate agent etc.
9w1:
This personality type values peace and harmony above all else. They are motivated to help other people and contribute to society. They flourish in environments that employ their mediation skills.
Jobs that 9w1s are well-suited for include: diplomat, counsellor, HR director, nurse, museum curator, environmental scientist, religious worker etc.
Relationships:
1w2:
Since 1w2s are sensitive to others and willing to make sacrifices on their behalf they flourish in their interpersonal life. They are warm and emotionally available and enjoy spending time with others.
However, the interpersonal challenges of 1w2s is their tendency to be highly critical and their difficulty dealing with negative feedback and criticism from others. 1w2s hold themselves to high standards and thus have similar lofty expectations from others. These factors can act as barriers in their interpersonal functioning.
9w1:
9w1s are supportive and loyal to their friends and partners. However, they have a tendency to avoid conflict and not express their needs and feelings due to their desire for peace. This can lead to a build of resentment that hampers their relationships. But they supply a loving and positive energy in their relationships.
Compatibility:
1w2s and 9w1s have a lot of traits in common which makes them quite compatible with each other. Both seek to reform society and are willing to delay rewards for the greater good. 1w2s are clear and rational but can also be very demanding of the people around them. 9w1s on the other hand are more easygoing and prefer smooth and peaceful relationships over having the final say on a matter.
Thus, in a relationship 9w1s can temper some of the criticality of the 1w2s, while 1w2s can give 9w1s some much needed focus and direction. 1w2s and 9w1s share mutual interests such as their love for nature and animals as well as their love for children and their family.
The problem in a relationship between these two Enneagram types is usually the difference in their approach to conflicts. 1w2s react to stress and conflict by becoming even more intolerant and self-righteous than usual. They start blaming their partner and try to make them take responsibility for their faults. 9w1s on the other hand withdraw in the face of conflict and avoid disclosing their feelings. They often exhibit passive aggressive behaviour. These two starkly different approaches can strain the relationship of a 1w2 and 9w1.
Conclusion:
In this guide we did a comparison of the 1w2 and 9w1 personality types. After doing a general comparison of these two types, we looked at specific areas such as their strengths, weaknesses, work and relationships as well as their compatibility.
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.
Other Enneagram type 1 comparisons
1w9 vs 6w5
1w9 vs 6w7
1w9 vs 7w6
1w9 vs 7w8
1w9 vs 8w7
1w9 vs 8w9
1w9 vs 9w8
FAQ on ‘1w2 vs 9w1 (A 7 Point Guide):
What is the rarest enneagram type?
The rarest enneagram type is said to be Type 4 or the Individualist. Type 4s are hard to spot because they are usually introverts who like to keep to themselves.
What is the most popular Enneagram?
Type 9 is considered to be the most popular enneagram.
Is it possible to be two Enneagram types?
It is not possible to have two Enneagram types. However, some types share certain characteristics in common. For example, a 1w2 and 2w1 have a lot of traits in common and can sometimes be mistaken for each other.
What is the most common Enneagram type?
The most common Enneagram type is type 9.
What does an unhealthy 9 look like?
Unhealthy Type 9s tend to engage in the repression and denial of their problems. They distance themselves from reality and avoid their duties and responsibilities.
Are Enneagram 9s lazy?
Some Type 9s tend to be lethargic and low in physical energy. However, there are also Type 9s who are overflowing with energy that they constantly need to discharge.
References:
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/relationship-type-1-with-type-9
https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-9-wing-1
https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-1-wing-2