Enneagram x Stock Picking (Part IX): Type Nine Peacemakers
Type Nines are intuitive and easygoing, but not all pushovers. By Benjamin Tan
It is easy to confuse Type Nines (Peacemakers) with a simple earth mother. True, there are similarities but that image may also connote a lack of personal power, especially compared to their instinctual cousins, the fiery Type Eight challengers and disciplined Type One perfectionists.
This could not be further from the truth. The best of Type Nines exudes power. Just witness Bob Iger, one of the most powerful figures in the entertainment industry. He is a quintessential Type Nine peacemaker who has reached the pinnacle of success through astuteness, stamina, and diplomacy. At the same time, his escalating war of words with Florida Gov. DeSantis demonstrates that he is no pushover.
If world peace is indeed the ultimate human objective, that makes Type Nines uniquely positioned to take over the world. Being an excellent peacemaker does not mean rolling over and going along with everyone. In fact, that is the worst strategy. The best Type Nine peacemakers possess full vitality and keen awareness of their personal priorities. Their superpowers stem from an unlabored ability to see multiple vantage points, and intuit unspoken bargaining chips, leverage, and potential areas of compromise. As a result, they can move everyone forward in true unity, and still advance their own agenda.
Type Nines: Peacemakers
If you respond “Yes” to most of the statements below, you may be a Type Nine:
The sayings "go with the flow" and "why rock the boat" resonate with you
The greater reason to avoid conflict – or contain your anger towards others – is a fear of destroying relationships, rather than to upkeep a public image
When asked to make important or even urgent decisions, you tend to take your time because you do not like to feel hurried
You like to spend time attending to activities that are routine and familiar because they feel comforting
Type Nine (Peacemaker) personalities are warm and welcoming people, defined by their deep desires for harmony with people and the environment. Getting into repeated conflicts to get what they want is not their modus operandi – these peacemakers prefer mixing positivity with diplomacy. Some of the most beloved leaders are known to be Type Nines, including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Walt Disney.
A Type Nine Investor: At Ease and at Peace
Because retaining inner peace counts more for Type Nine investors than any other Enneagram type, extreme highs and lows of personal investing are almost incongruent. Compared to Type Eight alpha investors who want to conquer alpha returns, or Type Five investors who relish in the intellectual game, Type Nine investors are more even keeled. This does not mean that all Type Nine investors will just sit on cash, but they possess the instinct to gravitate towards investment options that allow them ease. The best Type Nine investors devise portfolios that strike the right balance among risks, returns, alignment of personal interests, and other objectives.
Success to a Type Nine investor may be defined in multiple ways. If they are certain they are not glossing over any financial pain and have installed solid plans that evolve with changing circumstances, it is a clear success. Owning their accomplishments, they may grow bolder and lean into a Type Three (Performer) pivot to achieve more, but always at ease and within limits set by themselves, not others.
On the other hand, certain Type Nine investors may choose to ignore financial issues or planning altogether, and if that gives them peace of mind, it is success to them. Or they may allow others to deal with money, detaching themselves from tough decision-making processes. That can be defined as success as well. Withdrawal and passivity may feel good in the short run, but a reality check will reveal the truth. This is where third parties may need to be involved to better define the picture.
Why Learning about Our Motivations for Stock Picking Matters
This is Part Nine of a series of post that I have written on Enneagram x Stock Picking. Below are the links to the first eight:
Enneagram x Stock Picking (Part I): Type One Perfectionists
Enneagram x Stock Picking (Part II): Type Twos Investing in AMC to Save Movie Theaters?
Enneagram x Stock Picking (Part III): Type Three Investors, Successes, and Delaying Gratification
Enneagram x Stock Picking (Part IV): Type Four Investors and their Emotions
Enneagram x Stock Picking (Part V): Type Five Investors inside their heads
Enneagram x Stock Picking (Part VI): Type Six Skeptics
Enneagram x Stock Picking (Part VII): Type Seven Enthusiasts
Enneagram x Stock Picking (Part VIII): Type Eights
Our best traits and core motivations are often accompanied by closely related blind spots and unhealthy biases. It is therefore important to clarify our primary underpinnings for investing in singular names, because they can reveal the specific personality pitfalls we face as investors.
To find out more about your typology, try the free test on my website.
Though I have covered all nine Enneagram types, I shall continue writing more about the intersection between behavioral psychology and personal investing. Stay tuned and subscribe. Meantime, visit my website “Enneagram Investing”
Follow me on Twitter @ConsumeOwnTech and Commonstock @ConsumeOwnTech
Subscribe to Consume Your Own Tech Investing FOR FREE to receive a welcome email with the following:
Latest Top 10 positions in my high conviction portfolio that combines value with growth stocks
Book recommendations on investing, consumer and technology sectors
One article delivered into your inbox every Tuesday
Preview of upcoming articles