The Full Breakdown of Enneagram 9w1 Personality Type

If you took the Enneagram test and discovered that you’re a 9w1 (9 Wing 1), you may be confused, wondering what this actually means. Do you still keep the core virtues and flaws typical of Nines, and how significant are the changes the One wing brings to your life?

Worry no more—whether you’re here because you match the description or want to know more about this Enneagram personality type, we’ve got you.

In this article, we will explain 9w1s in detail so you can understand them better. You will also learn what the term “wing” actually means, what the 9w1s’ highs and lows are, and what the best way to approach them is.

Enneagram 9w1 (9 Wing 1) Personality Type

9w1 stands for “9 Wing 1” personality. This means that the regular Enneagram Type Nine has been influenced by its adjacent Enneagram type, One, which slightly changes its core traits.

The One wing has a much stronger sense of responsibility than regular Nines. It combines friendliness and obligation, being very strict but open-minded and approaching work more seriously (even though all Nines are hardworking, too).

For this reason, the 9w1 personality type is the most conscious and aware of all the Enneagram types. They are highly observant, insightful, sensitive, and empathetic. They also have a strong sense of justice, and you can often find them trying to solve problems for others to make the world a better place.

Furthermore, 9w1s also have an active imagination that helps them see things in a new light, which leads them down many different paths in life where their curiosity can shine. Thanks to this, these individuals are dynamic, innovative, energetic, and motivated to improve the world around them.

Still, these people may struggle with feeling like they aren’t enough because they always want more than what they already have. When this happens, it can make them feel frustrated or depressed about where they are in life. However, once 9w1 finds something that speaks to them, they will put their energy into making sure everything goes according to plan.

What Does Wing Mean?

Not many people can be identified as the core, regular Nines. In many cases, the standard Type Nine is influenced by one of the types that are adjacent to them in the Enneagram circumference—One or Eight. Those types are called “wings,” and they represent subtypes of your main Enneagram personality type which modify its characteristics and influence its development.

Enneagram 9w1 Strengths & Weaknesses

There are many prejudices about 9w1s. Some think Negotiators are too rational and almost emotionless, while others respect their unique nature. On the other hand, some simply don’t like the way they operate and think they lack freedom in certain aspects. But what is exactly the case with the 9w1 Enneagram type?

9w1 Strengths

9w1s are great communicators, and they know when to step in and take over the conversation with ease. Let’s see what the 9w1’s biggest strengths are.

• Standing their ground. If their instinct tells them you’re wrong, 9w1s will trust it without a doubt. It can be too harsh for some, but isn’t it better to know where you are with someone than pretend to be nice?
• Open to new ideas.While 9w1s have a strong sense of right and wrong, this doesn’t mean you will fight with them. They will want to know your point of view, and instead of prejudice, you will face suggestions, contemplation, and maybe a different angle of the story.
• Communication. The 9w1's nickname is “Negotiator” for a good reason—they know how to navigate and keep a conversation going.
• Consistency. 9 Wing 1 will push through every obstacle to get things done. They firmly believe in whatever they pursue and know consistency is what will take them to their goal.

9w1 Weaknesses

The 9w1 type will often hold onto their mistakes for a long time. Dreading what they think they could’ve prevented is derived from their perfectionist tendencies.

Here are some of 9w1’s greatest weaknesses:

• Too hard on themselves. While 9w1 can be considerate to others, they are very harsh on themselves. They will ignore their feelings to keep order and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. This can lead them to neglect their own needs, which can easily affect their job, friendships, and mental state.
• Perfectionists.Due to this, their ideals usually become unachievable, and they will often think less of themselves.
• Prone to isolating themselves.Being everyone’s helping hand during tough conversations takes a toll on 9w1s. Due to this, they sometimes have to become distant to preserve their peace of mind.
• Prone to numbing themselves. 9w1s are prone to escaping bad feelings, and they’ll do anything to avoid confronting their emotions.

Enneagram 9w1 Fears & Desires

The sooner you get to know them and what’s behind them, the better your understanding of yourself will be. As a 9w1, you will be able to identify what is the reason behind these feelings. Once you know the rationale behind what looks like the complete opposite, it will get a bit easier.

9w1 Fears

9w1s worries stem from what others think of them, plus they’re their own biggest critic. We will talk about what some of their biggest fears are and why these are present in their lives.

• Being “too much to handle” if they ask for help. As regular Nines are Peacemakers, we can assume what 9w1 fears the most: conflict. It can lead them to lose what’s dear to them, so they’d do anything to avoid that. For them, failing to do so feels like losing part of their identity.
• Experiencing separation and isolation. These are closely connected to previous fears, but they are still serious setbacks. 9w1 won’t vocalize their needs, and they’ll often put themselves second to avoid this. It’s easier for them to slip into negative patterns and become distant when everything becomes overwhelming.
• Being criticized. Constructive criticism is welcome, but if 9w1 senses someone is criticizing them from a subjective point of view, it can hurt them deeply. Sometimes they cannot understand why others don’t want to dig a bit deeper because their brain doesn’t work that way.
• Feeling overlooked. Negotiators will quickly fall into depression if they’re not being heard. They value everyone’s opinion, and feeling like someone isn’t interested in at least considering their point of view can easily bring them down.

9w1 Desires

This personality type wants their calendar full of activities they find fulfilling. They love bouncing ideas off of each other, and they love a good conversation. You will find some of their greatest desires below.

• Routine. 9w1 personality type craves routine. It seems strict, but it helps them navigate through the day without distractions. Setting up a routine can benefit 9w1s in the long run.
• Peace. They’re happiest when they come to a mutual agreement with others. They want others to understand them the same way they’re trying to understand others.
• Acceptance. 9w1s want to feel like they belong, and being acknowledged as part of the group is what they want at their core. That’s one of the reasons why they’re such good mediators, and their open-mindedness is a great contribution to diversity in any group.

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Enneagram 9w1 vs. 9w8 Comparison

9w1s and 9w8s are often compared because they have a lot more in common than most people think. While they approach things differently, they will not hesitate to stand up for their ideals. However, 9w1s tend to become leaders, while 9w8 thrive when they help others achieve success.

Moreover, 9w1s naturally want to discuss things even if they rebel, while 9w8s usually tell the truth to people’s faces bluntly. This makes them more off-putting than 9w1s, even though they all want the same thing at the end of the day.

As you can see, the Negotiators will assess the situation and carefully choose their words, while the Advisors (9w8s) are in for the kill. Or, in other words, the main 9w1 vs. 9w8 difference is that the former can keep their cool, while for the latter it’s impossible.

What Motivates 9w1 Personality Types?

The 9w1 personality type loves the feeling of being helpful and mediating within a group. Whenever conflicting opinions arise, they are the ones who will calm things down.

Harmony and order are their favorites, and they should be careful around this since it can easily lead them to unrealistic expectations. Yes, people can all agree to disagree, but expecting it in every situation is not a way to live.

Moreover, they don’t like change because familiarity gives them a sense of stability and control. They would do anything to keep things as they are—as long they’re good enough for them.

As you can see, 9w1 loves familiarity, and when we mention order, we mean exactly that—everything being as they like it. Just because they will accept others' opinions doesn’t mean they’ll like them, and that goes for their personal lives the most. They enjoy comfort in knowing there are many different views on things but choosing to stick to their own.

What are 9w1 Personality Types Like Under Stress?

9w1s are highly creative people who strive to make things better. They’re more rational than emotional, which means they can be a source of stability in chaotic situations. However, they can also be overly critical and judgmental because they tend to focus on things that aren’t going right.

Peacemakers will go to extremes only when they’re experiencing highly stressful situations. This can go to the point where they completely neglect themselves and don’t meet their basic needs. Also, all of a sudden, stability won’t be a priority for them.

In such situations, people can perceive them as distant and arrogant, but it’s quite the opposite—they will think they’re not good enough, so they won’t meddle in anyone’s business.

Intrusive thoughts get the best of them, so they do need help in this type of situation. They will deny it and say it’s fine, but what they truly need is someone to comfort them. For this reason, they must learn to listen to other people’s advice and accept their support if they want to help themselves.

Thinking everything can be done flawlessly is another ideal they can’t live up to. 9w1s tend to shoulder more responsibility than they can manage just because they think it’s possible. They will do it in all aspects of their lives—at home, in a relationship, or at work. Due to this, they need to remind themselves that everything is a process and that they’re doing the best they can.

9w1s need to learn how to manage stress effectively and permit themselves to rest when they need it the most— otherwise, their health may suffer a lot.

What are 9w1 Personality Types Like at Work?

Nines with the One wing are naturally friendly and love to help, and their discipline and seriousness help them get the work done. Their teammates can always ask them for help and be sure that they will happily offer advice. Also, they won’t brag—they just want to see the results of their hard work as soon as possible.

A 9w1 thrives in any type of work where they can lessen the tension and help others. Since they can be optimistic yet convey their critical point of view, they are often interested in humanitarian work.

What 9w1s don’t like is repetitive work. If they work somewhere where they can’t freely convey their opinions or communicate with others on a more profound level, they quickly lose their zest. They can bring the best results when they know what they’re “fighting for,” as it gives them an additional boost to be the best version of themselves.

Enneagram 9w1 Best & Worst Career Choices

9w1 Best Career Choices

9w1s are compassionate and great narrators. They can easily draw people in with their stories. They like explaining things and educating you on anything they know. Critical thinking is their biggest strength.

Thebest career choices for 9w1s include:

• Veterinarian
• Nurse
• Counselor
• Museum curators
• Teachers
• Public speakers
• Marketing
• Pharmacist
• Diplomat
• Anthropologist

9w1 Worst Career Choices

If 9w1s get a job where there’s not much communication, they will feel like something’s not right. It can easily lead to them feeling like they’re not good enough. It’s not about a lack of creativity but about how much they try to finish everything as fast as they can.

Of course, this type of work doesn’t allow that since there’s always more to be done. It will easily lead them to being depressed and isolating themselves because of the “it can be done, they just haven’t figured it out yet” mentality.

• Accountant
• Broker
• Military face
• Politician
• Economist
• Healthcare

Enneagram 9w1 Famous People

Famous people with the 9w1 Enneagram type are usually the ones who were persistent in doing what they love while putting their own twist on it. Every 9w1 celebrity has a unique approach to their profession, and that’s why they’re loved by many.

Here are some of the most iconic 9w1s.

• Bob Ross, American painter and TV host
• Audrey Hepburn,British actress and humanitarian
• Dita von Teese, American burlesque dancer and model
• Frank Ocean, American singer and songwriter
• Wes Anderson, American filmmaker
• J. K. Rowling, British writer and humanitarian

Key Takeaways

To put it briefly, the Enneagram 9w1 personality type is highly creative and driven to make things better. We hope this article helped you understand 9w1 better and how great they can be.

The key takeaways to remember are the following:

• 9w1s have a strong desire to help others.
• These individuals are great listeners and even better at accepting different ideas.
• They thrive in an open-minded environment.
• 9w1s prefer logical thinking over anything else, which makes them great at assessing any situation.