Many teachers call Type One the Perfectionist.  I like the Riso-Hudson term, Reformer, because it speaks more deeply of how Ones go through their day.  Not all Ones are neat and tidy, but they are fully aware when something is out of place or amiss.  And things often are.

Ones have a deep desire to make things right.  They give little attention to the time, energy and effort that might be involved.  Of course, their idea of what is right is not necessarily the same as someone else’s.  And making things right is often slow-going or downright impossible.  This triggers their Passion of Anger or Resentment.

The Reformer’s Social Role – how they appear in the world – is that of “The Educator. ”  It seems they have a mission of bringing others to their way of thinking and acting.

Each personality type has a Wing on either side.  Through self-observation you can begin to notice which of your Wings is dominant.  Your dominant Wing influences the flavor and energy of your Type.  The Reformer will be influenced by Type Nine, The Peacemaker or by Type Two, The Helper.  Some people report being affected equally by both Wings and some people report not being affected by either.  Both of these cases are rare.  We do, however, find that a person’s Wing can shift at different times in life.

Our personality, no matter the type, does not remain static.  Our patterns of behavior do change, somewhat dramatically, when we are in growth or under stress.  

Under Stress, which is often caused by the overwhelming burdens they have assumed, Type One will “move” to average Type Four, the Individualist, where their emotions can be strongly felt.  They may feel misunderstood and wish to withdraw.

In Growth, Ones move in a different direction and experience life as a high functioning Enthusiast (Type Seven).  Many Ones report that they can only experience the energy of The Enthusiast when they are on vacation, away from their daily responsibilities.  In Growth, Ones can be spontaneous, fun and open new opportunities. 

There is much more to know about Reformers. I hope you will continue to explore…