TYPE THREE: The Achiever

Motivated to achieve a successful image.

The Achiever works hard at building a successful image which therefore means the Three is action-oriented and always striving. It is usually more important to a Three to get something done than to get it perfect, so Threes often focus on an 80-20 rule of getting the bulk of a job right, and letting the last 20 percent of perfection go in the name of effectiveness and efficiency. With this approach, Threes get a lot more done than most people. They often rise to the top of an organization because they are willing to work harder and longer than others around them to get what they want. Threes especially enjoy the prestige that comes with success and will be found in roles such as CEO, President, NFL Football Player, corporate lawyer, neurosurgeon, or a top-grossing salesperson.

Threes love competition and winning. They love the challenge of healthy rivalry and earning accolades after a hard struggle. The mindset of the Three is pervasive in American culture, in places like corporate America, sports, politics and Hollywood. While not everyone is a Three, the hard-working traits of a Three are encouraged in many job settings, so many Americans take on these traits in school and at work. The difference between everyone else and Threes is that these types of people are internally motivated by a never-ending drive to get things done and keep achieving.

Threes are talented at managing public image and therefore can make a significant contribution to the public relations and politics of an organization. They will especially excel in careers that allow them to be the figurehead for an organization or require them to navigate a challenging political landscape.

Under stress, the Three will act much like a Nine. When relaxed the Three can act like a Six. While the skills of the Nine can help the Three excel in certain areas, developing the characteristics of the Six can be extremely beneficial to the Three's career success and overall well-being.