The Enneagram has a history dating back thousands of years. The word comes from the Greek words "ennea", meaning "nine", and "grammos", meaning "something written" or "a figure". Today, we understand it as an archetypal framework consisting of nine unique types. This model of human psychology and personality theory is based on the idea that each person has a unique and innate personality structure, or "essence," that shapes the way they see the world and themselves. These types are characterized by a unique combination of strengths, weaknesses, unconscious motivations, fears, and triggers that shape their thoughts, feelings, and actions. The first step in self-development is knowing what drives behavior and why. And the Enneagram helps us do that. It offers in-depth insight into individuals, groups, and collectives by providing one with a rich map for personal development from an open systems perspective. It does not box people in but rather opens a pathway to self-discovery and greater personal awareness.
The Enneagram symbol is composed of a circle with nine equidistant points, each representing one of the nine personality types. It is not only a tool for understanding ourselves and others, but it is also a dynamic and interactive map for navigating personal growth. It can help individuals understand their own motivations and behaviors, as well as the motivations and behaviors of others, which can lead to more harmonious relationships, better communication, and more effective problem-solving.
Type 1
Strict Perfectionist
Ones are about improvement and ‘right action’, ensuring things are done correctly. They are principled, with a clear sense of right and wrong and may seem idealistic, self-righteous or judgemental. They organise their world and value facts, precision and clarity, working hard to avoid mistakes. Their gift is in discernment, evaluation and knowing what is right.
Type 2
Considerate Helper
Twos want to meet others’ needs in a helpful, supportive way. Warm, giving and people-oriented, they seek affirmation from their relationships and may be sensitive and angry if they feel unappreciated. They may over involve themselves in others’ lives and risk being manipulative. Their integration challenge is to give unconditionally and to nurture themselves as well as others.
Type 3
Competitive Achiever
Threes are “doers” and tend to be practical, success oriented, task-driven, and project a polished persona or image. They are competitive and will make sacrifices to achieve their goals and appear successful. They risk becoming overstretched or workaholic and may resort to deception or expediency to win. At higher integration, they work towards self-acceptance and authentic influence, connecting heart and hands.
Type 4
Intense Creative
Fours search for meaning, depth and authenticity. They are emotionally sensitive and attuned to their environment, creative and expressive as individuals. They may seem emotionally reactive, dramatic and moody, focusing on their own needs and, specifically, on what is lacking in their life. As they integrate, Fours get in touch with their inner creative voice, but with the ability to separate their identity and their emotions.
Type 5
Quiet Specialist
Fives are private individuals with an active mental life, observing and exploring how the world works. They struggle to share thoughts and feelings and may seem socially awkward or disinterested. At lower integration, Fives may be withdrawn, antagonistic and aggressively defend their isolation. At higher integration, they are intellectual pioneers, sharing their perceptive wisdom unselfconsciously.
Type 6
Loyal Sceptic
Sixes easily tune into potential danger and risks, acting on a sense of anxiety, and think in sceptical ways. They value trust, responsibility, and loyalty, and need to feel they are safe and belong. At lower integration, they may be paranoid, reactive and insecure as loyalty turns into dependency and oversensitivity. At higher integration, self-reliant, committed and grounded Sixes give confidence to those around them, resiliently coping with risk.
Type 7
Enthusiastic Visionary
Sevens are a fun-loving type, seeking variety, stimulation, tackling challenges with optimism, and engaging with life in a future-orientated way. In groups, they bring creativity, energy and optimism, and make friends easily. They may seem distracted, hedonistic, insensitive or irresponsible to others. Sevens are often unhappy but deny this, escaping into hyperactivity and impulsive pleasure-seeking. At higher integration they are present, finding joy within.
Type 8
Active Controller
Eights are forces of nature, with a strong presence and personality that values being in control. They are guarded but caring and protective of those around them. As they mask any vulnerability with a tough, no-nonsense exterior, they may seem intimidating and confrontational. At higher integration they combine their directness with compassion, collaborating with others while serving the greater good.
Type 9
Adaptive Peacemaker
Nines are diplomatic and attuned to the ideas of others, often as facilitators or mediators in groups. They form the glue between people with their friendly, grounding and stable demeanor. They struggle to connect to their own point of view and say no, and strive to avoid conflict. At high integration, they are independent and self-respecting, acting with self-awareness and autonomy.
If you’re interested in finding out your type, or have already taken the test and would like to understand your results, reach out to one of our Enneagram-certified coaches.
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