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THE ENNEAGRAM
 The
Enneagram (any-a-gram) system is a map (“gram” means drawing or
symbol) of 9 (ennea means 9) fundamental personality types. It’s an
extremely effective tool for the development of emotional
intelligence. Each of these 9 types has a unique way of thinking,
feeling, and acting in the world based on underlying motivations.
Determining our Enneagram type can be a first step for life long
self-development; personally, professionally, psychologically, and
spiritually. It points us to many of our habitual patterns that
limit our growth, choices, and effectiveness. Once identified, we
can work through these habitual patterns to gain a deeper
understanding of ourselves and transform into the person we want to
be.
The Enneagram Symbol
Many pages could be written about the symbol, so I’ll just give you
the brief introduction. First, notice that there are 3 parts of the
symbol; a circle, a triangle, and a 6-pointed figure. These
represent the 3 universal laws of 1, 3, and 7.
The circle is the law of 1 which is unity; all is ONE. It
represents the human experience. The triangle is the law of 3 and is
considered the 3 separate aspects of every phenomenon: positive,
negative, and neutralizing. The remaining 6 points and lines
represent the law of 7 (you count point 1 at the beginning and the
end of the loop to equal 7). This is the process of change. These
concepts were central to Gurdjieff’s teachings.
Beyond these laws, the order of the types is important as well as
the lines connecting them. In addition to our primary type, we are
influenced by the 2 adjoining types, which we call the wings, and
the 2 types connected to our primary type by arrow lines which are
traditionally known as our stress and security points. It can all be
a bit confusing; because with development, we have full access to
all aspects of these types.
The inner triangle connecting 3, 6, and 9 is important, because
it links the center point of each intelligence center. The 3 is
the midpoint of the heart center, the 6 is the midpoint of the head
center, and the 9 is the midpoint of the body center.
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The 3 Centers of
Intelligence
We all have all 3 centers of intelligence; head, heart, and body.
1 of these 3 centers is the basis for our Enneagram personality
type. There are 3 types in each of the 3 centers; each representing
different strategies of that primary type. I’ll discuss the 9 basic
types a bit later. First, I’ll explain the use and overuse of each
of the 3 centers of intelligence.
Head: The
head is the place of thinking and intuition. It is where we figure
things out, plan, and be thoughtful. It is also the home of
confusion, intellectualizing and analysis-paralysis. Emotionally,
this is where fear arises. Types 5, 6, and 7 are considered “head
types.”
Heart: The
heart is the place of love and loss. We connect with others from our
hearts and it yields compassion, empathy, approval, and
loving-kindness. Likewise, it can yield hatred, rejection, and
manipulation. It is where we keep our values. Emotionally, this is
where we feel sadness. Types 2, 3, and 4 are considered “heart
types.”
Body: The
body is the place of knowing, order, and control. It is where we
experience a “gut-feel” for something. Action, inaction, and
over-action all reside here as well. Force, power, and excessiveness
all arise from here. Emotionally, it is the home of anger. Types 8,
9, and 1 are considered “body types.”
Understanding the functions of these centers of intelligence allows
us to use them most effectively when making decisions and in
developing self-mastery. What do my head, heart, and body tell me
about this decision? Are they in alignment or am I torn?
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The 9 Enneagram Types
The Enneagram is an
egalitarian system; no one type is better or worse than any of the
others. Each type has tendencies, gifts, and challenges. Learning
the Enneagram allows us to see how the challenges of each type are
just as difficult for them as our challenges are for us. It also
allows us to see how our gifts and the gifts of others are equally
valuable.
The following is a brief
description of each type. Consider this for what it is--a starting
point... Notice the theme that our strength, when overused, becomes
our weakness. Also be aware of the role the centers of intelligence
play.
1. The Perfectionist
– Adept at finding error and the pursuit of continuous improvement,
the keeper of high standards has a tendency towards being
judgmental; especially of oneself. Also known as the Reformer.
2. The Helper
– Attuned to the needs and feelings of other people. The one who is
so helpful and giving to others needs to develop the ability to take
care of one’s own needs. Also known as the Giver.
3. The Performer
– Able to sense what others consider to be the best and then do it.
Emphasis on doing can mean overlooking the need to be loved for who
you are. Also known as the Achiever.
4. The Romantic
– Sees what is missing to create emotional depth and meaning in the
world. Combined with introspection, sensitivity to what is missing
creates envy and longing. Also known as the Artist.
5. The Observer
– Accumulates the specific knowledge needed to meet limited wants
and needs. The objective, detached observer can lose engagement with
life. Also known as the Thinker.
6. The Loyal Skeptic
– A problem-solver who can quickly see the counter argument of any
statement. Always seeing the downside of an argument leads to
self-doubt. Also called the Devil’s Advocate and Questioner.
7. The Epicure
– Keeps life positive with an active, upbeat mind adept at reframing
any situation into a limitless possibility. Making future plans
keeps us away from the present moment; the only time in which a
full, limitless life can manifest. Also known as the Visionary.
8. The Protector
– Monitors
situations to see if they are safe and in control; if not, takes
control and protects others from threats. Big energy can be too much
for others. Also known as the Challenger or the Boss.
9. The Mediator
– Easily sees the
common ground and seeks harmony. When all options look equal, it’s
hard to make a decision. Sometimes conflict is needed to create
harmony. Also known as the Peacemaker.
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The Enneagram – Wings
and Arrows
After they get a sense
of what the 9 types are, most people get curious about the concept
of wings and the arrows on the Enneagram symbol. What do they mean?
In addition to our
primary type, we are also strongly influenced by 4 other points on
the Enneagram. The types immediately adjoining our primary type
on the circle are called our “wings.” The types connected to our
primary type by lines or arrows are often referred to as our stress
and security points.
Every person has 2
wings; one may be more dominant than the other. For example: a 9
has both an 8 and a 1 wing. Some 9’s may have a dominant 8 wing and
others may have a dominant 1 wing; these dominant wings will
influence how the 9 shows up in the world. In the case of an 8 wing
(9w8), the 9 may be more forceful or dominant at times, whereas a 9
with a 1 wing (9w1) may be more structured.
Because the wings are
closest to our primary type, the energies and gifts of these types
are more accessible to us as we look for choices during development.
The other 2 types
that influence our primary type are the 2 connected by lines or
arrows. The arrows point in this order 1, 4, 2, 8, 5, 7, 1 and
then 3, 9, 6, 3. The direction of the arrows is traditionally called
the stress point of your type. It is named called such, because we
normally first experience this type when we are under stress. A
stressed 9 may ruminate more, a 6 may work harder, and a 3 may fall
into inertia. Likewise, a 1 may become more emotionally
introspective, a 4 more manipulative, a 2 more take-charge and
controlling, an 8 may withdraw, a 5 may become confused with
thoughts, and a 7 may become inflexible. As you can see, the arrows
point initially to the low side of the type.
Similarly, in the other
direction of “security,” a 9 gets things done, a 3 shows loyalty,
and a 6 relaxes. The 1’s have fun, 7’s get concentrated, 5’s more
engaged, 8’s more generous, 2’s more creative, and 4’s more serene,
the high side of the connected type.
As we develop ourselves,
we gain the ability to access the full range of each of these types.
Like the wings, these types are places to look for skill
development.
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The Enneagram –
Instinctual Subtypes
A more advanced topic
is that of instincts and subtypes. We each have all 3 of these
instincts:
1. the instinct to
survive which is called self-preservation
2. the instinct to
connect with another which is called 1-to-1 or sexual
3. the instinct to form
and be a part of groups which is called the social instinct.
One of the 3 instincts
is dominant in each of us, another one doesn’t have much charge at
all, and the third is underdeveloped.
Our dominant instinct
forms what we call our sub-type. In a sense, these subtypes are
a typing system in their own right since the themes of the subtype
cross types. But for now, think of the subtype as being the arena in
which the fixation of type shows up most prevalently. Here is a
brief overview of the subtypes as a starting point:
Self-preservation
– concerned with issues of survival such as food, clothing, home,
money, water, sleep, etc.
1-to-1 / Sexual
– concerned with making a one-to-one connection with other people,
intensity, and attractiveness.
Social
– concerned with connection (or lack of connection) to groups,
causes, and status.
Another consideration
when working with these instincts is the one that is least
developed. By identifying this type for yourself and taking action
to develop it, you bring greater balance and harmony to your life.
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The Enneagram –
Determining your type
Ultimately, you need
to determine your own type. You must to understand your
tendencies enough to see yourself in the descriptions of one of the
Enneagram types. Once you have identified your type and begin to
work with it, you’ll be amazed at how well it fits you. I guarantee
it!
There are a number of
different things you can do to help you figure out your type.
One really good way is an
Enneagram Type Exploration Interview; which is a service I
offer. In this process, a certified Enneagram teacher will ask you a
series of questions (me, in the case of Solution Points). The themes
that arise from your answers will suggest the 2 or 3 different
possibilities you should examine. Often there is one that stands out
as most probable. These interviews should be considered more data
for you to use in your own self-assessment.
Another way to help
determine your type is to take a test. The downside with tests
is that they often don’t get at the underlying motivations and
false-positive results often show up. Again, I recommend taking this
as data for your own evaluation. In particular, look at the themes
of your type 3 to 5 possibilities. Are there patterns, such as wings
or lines connecting multiple possibilities?
Read as much as you
can about the Enneagram and each of the types. I have a few
Enneagram-related books in my
bookstore for you to consider.
Attend workshops!
I offer public workshops from time to time. The
Enneagram Worldwide website lists a number, as does the
Association of
Enneagram Teachers in the Narrative Tradition website and
the
International Enneagram Association. The IEA also has
local chapters that offer regular programs. I’m involved with the
Northern California chapter, and we have programs 5
months a year.
Hire a coach!
Another one of the services I offer. After we do an Enneagram Type
Exploration Interview, we’ll spend a couple of sessions per month
exploring different aspects of the Enneagram and how it shows up in
your life. We’ll be able to determine your type in fairly short
order.
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The
Enneagram – I’ve determined my type, now what?
Determining your
Enneagram type is the first step of life long awareness building and
self-development. I recommend you learn as much as you possibly can
about the Enneagram, in general, and your type, in particular. See
how the patterns of your type show up in your life. By building this
awareness, you are taking the first steps towards change.The second
step is to develop acceptance of yourself and others. When you fully
accept yourself, your gifts, and your challenges, you will feel
changes immediately. Tension begins to release. You might feel joy,
and you might feel a sense of relief. Acceptance is one way you can
be present to yourself. Warning: do not misconstrue excuse for
acceptance.
The third step is to
determine the correct action to make appropriate changes. This
requires that you maintain awareness and acceptance of your
tendencies and the proper perspective.
Finally, you must adhere
to your chosen path of action. It’s worth it!
So,
read,
attend workshops, and
hire a coach!!! Or,
look at our FAQs for the
Enneagram.
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