Choose an Enneagram type to explore
The 9 Core Enneagram Types
Type 1 – Strict Perfectionist
Also known as the Reformer, Ones excel at improving things, taking them from ‘good to great’ and in select situations, even achieving perfection. They thrive on ‘right action’, process and rules, making sure that things are done correctly and to appropriate standards. They are people of ‘principle’, with a deep knowing of ‘right and wrong’, that can at times make them appear to be self-righteous, idealistic or judgemental.
They structure their world using facts, precision and focus, seeking to avoid mistakes that could trigger their inner or outer critic. They bring gifts of sound judgement, knowing and living by what is right in the world, and a capacity for critical evaluation that often leads to strong decisions being made with positive actions being taken.
Type 2 – Considerate Helper
Twos have an innate capacity to help, support and meet the needs of others. Sometimes they know what you need, before you even know that you need it! They are loving, warm, giving humans with a focus on others. Their people-orientation can lead to their own need for affirmation, where being ‘taken for granted’ or going unappreciated may trigger their anger and heightened sensitivity.
Their helpful nature can become excessive if they are not aware of it, as they become too involved in other people’s lives or business and may risk being manipulative in their ‘need to be needed’. Their growth lies in giving unconditionally and putting their needs first in order to nurture themselves and regenerate their capacity to then care for others. As the safety instructions say “please put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others”.
Type 3 – Competitive Achiever
Threes get it done! Their to-do-list governs their world and they bring a practical, outcome orientation to projects and tasks. Competitive in their approach, they learn from an early age that ‘first place’, ‘A grades’ or ‘best in show’ provide a perception of worth in this world. They carry a polished ‘personal brand’ and image, willing to take shortcuts or make sacrifices in order to achieve their goals and appear to be successful.
They may push themselves too hard in their pursuit of success, becoming workaholics over time. They risk becoming deceptive or cutting corners in order to win or succeed. At their best, they are grounded beyond the surface image of worldly success as they develop self-acceptance, a capacity for authentic leadership and connect their hearts with their hands.
Type 4 – Intense Creative
Fours yearn to find depth, meaning and authenticity in life. They are imaginative, with an amazing capacity to create and express themselves. They appear to be born fluent and naturally attuned to the full spectrum of human emotions on offer. At times they may seem moody, dramatic or swept up in what is ‘missing’ in their lives.
As Fours become more integrated, they harness their creative potential into meaningful work, without the need to cling to it as a symbol of their unique identity or emotional worthiness.
Type 5 – Quiet Specialist
Fives prefer to keep to themselves. Their quiet outward expression is often complemented by an intensely active mental life. They love to observe and explore the world through their thoughts and information, with a drive to become subject matter experts and to ‘know it all’. This intellectual and internalised way of life means that they may struggle to share thoughts or feelings with others, as they can appear to be socially awkward or disinterested.
At lower levels of integration, Fives tend to withdraw and may become oppositional or strongly defend their isolation. At their best, they are intellectual explorers, perceptive and wise, bringing the gift of understanding to others.
Type 6 – Loyal Sceptic
Sixes actively scan the world for danger, threats or risks with an underlying sense of anxiety for what the future may hold. Their scepticism, like all types, can be a gift or a challenge. They value trust, honesty, loyalty and are driven by the need to be safe and a need to belong.
Unaware Sixes may become overly worried, paranoid, insecure or reactive as their dependency on others or authority figures increases. Aware Sixes at higher levels of integration are incredibly grounded, courageous, self-reliant and confident. They harness resilience and a capacity to cope with risk that allows them to trust others, and in turn to be trusted.
Type 7 – Enthusiastic Visionary
“Don’t fence me in” is the motto for Sevens. They have a thirst for fun, new experiences and stimulation, moving through life with optimism and a future-oriented ‘life is for living’ mantra. They bring gifts of creativity, energy and optimism to others and teams.
At lower levels, a Seven may struggle to be present, appearing distracted, scattered, insensitive or irresponsible to others. They are often unhappy but deny this to themselves and others, escaping into pleasure seeking activities or hyperactivity as they long for ‘what is next’, instead of appreciating ‘what already is’. At higher integration, they are present and deeply connected to a sense of inner joy and sufficiency.
Type 8 – Active Controller
“Fire, aim, ready!”. Eights are powerful forces of nature whose presence can be felt in most of the rooms they occupy. They have a strong personality that values being in control, or not being controlled. With an action orientation they are often guarded themselves, but equally long to care for and protect those around them. They fear being vulnerable and will mask this with a tough, straight-to-point exterior that appears as physical, emotional or mental armour.
For some, Eights may seem confrontational or intimidating, but often for an Eight their direct approach and energy makes them feel connected to others. At their best, they blend their direct and strong approach with a compassionate and caring heart, becoming collaborative and lowering their defences for the greater good.
Type 9 – Adaptive Peacemaker
Adept at seeing the perspective and value of others, Nines’ peaceful and harmonious disposition serves them as excellent facilitators and mediators that can bring the strengths and diversity of individuals together. They are friendly, grounded and stable bridges between people with a drive to keep things in balance.
Their need for peace means that may struggle to value their own presence and point of view in the group, as they find it difficult to say “no” or set clear boundaries in their drive to avoid conflict at all costs. At higher integration, their humble yet strong sense of self-respect allows them to serve with self-awareness and presence, without removing themselves from the picture.