And why would you want to? Healthy self-awareness is the number one predictor of success. It leads to having more confidence, being more creative, being a better decision maker, having stronger relationships, more effective communication, being more likely to be promoted, more satisfied, the list goes on and on. Understanding your own internal motivations as well as getting a sneak peek into the “why” of those around you is not only interesting, it can be life changing. So what if there’s a tool that can help you achieve both self-awareness and interpersonal effectiveness?
The Enneagram of personality provides a robust picture of patterns of behavior by digging into an individual’s motivations, desires, and fears. It is not concerned with what someone does, but why. The model has nine personality types that are mapped on a diagram and has intentional connections between each type.
The Nine Types
Type 1: The Moral Reformer:
Rational, perfectionistic, conscientious, sensible, ethical
Driven by their need to be good and balanced and to have integrity.
Type 2: The Supportive Helper:
Caretaker, pleaser, advisor, selfless, loving, giving
Driven by their need to be loved and wanted, looking for appreciation through helping others.
Type 3: The Successful Achiever:
Communicator, role model, goal-oriented, driven, accomplished
Driven by their need to be admired and be acknowledged for their success.
Type 4: The Romantic Individualist:
Artistic, sensitive, creative, inspiring, dramatic
Driven by their need to be valued as special, unique, and authentic.
Type 5: The Observing Investigator:
Innovator, thinker, wise, visionary, knowledgeable
Driven by their need to be competent and proficient, seen as knowledgeable.
Type 6: The Questioning Loyalist:
Guardian, courageous, loyal, effective, committed
Driven by their need to have security and support, desire for stability in their life.
Type 7: The Entertaining Enthusiast:
Adventurer, energizer, fun-loving, positive, affirming
Driven by their need to be free and happy, seeking freedom and independence.
Type 8: The Protective Challenger:
Leader, strong, able, decisive, determined, committed
Driven by their need to have autonomy and protect others from injustice.
Type 9: The Mediating Peacemaker:
Comforter, optimist, loving, down-to-earth, modest, trusting
Driven by the desire to have peacefulness and connection.
Where do I start?
There are many tests out there and they can be a good starting point. Try www.expandcandc.com/take- the-test to get your first glimpse. The tests can help you start to dip your toes into the water but they are not necessarily the answer. The best way to decide your core type is to learn about each of the nine types, then decide for yourself which one you relate to the most. Remembering that it is all about why you do what you do, not how you show up or how others perceive you. Think about your motivations, not your behaviors.
After figuring out your type, there is so much more depth to discover about this tool. You can dig into communication, conflict, growth tips, stress management, coping styles, defense mechanisms, childhood patterns, and more. Start to connect this with the people in your life and you can even begin to heal relationships or simply make them deeper and more effective.
