Enneagram Overview
The term "Enneagram" comes from the Greek words "ennéa" meaning "nine" and "gramma" meaning "figure".
The Enneagram system is a personality typology system that has gained popularity in recent years. Each person has a dominant type, which describes their basic desires, fears and motivations. Understanding your dominant type can help you gain insight into your strengths and limitations, and help you grow and develop as a person.
Brief Descriptions of the 9 Enneagram Types
1 - The Perfectionist:
Type 1's are known for their strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to their principles. They have a keen eye for detail and are often great problem solvers. On the other hand, they can become overly critical of themselves and others, resulting in an unyielding pursuit of perfection that might hinder personal growth and relationships.
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Basic Fear:
Basic Desire:
2 - The Helper:
2's are empathetic, compassionate, and have a genuine desire to support others. They often make great friends and partners due to their nurturing nature. However, they might struggle with setting boundaries, and their desire to help can sometimes lead to codependency or overextending themselves.
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Basic Fear:
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3 - The Achiever:
3's are goal-oriented, resourceful, and adaptable, which often leads to success in various aspects of life. They are natural motivators and inspire others through their achievements. At the same time, their focus on success might cause them to prioritize external validation over personal fulfillment, potentially harming their relationships and well-being.
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Basic Fear:
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4 - The Individualist:
Type 4's are deeply introspective, intuitive, and imaginative. They often have a unique perspective and can contribute innovative ideas to various fields. However, they might become overly preoccupied with their emotions and identity, leading to moodiness and self-absorption.
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5 - The Investigator:
Type 5's are intellectually curious, insightful, and independent thinkers. They are often experts in their chosen fields and can provide valuable knowledge and expertise. Despite these strengths, they might struggle with social engagement and emotional connection due to their reserved nature and preference for solitude.
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6 - The Loyalist:
6's are trustworthy, dedicated, and provide a strong sense of stability to their relationships and communities. They are excellent team players and often act as the glue that holds groups together. However, their loyalty and responsibility might be accompanied by anxiety and indecision, causing them to rely heavily on others for reassurance.
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7 - The Enthusiast:
Type 7's are energetic, spontaneous, and bring a contagious zest for life to their endeavors. They are skilled at finding joy and creative solutions in challenging situations. On the flip side, they might struggle with focus, impulsiveness, and an avoidance of pain or discomfort, which can prevent them from addressing deeper issues.
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8 - The Challenger:
8's are natural leaders who are skilled at making tough decisions and advocating for themselves and others. They possess a strong sense of justice and the ability to inspire change. However, their assertiveness and desire for control can sometimes come across as confrontational, domineering, or aggressive.
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9 - The Peacemaker:
Type 9's are gifted mediators, known for their ability to find common ground and promote harmony. They are patient, accepting, and often act as a calming presence in times of strife. Despite their diplomatic skills, they might have difficulty asserting their needs, leading to indecision and passive-aggressive behavior.
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Enneagram Wings
Enneagram wings refer to the two personality types that are adjacent to an individual's core Enneagram type on the Enneagram diagram. These adjacent types are called wings because they flank the central type, just like a bird's wings.
For example, if an individual's core Enneagram type is Type 3, their possible wings are Type 2 (3w2) and Type 4 (3w4). These two types influence the individual's core type, providing additional traits and characteristics that can modify or enhance their personality.
The influence of the wings types on an individual's personality can vary depending on the individual's level of self-awareness and their overall development. Some people may identify more strongly with one wing than the other, while others may draw equally from both.
Understanding one's Enneagram wings can be beneficial in personal growth and self-awareness, as it provides insight into the various facets of an individual's personality. It can also help individuals better understand and relate to others, as they can gain insight into the unique perspectives and traits of people with different wing types.
It is worth noting that the concept of wings is just one aspect of the complex and multifaceted Enneagram system, which also includes the core Enneagram types, levels of development, instincts, and more.
About the Author Betty Baker is an awarded marriage and family therapist and contributor to the internationally renowned PeaceBuilders® Program - a science-based, research-validated violence prevention curriculum and professional development program for children, grades pre-K to 12. |
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