Enneagram descriptions

Enneagram type 1 -

Type ones are known for perfectionism. They tend to want to do things in the right way and have a methodical way of working in life. They are people with a high sense of integrity and want to maintain a certain code of ethics. Their strong sense of morality can give them deep integrity though they may sometimes be seen as too 'stuck in their ways' or perfectionistic. They can have a strong sense of discipline and focus as they are deeply intent on following rules and doing things in the 'right way' rather than cutting corners. This sense of integrity is an admirable quality that other types may aspire to, though they may also sometimes need to be less rigid in their approach.

Enneagram type 2

Type twos are known as the givers of the Enneagram. They tend to be both generous and independent and have a generally extroverted way about them. Type twos want to help and motivate others, though may get caught up in wanting others to need them too much. They have both a very extroverted and very independent side, tending to 'need to be needed by others'. This quality can mean they can serve to help others though it can also mean they can become entitled or believing they are overly important. At their best they are able to be independent and resourceful people who can also help other with their problems.

Enneagram type 3

Enneagram type 3s are gogetters and achievers. They are good at getting things done and may be seen as being dynamic achiever admired for their productivity level. They are good at getting things accomplished and may be high achievers in their chosen field. Sometimes they may push themselves too hard or be over-productive. They are over fuelled by their tendency to be very productive and may have a tendency to overwork themselves or to push themselves too hard. It can be a blessing that they are willing to work themselves hard but they may become defined by their work and lose a sense of authenticity or what they are beyond their work.

Enneagram type 4-

The artistic, introverted type. They tend to be introverted yet want to express themselves through some kind of artistic medium. They tend to be sensitive and kind-hearted though also at times self-absorbed and indulgent. They are known for being deep and reflective which means they can express themselves well through poetry and art where they can tend to be quite prolific. It's generally unlikely for a person of this type not to express themselves through some kind of artistic outlet. They can become self-conscious, quiet and shy and tend to want to hide themselves from others even though they often want to express themselves.

Type 5 -

The introverted, cerebral type. Tends to usually be introverted and have a tendency towards specialization in research or some kind of obscure interest. May tend to be good at areas that involve research in some kind of obscure topic. This can make them great problem solvers and researchers who are able to have high level insight into their specialised or niche areas. They can also become too withdrawn as they easily become overwhelmed by other people being around them. This type tends to be introverted and preferring to be by themselves, which can help with their deep interest in whatever area that interests them.

Type 6

The dedicated and endearing type. Tends to be reliable and humble so make good friends and like to serve other people. Can also be known as devil's advocate as they are good at troubleshooting and also serving as reliable people. They are good at troubleshooting though can sometimes be too anxious or too likely to predict the worst in a situation. Their strength lies in their ability to be organised, reliable and engaging and their ability to be able to sympathize despite sometimes being too negative or cynical.

Type 7 -

The enthusiastic, generous type. They tend to have a larger than life attitude and may be seen as entertainers or as entrepreneurs. Sometimes they can become 'too much' or tend to become too jaded or materialistic. Their materialistic and extroverted nature sometimes makes them superficial in some way. They tend to engage in many different projects and this can mean that they spread themselves too thin or engage in too much without taking the time to specialize or focus. Despite this they tend often tended to be talented and accomplished individuals who are able to accomplish a lot in the material world.

Type 8

The challenging, protective, domineering type. They tend to want to protect other people or act as a leader. Because of this they can accomplish a lot and be very powerful people. They are good at getting things done due to their domineering nature. Sometimes they can be too controlling or too aggressive. Though they have the yearning to protect others they can also find themselves victimizing or being too aggressive towards others, and times being too challenging. Their expansive nature means they are able to protect others and make themselves known as a person of influence in the world at their best.

Type 9

The peacemaking, agreeable type. Tends to want to be peaceful and go along with others in order to maintain sense of peace. Can be good mediators who want to establish a sense of merging with other people. This can make them good friends though they can also be too accommodating and sometimes too withdrawing or retiring. They are able to be deeply kind and to merge with others in a positive way, though at times they go to sleep and just move through life on autopilot. They are the all encompassingg type and ideally have ideal traits being the type at the top of the Enneagram.