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The Nine Personality Types of The Enneagram
The Nine Personality Types of The Enneagram
1. The Reformer. The principled, idealistic type. Ones eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their Best:
are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to
and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates see the world in an entirely new way.
for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid
of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and 6. The Loyalist. The committed, security-oriented type.
fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and
slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee
have problems with resentment and impatience. At their problems and foster cooperation, but can also become
Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while
morally heroic. complaining about it. They can be cautious and
indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They
2. The Helper. The caring, interpersonal type. Twos are typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At
empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously
generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, championing themselves and others.
flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning
and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing 7. The Enthusiast. The busy, productive type. Sevens are
things for others in order to be needed. They typically extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous.
have problems with possessiveness and with Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also
acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended,
and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others. scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new
and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and
3. The Achiever. The adaptable, success-oriented type. exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have
Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. problems with impatience and impulsiveness.
Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals,
status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.
are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly
concerned with their image and what others think of them. 8. The Challenger. The powerful, aggressive type. Eights
They typically have problems with workaholism and are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective,
competitiveness. At their Best: self-accepting, authentic, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be
everything they seem to be—role models who inspire ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must
others. control their environment, especially people, sometimes
becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights
4. The Individualist. The introspective, romantic type. typically have problems with their tempers and with
Fours are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their Best: self-
emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be mastering, they use their strength to improve others' lives,
moody and self-conscious. Withholding themselves from becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.
others due to feeling vulnerable and defective, they can
also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways of 9. The Peacemaker. The easy-going, self-effacing type.
living. They typically have problems with melancholy, Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually
self-indulgence, and self-pity. At their Best: inspired and creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too
highly creative, they are able to renew themselves and willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They
transform their experiences. want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict,
but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying
5. The Investigator. The perceptive, cerebral type. Fives problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They
are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. At
concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and their Best: indomitable and all-embracing, they are able to
skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can bring people together and heal conflicts.
also become preoccupied with their thoughts and
imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-
strung and intense. They typically have problems with Copyright, 1998 The Enneagram Institute. All Rights Reserved.
Individualists:Expressive, dramatic,
self-absorbed &
temperamental
Ones Preaching, Teaching, Meticulous, persistent, By the book, Duty, ethics, standard Quick-and-dirty fix;
(Reformer / Lecturing hard working, orderly, by example, up to operating procedures, "because I say so"
Perfector) Oughts & Shoulds do it right, punctual standard; TQM Golden Rule, values
Twos Compliments, With the program; Cheerleaders, appreci- Relationship; people Scientific evidence,
(Helper / personal questions, make everything / one ators, encouragers, skills, influence, desire theories, surveys,
Supporter) cajoling, charm look good; in the thick reflected glory to help; indispensability trends
Threes Pitches, propaganda, Focus on effective - Task/results-oriented, Bottom line, winning, Warm fuzzies, need
(Achiever / advertising for self & ness & competence; lead by high profile & effectiveness, image, to pace selves or
Motivator) others respond to pressure example; autocratic? efficiency, goals/interests slow down
to perform; game plans success cheerleaders
Fours Dramatic, soulful, Resist the ordinary, Intuitive, artisitic, Creativity, self-expression, Convention, fast buck,
(Individualist / feeling tones, paint mood-driven, need bold innovators, elite characteristics, emotional / artistic
Creator) pictures clear boundaries, uncompromising divas emotional elements compromise
personal vision
Fives Email, long briefs, Independent self- Evocative philosopher, Intelligence, theories, Impulse, emotion,
(Investigator / theses, treatises starters, needing remote control scientific method, models, societal expectations,
Observer)
space, time, privacy intellectual challenge conventional wisdom
Sixes Caveats, complaints, Need to understand Reluctant authority, How to rally against, "Not to worry"
(Loyalist / constraints, concerns rules, responsibilities, always thinking, rational analysis, "Because I say so"
Groupist)
roles, where stand; protective, solidifier, calculated risk,
align against or for reactive to provocation the noble cause
Sevens Brainstorming, idea Projects, intense Cheerleaders for ideas, Fun, impact, novelty, Duty, stability, norms,
(Enthusiast / tripping, tall stories, spurts, no drudgery, Managing by juggling, adventure, idealism "way things done",
Visionary) hypothesizing hierarchy-resistant, story telling, walking prudence
practical encouraging around, networking
Eights Diatribes, harangues, Power/Empire building, Autocratic, paterfamilias; Power & influence; Sympathy, diplomacy,
(Challenger / threats -- blunt and entrepreneuring, testers, blunt and confrontational; justice / helping underdog; propriety, rules
Director) uncensored challenge-motivated, power brokers taste for engagement
Nines Sagas, epics, Cooperation, goodwill, Colleagial, inclusive, Peace, harmony, Competition,
(Peacemaker / rambling narratives team effort; clarity, participatory, reactive, unity, team spirit, one right way,
Mediator) routines, low stress, credit sharers; fairness, selflessness, authority, deadlines
passive, all-inclusive at times stubborn least disruptive way