Dynamics Of The Nine Personality Types
In my previous post, i gave an overview of the Enneagram and the nine personality types in it. A point i wish to highlight again is the dynamic nature of the Enneagram. Though there are nine basic types, each type has nine levels of health ranging from Healthy to Average to Unhealthy.
Also, each type has two other numbers beside it, known as the wings. A person will likely possess attributes or characteristics of one or both wings. Next are the lines. The lines indicate the integration and disintegration points of each type. Also known as growth and stress points, it describes the positive characteristics an individual will show when they are feeling motivated and empowered, as well as the negative characteristics when they are under stress.
Taking everything into consideration, you’re easily looking at hundreds of possible combinations. Which is exactly what human nature is all about. We develop and evolve through environmental influences, teachings, experiences, etc. Every one of us is dynamic in that sense, and the Enneagram fits in nicely with that aspect.
Brief description of the nine personality types
I’ve included brief descriptions of all nine types below. These descriptions are the works of two well known Enneagram experts, Don Riso and Russ Hudson. The names given to each personality type reflect traits that are relatively healthy. You may also come across other Enneagram authors who assign different names. Do remember that these names are just for reference purposes, and the traditional Enneagram is number based, simply because numbers are more neutral.
Type One – The Reformer
The principled, idealistic type. Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.
Type Two – The Helper
The caring, interpersonal type. Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.
Type Three – The Achiever
The adaptable, success-oriented type. Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. At their Best: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be—role models who inspire others.
Type Four – The Individualist
The introspective, romantic type. Fours are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious. Withholding themselves from others due to feeling vulnerable and defective, they can also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways of living. They typically have problems with melancholy, self-indulgence, and self-pity. At their Best: inspired and highly creative, they are able to renew themselves and transform their experiences.
Type Five – The Investigator
The perceptive, cerebral type. Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way
Type Six – The Loyalist
The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.
Type Seven – The Enthusiast
The busy, productive type. Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.
Type Eight – The Challenger
The powerful, aggressive type. Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their Best: self-mastering, they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.
Type Nine – The Peacemaker
The easy-going, self-effacing type. Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. At their Best: indomitable and all-embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.
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The nine types in all of us
As you read about the various types, you may see yourself in some, or even all nine types. That is perfectly normal. For example, we may come across a type two moment when we help someone, and feel a sense of joy when their face lights up with gratitude and happiness. Or we may come across a type five moment when we get so absorbed in learning something and feeling a sense of superiority after mastering it.
In order to find out what your core type really is, you would need to dig deeper and understand what your core values are. In other words, what is your fundamental motivation when you are in your downtime, just being yourself. This point is also something you have to keep in mind when you are profiling someone else.
The Enneagram’s dynamic nature means that there is almost no end to learning, which makes it more intriguing for me. If you’re interested to learn more about it, do keep a lookout for future postings, where I’ll touch on more areas about the Enneagram.
For now, if you’re still pondering about your type, do take a look at my previous post on The Enneagram and check out the available Enneagram Resources.
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