Type Nines are the peacemakers. They are peaceful by nature, and like things to be slow and steady, relaxed and easy going. They have a need to go with the flow and avoid conflict. Put a Nine in the middle of an argument and they’ll get very uncomfortable, because it disrupts their inner peace and stability.

They belong to the instinct triad, though they are very out of touch with aggression. Type Ones if you recall, suppress their aggression and anger because they think that it is not right. Type Nines on the other hand, are out of touch with anger because they don’t want any involvement with it, and would rather avoid it.

They are withdrawn people who stay away to keep their inner peace. However, it doesn’t mean that they are anti social people. You’ll still find Nines who would enjoy chilling out over a drink and just relaxing. In fact, relaxing is the key word for them.

Type Nines see themselves as laid back and accepting. They are very accommodating people who can get along well with anybody. In fact, they find it easy to see things from many points of view, and can put themselves into the shoes of others easily. This easy going and approachable attitude make them good companion to hang out with.

However, their relaxed and laid back attitude may cause others to think that they are very lazy at times. It could take some effort to get a Nine to start doing a task or assignment, because they are so laid back.

Do you think you are a Type Nine? Or do you already know that you are a Type Nine? What do you think about the accuracy of this short description?

]]> http://www.successwithcommunication.com/archives/488/feed 0 http://www.successwithcommunication.com/archives/483 http://www.successwithcommunication.com/archives/483#comments Sun, 31 May 2009 06:13:07 +0000 Joelseah http://blog.successwithcommunication.com/?p=483

Type Eights are known as the confronter. They are usually outspoken people who find it easy to voice their opinions, and take a tough stand towards being treated unfairly. Though it is normally perceived that they have a need to dominate, it is more accurate to say that they have a need to not be dominated.

Type Eights belong to the instinct triad, and have over expressed aggression. Unlike Type Ones who suppress their anger or aggression because they find that it is wrong to get angry, Type Eights are not likely to hold back should they have any anger or displeasure within them.

They have an assertive energy, and are aggressive in asserting themselves. In most cases, they have a do first, think later attitude. Thus, they like to see themselves as forceful and decisive, usually choosing to go with their gut instinct and charge ahead, rather than worry about the details.

Generally, they find it easy to make decisions, and are usually confident about their abilities. It doesn’t matter if others disapprove of what they do because they don’t see a need to seek approval from others. One of the best way to build rapport with Eights is to be direct and honest with them. Ironically though, because of the forceful nature of Eights, people usually avoid being direct with them.

Do you think you are a Type Eight? Or do you already know that you are a Type Eight? What do you think about the accuracy of this short description?

Type Sevens are known as the enthusiast. They are usually lively and cheerful people, who have a need to avoid pain, and find enjoyment in life. They belong to the thinking triad, though they have under expressed thinking.

Unlike the Fives who think too much, Sevens would rather do than think. They also belong to the assertive energy group, and are outgoing and aggressive in satisfying their appetites for fulfilment in life.

Sevens see themselves as interesting and fun loving, and they want others to view them as spontaneous and outgoing people. Often the life of the party, Sevens love variety in experiences. They do not like to dwell on unhappy memories and prefer to move on to the next activity, believing that keeping themselves occupied with exciting stuff will allow the pain to go away. As a result, some people might find that Sevens have an escapist mentality. Although for Sevens, they look at it as a choice to seek happiness instead.

They are usually good story tellers and love to bring joy to people. And because they can’t stand tension, you’ll likely see a Seven crack some funny one liner or jokes when faced with a tense situation. At a party, you can also expect the Seven to spice up the atmosphere if they find that everyone else is not pumped up.

Do you think you are a Type Seven? Or do you already know that you are a Type Seven? What do you think about the accuracy of this short description?

Type Sixes are known as the loyalist. It is difficult to earn their trust because they are sceptics by nature. However, if you win their loyalty, they are excellent team players who will play their fullest part.

They have a need for trust and security because of their nature, and may sometimes appear overly suspicious or anxious. This boils down to their need for certainty.

Sixes belong to the thinking triad, though they are mostly out of touch with thinking. This means that they prefer to just follow instructions from an authority or leading figure. Most Sixes will latch on to a person, a religion, or an organisation for support and certainty. Sometimes however, they will go against the very same thing that they are attached to, just to show that they are not overly dependent.

Sixes have a compliant energy, and they are very compliant to the ideals of doing what is expected of them. That is why they like it when people view them as dependable and responsible. In essence, because they are such good team players, they usually do perform any task given to them well.

Typically, Sixes like to find jobs that offer security. They also prepare for tasks like presentation and speeches very well. The reason for this is because Sixes have a fear that things will go wrong, so they try to be as prepared as possible. They are good at spotting potential problems, and can offer valuable suggestions in terms of preparation and planning.

Do you think you are a Type Six? Or do you already know that you are a Type Six? What do you think about the accuracy of this short description?

Type Fives are known as the observer, or the investigator. They have a need to understand the world, and as a result, are usually very perceptive and analytical people. Type Fives are often regarded as the thinker of the Enneagram, the ones who engage their minds the most.

This is why they belong to the thinking triad, and have over expressed thinking. What it means is that Type Fives have a tendency to think too much, or retreat into their minds to think through things.

They have withdrawn energies and are perfectly comfortable away from people and into their own private space, where they can withdraw into their thoughts. They are also very rational and logical people, able to analyse things with ease and provide logical answers.

Type Fives also tend to read a lot, be it books, or newspapers, or even the internet. This is because they think that knowledge is power, and acquiring as much knowledge as possible will keep them safe. As a result of all those thinking and self talk, Type Fives are usually private and solitary by nature.

Do you think you are a Type Five? Or do you already know that you are a Type Five? What do you think about the accuracy of this short description?

The Type Four is also known as the individualist. This doesn’t mean that a Type Four is a self centred individual. What is means instead is that they are very in touch with their own feelings, and enjoy expressing themselves through creative or unique outlets.

Type Fours have a need to be special or different. In fact, they often view themselves as being the odd one out in a group. They belong to the feeling triad. Unlike the Two who over expresses feelings or the Three who is out of touch with feelings, Type Fours under expresses their feelings.

What this means is that they don’t express their feelings openly. They choose to do it through other means such as art work, music, cooking, writing or performing. They can be very expressive people, though it may not in a verbal sense. Type Fours have a withdrawn energy, usually choosing to stay away from crowds so as to protect their fragile feelings and self image.

There’s usually plenty of emotions in a Four, and they have a tendency to embrace bitter sweet memories too. This is quite an interesting aspect of Type Fours because on one hand, they feel that they have gone through hurt and unpleasantness. Yet on the other, they can see the sweet memories in all these.

They also have a tendency to live in a fantasy of what is missing, though when they do get it eventually, they usually feel that reality is not as sweet as the fantasy itself. For some of them, the sweetest love is the one that they can never get.

Do you think you are a Type Four? Or do you already know that you are a Type Four? What do you think about the accuracy of this short description?

The Type Three is known as the achiever. They have a need to succeed in life, and they measure their success based on goals and tasks completed, and sometimes the image they portray.

Type Threes are feeling based people. However, they are often out of touch with their feelings. What this means is that they normally choose not to talk about their emotions with people. Instead, they prefer to be doing things and achieving objectives.

They are also assertive in energy, and this results in them being aggressive in competition and pursuit of their goals. They are usually outspoken and interact with people well.

They view themselves as accomplished and dynamic, and constantly pursue achievements because they crave for recognition. To many Threes, they feel that others will not accept them for who they are, and it is only through achievements will they feel that they are accepted. This results in Threes becoming very goal and task oriented.

Type Threes are also fond of good looking things. It is not surprising to find them dressed in flashy or colourful clothes, or drive around in beautiful cars. To them, looking good is as important as being good. It’s no point being successful when others cannot tell. Which is why they are never shy to talk about their talents or achievements and you might even see their trophies and awards displayed proudly in their houses.

Do you think you are a Type Three? Or do you already know that you are a Type Three? What do you think about the accuracy of this short description?

]]> http://www.successwithcommunication.com/archives/419/feed 0 http://www.successwithcommunication.com/archives/412 http://www.successwithcommunication.com/archives/412#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:06:35 +0000 Joelseah http://blog.successwithcommunication.com/?p=412

The Type Two is also commonly known as the helper. They have a very strong tendency to put the needs of others before themselves, and this might be due to the fact that they have a need to feel needed or wanted. Twos generally enjoy the feeling of being indispensable. Of course, this need can result in healthy or unhealthy attributes.

Type Twos are feeling based people, and they generally over express their feelings. What this means is that they are more open with their feelings as compared to the other types in the feeling triads, and the openness of feelings can be seen in the way they would reach out to help people. They have a compliant energy as well, complying with their ideals of helping people, and being selfless and loving.

They see themselves as being helpful, thoughtful and approachable, though sometimes, they may irritate others when they try too hard to help, coming across as being too nosey. You can usually count on a Type Two to be supportive and contribute without complain.

However, it is important to show appreciation whenever you receive help from them. Type Twos have a tendency to feel that they will only receive after they give and deep down, many of them give so much because they look forward to the receiving. A simple thank you to show appreciation is usually enough to keep them happy.

Do you think you are a Type Two? Or do you already know that you are a Type Two? What do you think about the accuracy of this short description?

The Type One is commonly known as the perfectionist. Being a perfectionist, Type Ones have a need to do things right. For them, everything is clear. It is either right, or wrong. Black or white. They would almost never accept anything in the middle, which is why they seldom praise or commend people until the job is finished, and done well.

Type Ones are very instinct driven, though they have an under expressed aggression in them. What this means is that they have a lot of suppressed anger. They feel angry at things, yet they choose not to show their anger. It could be due to their ideals that being angry is wrong, so they rather not show their anger.

Type Ones have a very compliant energy. They are compliant towards their ideals, which usually refer to the need to do things right. As a result, they tend to view themselves as rational and principled.

They also find it easy to pay attention to details, which may or may not be a good thing because it often results in them taking things too seriously. Because of their beliefs that there is usually only one correct way of doing things, it could result in conflicts because they simply refuse to relax until things are done well, while their peers may be willing to accept something lesser.

Thus, you could hear a Type One say things like, “I’m my own worst critic”, because they often are. The pressure that they place on themselves may propel them to achieve great things. However, if they are unable to handle the pressure they place on themselves, they may transfer it to the surrounding, becoming critical towards others instead.

Do you think you are a Type One? Or do you already know that you are a Type One? What do you think about the accuracy of this short description?

It’s time to talk about the Enneagram again. From the diagram above, we see how the nine types are differentiated into their various groups, based on the triads, and energy levels. Let’s understand the triads first. As you can see here, the nine types are divided into three groups based on Instinct, Feeling and Thinking.

What this means is that personality types Eight, Nine, and One are more instinct driven. They use a lot of their instincts, or referential experience in their behaviour. This group also have an issue with aggression, or anger.

Personality types Two, Three and Four are feeling based people. They use a lot of their feelings, and this group have an issue with shame, or the way people look at them. Personality types Five, Six and Seven are the thinking group. So unlike the feeling group, they are more thinking based, and have an issue with fear.

The energy categories are slightly different. Types One, Two and Six belong to the compliant energy group. These three types are very compliant to their ideals in life. Types Three, Seven and Eight have an assertive and outgoing energy, while types Four, Five and Nine have withdrawn energy.

With this knowledge, you can profile people through elimination. The Enneagram is one personality profiling system that allows you to profile someone without the use of a questionnaire. Of course, you’ll need to know more about the different personality type, so stay tuned to this blog!