What is the Enneagram?

Have you heard this strange-sounding word being thrown around lately? Like a cross between a math equation you knew you’d never use and a terrible board game? What’s all the hype, and why do you need one more personality test? You already know you’re an INFP, right? Despite its strange name and mildly annoying trendiness of late, Enneagram wisdom has withstood the test of time, dating as far back as the mystics of the 17th century. Some believe it was penned by Franciscan monks while others believe mathematicians and scientists had a hand in its creation. Its inception is disputed, but what isn’t is its uncanny ability to understand and interpret the human struggle. 

The Basics Of The Enneagram

“Ennea” is Greek for the number 9, and “gram” indicates the circle in which the numbers are arranged. Each number has a corresponding word or title to describe its core motivation: 

1-    The Perfectionist (or Reformer)

2-    The Helper

3-    The Achiever (or Performer)

4-    The Individualist (or Romantic)

5-    The Intellectual

6-    The Loyalist

7-    The Enthusiast

8-    The Challenger

9-    The Peacemaker (or Mediator)

Most psychologists agree that one’s personality is formed by age 5 or 6. Enneagram wisdom mirrors the belief that one’s number is set in place by the same age. Although you may identify with some traits in every number, you can only be one, and your number does not change, regardless. “But I’m not the same person I was in my teens and 20’s,” you may say. The Enneagram has an explanation for this.

Why Is The Enneagram Different From Other Personality Tests? 

 While many personality tests or instruments look for common groupings of behavior, preferences, or communication styles, the Enneagram addresses one’s core motivation. For example, the Enneagram 1’s core motivation (Perfectionist) is to be right or good. Its corresponding fear is to be wrong or bad. The Enneagram 8’s core motivation (Challenger) is to be independent and protected; its corresponding fear is being controlled or betrayed. 

1’s do their best to dot every “I” and cross every “T”. If they can follow each rule to the fullest extent, no one can say they are “bad”. Little 1s took in a message early on that their best chance at love and approval was to be as right and good as possible.  In contrast, little 8s takes in the message that they must take care of themselves or no one will. To do so they must take control of situations. If they manage to use enough bluster, they will dominate those around them, therefore remaining protected. While both 1s and 8s are generally assertive, task oriented, and black and white in their thinking, their motivations for doing so are completely different. One is to be right and without defect, the other, to be protected and autonomous. “Type A Personality” may sum up these two numbers, but a lot of nuance falls through the cracks with labels so broad. 

Some experts say a helpful way to decide one’s number is to think of yourself in your early 20’s. This is a time in life when you’ve probably achieved a level of maturity you lacked in childhood, but haven’t acquired many of the hats you’ll take on and off as you get older: parent, caretaker, partner, employee, boss--the list goes on. All of these roles require adopting particular habits or traits that may change your behavior day to day. But they will not change what motivates you to act within these roles, and they won’t change what you fear most.  

Why Does The Enneagram Matter? 

Whether it be family, workplace, or intimate relationship, we can probably agree we need all the tools we can get to make things work, and work well. It’s easy to look at those who do things differently and judge their actions as flaws—especially if what they’ve done (or not done) has hurt us. But when we understand the unique wiring of each number, we can see deeper into their underlying motivation. Context always broadens understanding. 

Let’s use Enneagram 1 and 8 as examples in a work setting. Managing employees well impacts performance: productivity, efficiency, and interpersonal relationships. While both numbers may be working to accomplish the same goal, their underlying needs in order to achieve the goal are different. For example, both have a tendency to be blunt in addressing others. But the 1 has a relentless inner critic that tells her she could have said or done it better. She will be more sensitive than an 8 to what she perceives as criticism. The 8’s blunt language comes from a need to protect his vulnerability, struggling to allow others to help bear the burden. While he can be abrasive, he also does very well with feedback that comes non-sugar-coated. Would you deal with each one the same? You could, but knowing these “chinks in the armor” can help you address each number with added strategy and wisdom.

Don’t Put Me in Box!

Occasionally people are resistant to being categorized. It can feel restrictive and even condescending when people “peg you”. But here’s the thing: Our personalities already have us in boxes. The Enneagram shows us how to get out of the box we’re already in. Ian Crohn, respected Enneagram teacher, says that our personalities are what shows up when we don’t. Translation: With some introspection and hard work, we get to choose awareness and intention in how we respond to life. There are pros to every con in our personalities. The critical, perfectionistic 1 becomes a beacon of light that points us toward the best action in any given moment. The brusque, demanding 8 becomes a courageous leader and advocate for the underdog. But beware, “That’s just my personality!” is no longer an acceptable response once you’ve learned your Enneagram number. There is always more to discover, respond to, and aspire to. Once you know, you know. Start your Enneagram journey! You won’t regret it. 

Keep an eye out for a more in-depth blog looking at what the Enneagram has to offer, coming soon!

Important Note: To all of our valued, current and future clients: The Enneagram (or the MBTI) is not empirically validated as a testing instrument to improve mental health. It’s simply a helpful tool should you choose to use it.

(Read more about the Enneagram in my follow up blog here!)