The Enneagram DescriptionsThree personality types portrayed as InstinctiveThe Instinctive Triad, one of the primary Triads of the Enneagram along with the Feeling and Thinking Triads, identifies its main motivation as a desire to control the environment. Instinctives attempt to set boundaries, and they can respond with anger and hostility when those boundaries are invaded. They are in tune with their bodies, and they react from the gut. Instinctive types deal with their feelings of aggression, repression, and rage by seeking independence. Each of the Instinctive types can also be characterized by the Harmonic groups, which identify the coping mechanisms of each of the styles: Informed, Optimistic, and Reactive.
See also our introduction to the Enneagram system. To find a specific Enneagram personality type for yourself or someone else, use our interactive Enneagram Matrix. The Perfectionist - One
A One with a Nine-wing is called the Idealist. This subtype tends to be introverted and reserved. They are often serious and scholarly and may appear to others to be emotionally cool. The Advocate is a One with a Two-wing. This subtype combines the exacting nature of a One with the compassion of a Two. They are interested in personally doing all they can to make the world a better place. They may attempt to do so by entering politics or social work, but whatever they decide to do, it will probably involve a large dose of interpersonal interactions. Ones are conscientious about taking care of their physical and financial health. They have an inner voice that tells them what they should be doing, and Ones listen. Ones like everything in its place, and they are good about putting it there. They are wonderful with follow-through, sensible, reliable, and punctual. Ones don't like making mistakes (errors are seen as unacceptable catastrophes), and Ones go to special lengths not to make them. This makes them deliberate, orderly, and painstakingly thorough. As part of their idealistic nature, Ones have strong opinions about most topics including politics and world events. Since they tend to see everything in black and white, they are not very flexible in their world views, and it is difficult for them to change their opinions once they have been set. In a relationship, a One is looking for the perfect partner who is both committed and attentive. Ones use their connections with others to alleviate concerns about abandonment. Others sometimes have problems in dealing with Ones' attention to detail and lose patience with their fastidiousness. The standards a One sets are so hard that those around them can become tense and anxious; the other types never seem to "measure up." Ones can become critical and judgmental of themselves, perhaps even more than others, generating stress for themselves and making it difficult for them to escape their perfectionist drives. Being close to a One can be difficult, but it can be especially so for One's partner. Ones are often somewhat dissatisfied with the real-life liaisons they form, since no one can truly match the ideal, perfect, "fairy tale" mate who will bring everlasting happiness and stability into their lives. Therefore, Ones have a constant struggle against dissatisfaction with their imperfect lives compared with the perfect lives they imagine. Healthy Ones eventually realize that the reality will always fall short of the dream, no matter how hard they try. This realization can be the key to helping them let go of controlling people and their surroundings in a futile attempt to reach perfection. They are then able to make peace with themselves and their inner critics. The Peacemaker - Nine
Nines with an Eight-wing are called Referees. They are good at settling disputes because they combine the forcefulness of an Eight with the mediation abilities of a Nine. They are both practical and sociable. Imaginative and inventive, Nines with a One-wing are known as Dreamers. They combine the idealism of a One with the optimism of a Nine to develop a vision of a perfect world. They may get distracted by everyday tasks and seem somewhat absentminded, but they have an underlying sense of purpose that guides their actions. Nines most often give the appearance of being calm and placid. They are not driven by ambition but instead like to be comfortable. They have a problem fighting inertia. They like to keep things pleasant and have a hard time saying "no" to others. In relationships, Nines have the ability to merge with their partners so that they have difficulty identifying boundaries. One of the features of Nines is that they are often collectors or active hobbyists, using this activity as a way to withdraw from the burdens and concerns of their day-to-day lives. Since Nines are often looking for a way to withdraw and seeking the feeling of peace that mental numbness can provide, they are candidates for addiction. They can use overeating, alcohol, watching TV, drugs, gambling, or even busywork as a way to delay facing difficult decisions or dealing with complex problems. They are prone to daydreaming and can be absentminded, so their façade of peacefulness can start to wear thin on their friends who cannot get them to follow through on their commitments. Nines can be fatalistic, and can use this as an excuse not to do anything. Slow to anger, they let their rage and resentment smolder beneath the surface and rarely express it openly. Instead, they tend to use passive-aggressive strategies where they "forget" to do things or do them poorly. However, when they are able to stay connected with reality, Nines are excellent at handling a crisis because they can remain calm even when others are in turmoil. The Boss - Eight
An Eight with a Seven-wing is called the Independent. They combine the mercurial nature of a Seven with the strength of purpose of an Eight. They like to be in the middle of the action and focus on practical possibilities. These Eights are risk takers, and they can be impatient and impulsive. Their self-confidence convinces them that they will be able to win over the competition, and they are not overly concerned about whether or not people like them while they're doing it. The Eight with a Nine-wing is known as the Bear. This subtype is less aggressive and more laid back than the Independent. They combine the peaceful, easy-going nature of a Nine with the powerful confidence of an Eight. They are able to reassure others and have a warmer style that makes it easier for others to trust them. Sometimes, Bears can compartmentalize their dual personalities, showing the distinct sides of themselves at different times. For example, at home they can be warm and loving but at work be more aggressive and tough. It is important to Eights to be good providers for their families. Both male and female Eights want to be assured that they have the material things of life assured, and they are willing to work hard to make that happen. In addition to worrying about possessions, Eights are also somewhat territorial, so others need to respect an Eight's things and ask permission before using them. Eights consider loyalty to be extremely important, both in their devotion to others and others faithfulness to them. Eights enjoy social gatherings, and their sense of humor combined with their love of debate make them sparks in any group. Eights have their downsides. They have a quick temper, and their aggressiveness can alienate others. Eights often are unaware of how forceful and intimidating they can be. This can cause others to avoid them rather than be led by them. If others break their trust, Eights are apt to hold grudges, and it is very difficult to get them to "bury the hatchet." An Eight's desire for control can be so strong that they try to manipulate everything and everyone in their environments, which is impossible. The effort ends up backfiring and causing resentment from the people they are trying to control. Eights that find themselves in positions where they are not in command can be frustrated and rebellious. However, at their best, Eights combine vision and creativity with the drive and energy to build a better tomorrow. More Enneagram Descriptions:  |
|
|
Ones are fairly easy to identify. They are the people who get their homework done early, have their closets organized, and always have their car serviced on time. When you think of them, you think of rational, self-controlled, self-disciplined types who seem willing and even happy to take care of the jobs that others just never seem to get done. Besides being known as the Perfectionist, a One can also be called the Organizer, the Teacher, the Moralist, the Activist, and the Crusader. In addition to their perfectionist natures, Ones also have an idealistic bent that gives them a sense of purpose and mission. Therefore, they are constantly striving to act with integrity and competence, to do the right thing in the right way.
Nines are the easy-going, serene types of the Enneagram known as the Peacemakers. They tend to stay in the background, rarely taking a leading role. They are agreeable and willing to go along with what others want to do. They are also called the Reconciler, the Utopian, the Healer, the Optimist, the Comforter, and Nobody Special. They are good at mediating for others because they have excellent listening skills and are good at seeing both sides of an argument. People trust them to do the right thing and to come up with a fair solution. In addition to maintaining a low profile, Nines are adept at keeping busy as a way to "zone out" and avoid facing their own problems. They like to focus their attention on the sunny side of life and overlook the tougher, messier, darker side of things.
Eights are the strong, powerful, decisive leaders of the Enneagram. Known as the Boss, they are also called the Provider, the Maverick, the Rock, the Challenger, the Leader, the Provider, and the Entrepreneur. They are often blessed with a high level of energy, giving them vitality combined with willpower and tenacity to meet challenges successfully. Eights enjoy being confrontational; they like debating about almost any topic and don't shy away from heated exchanges. They are self-confident and independent. They do not want to be controlled by others but want to be in a dominate role themselves. Eights are self-starters and territorial, with a drive to make things happen. They can be charismatic and their passion and enthusiasm can attract followers.