The Enneagram DescriptionsThree personality types concerned with ThinkingThe nine Enneagram personality types can be segmented into several groupings with similar characteristics. The primary divisions are the Thinking, Feeling, and Instinctive Triads. Those in the Thinking Triad spend most of their lives inside their own minds, looking to their inner worlds for interpretation and companionship rather than setting boundaries or seeking support through relationships. The Thinking Triad has a problem coping with an underlying fear of the future, and its members have developed strategies to deal with their anxieties and tendency to worry. Each of the Thinking 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 Observer - Five
The Five with a Four-wing is called the Iconoclast. They combine the cerebral, love-of-learning style of a Five with the emotional, creative vision of a Four. They tend to be loners and eccentrics. They usually have an artistic bent rather than a scientific interest. The Five with a Six-wing is known as the Problem-Solver. This subtype makes effective analysts, blending the perceptiveness and discernment of the Five with the organization and attention to detail of the Six. They tend to be drawn to more practical subjects, and they approach them with a cooperative, disciplined style. They don't give up, and are willing to go the extra mile in order to collect a surprising amount of facts and information about whatever topics they are researching. One of the unique strategies that Fives employ to gain independence from others is to establish a minimalist lifestyle. By not making commitments of their time, energy, or resources, they are able to limit their required interactions. They like to keep to themselves, withdrawing not because they have to but because they want to avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed in social settings. By staying in their own minds, they avoid all the messy feelings and anxieties that interactions with others create for them. When they are in a group, Fives like to talk about the subjects they have researched, and they find it difficult to maintain "small talk." By staying with a topic that they feel comfortable about, they don't have to bother with what they feel is the inane trivia of most social banter. Not surprisingly, it can be difficult for Fives to establish long-lasting relationships with others. Fives have a tendency to feel small and insignificant, so they stay in the background and observe those around them rather than participate in the action. They never feel they know enough, or are skilled enough, or prepared enough, to call something finished. As a result, they are always working on drafts and preparing prototypes. This habit can be a major frustration to those around them. They are introverts and see most interpersonal interactions as a drain on their energy rather than energizing. Therefore, it is hard to have a relationship with a Five, who wants to stay independent and has a tendency to be secretive about projects and activities. Fives are not only absentminded and detached; they also can get lost in endless speculation and trapped in overwhelming anxieties. However, at their optimum, they have an ability to bring clarity and insight to the topics they investigate, helping us think more deeply about our world. The Enthusiast - Seven
The Seven with a Six-wing is called the Entertainer. They combine the joyful attitude of a Seven with the engaging responsibility of a Six. They have quick minds and a cooperative bent that helps them get along well with others. Their high energy level, excitement, and optimism make them productive additions to any team. The Seven with an Eight-wing is called the Realist. They meld the quickness of a Seven with the drive of an Eight. They are practical and determined, often showing the ambition to reach positions of power and fame. They can be blunt and aggressive, but they can also have a great sense of humor and a flair for the outrageous. Sevens are the classic consumers of the Enneagram. They like to know what the best products are, what they cost, and where to buy them at the lowest prices. Sevens have fun getting the best they can afford — because they deserve the best, after all. And they are willing to work hard to obtain these things. Most Sevens are somewhat driven by a materialistic world view where having more things and being able to travel more will bring more happiness. Since Sevens are easy-going and charming, they tend to have a lot of friends and find it easy to build relationships. People are drawn to them because they are such fun to be with and they bring excitement and laughter to every gathering. They don't like to be bored; they are creative and keep things moving from one idea to the next. There is a downside to a relationship with a Seven, however. Sevens don't like to make commitments because they always have the feeling that something better might show up later, and they don't want to miss out on a good thing. They can end up letting appointments slide and breaking promises, which can lead to broken relationships, too. And it is not just a problem with relationships. Whatever Sevens are doing in the moment, they are constantly wondering whether it is the best use of their time, or whether there is something more fun that they could be doing instead. The end result is that they never truly enjoy anything. This constant search for the peak experience can leave the Seven frustrated. By searching for more and more stimulation, the Seven can end up feeling numb and empty. Their impatience and self-interest can cause others to turn away. Sevens can try to escape by turning to substance abuse or some other escapist behavior, such as gambling or overspending. But at their best, Sevens are engaging extroverts who are terrific at teaching us all how to lead joyful, happy lives. The Trooper - Six
The Six with a Five-Wing is called the Defender. Defenders combine the tenacity and organization of a Six with the technical expertise of a Five. This subtype is drawn to disciplines that have well-structured patterns, so it is not surprising to find them in science, math, and even the law. They are often the champions of others, rebelling against the status quo when they believe there has been an injustice. The Six with a Seven-wing is called the Buddy. They have the fun-loving nature of a Seven with the engaging responsibility of a Six, making a stalwart friend. They are serious about getting their bills paid and making sure their family and friends are safe and secure. But they also enjoy having a good time; they have a sense of humor and are able to liven up any group. Sixes try to overcome their anxieties by working hard and showing others how valuable they are. A Six hopes that by making himself or herself useful, others will allow the Six to join their group, which would provide the Six with increased security within the group. Sixes are often very frugal; they are afraid to spend money because they are worried they won't have enough later. They are extremely gifted in forming warm and long-lasting relationships. It is important to them to have friends and to fit in with others; sometimes a Six will become overcommitted because he or she does not want to tell anyone "no." They are good at foreseeing problems and are natural troubleshooters. Being adept at systematic thinking, they are able to give careful attention to detail and approach problems methodically and creatively. Being a Six is not easy. Sixes are always on the alert for danger, and this state of suspicion and constant vigilance can be draining. It is very difficult for them to feel safe, and they are hyper alert for signals that something is going to go wrong, either in their immediate environment or in the near future. They are very good at coming up with imaginative worst-case scenarios. Unfortunately, some of the ways Sixes deal with their anxieties is to assume the role of victims, bemoan the unfairness of it all, and blame others for their fears. Sixes can complain and be resentful or they can try to take action to change the situation. When they can control their anxieties, Sixes are the epitome of all the Enneagram personality types at expressing the qualities of commitment and service. More Enneagram Descriptions:  |
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Fives are not only the ones who ask the difficult questions; they are the ones who go to great lengths to find the answers. Other names for this type include the Specialist, the Radical, the Expert, the Investigator, the Thinker, and the Innovator. They are intense, quiet, intellectual, studious, curious, inventive, perceptive, and focused. You never really know what subject they will delve into – it could be nuclear physics, Shakespeare, chess, vintage cars, or rock music – but whatever it is, you can be sure that a Five will try to learn everything there is to know about it. They use this knowledge as a way to boost their self-confidence. Since their basic concern is they can't do normal, everyday things as well as others, they believe that by becoming an expert on a topic, they will be able to compensate for their social awkwardness.
Sevens, or Enthusiasts, are always on the go and are able to juggle lots of tasks at the same time. They believe that the goal of life is to be happy, and they pursue that goal by seeking the fun and joy in every moment. Other names for this type include The Multi-Tasker, the Wunderkind, the Dilettante, the Connoisseur, the Energizer, and the Generalist. They are spontaneous and versatile, approaching life with a bold vivaciousness and a sense of adventure. They are quick thinkers and are great at brainstorming. Often good athletes or musicians, Sevens have excellent motor skills and coordination. They are energetic and often operate at a frantic pace. All this activity can be the way Sevens escape from inner anxieties — they keep themselves so busy that they don't have time to worry.
Six, or the Trooper, is committed, responsible, engaging, and suspicious. This type is also known as The Troubleshooter, the Traditionalist, the Stalwart, the Loyalist, the Guardian, the True Believer, and the Doubter. They are loyal to their friends and to their beliefs, willing to defend and fight for both. They do not like change. Their main concern is to build an environment that will be truly secure and provide enough support in a world they believe has those commodities in short supply. Sixes see dangers almost everywhere and they worry a lot. They do not have a great deal of self-confidence and often second-guess themselves. 