Overview of the nine enneagram types
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Type 1 - Principled Reformer
Type Ones are ethical and conscientious with a strong sense of right and wrong. Well-organised, orderly and self-controlled, they are always striving to improve things. Type Ones monitor their behaviour against high standards but can slip into being critical and perfectionist. They assume responsibility and apply themselves diligently. They can find it difficult to relax and allow themselves pleasure.
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Type 2 - Helping Befriender
Type Twos are caring, generous, relationship-orientated, thoughtful and empathetic. They are motivated to feel liked and affirmed by others. They take pride in their natural sense of what other people need. Often self-sacrificing, Type Twos can be flattering and people-pleasing. They are there for others but do not easily recognise their own physical limits and needs.
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Type 3 - Productive Performer
Type Threes are achievement driven, image-aware, efficient and hard-working. They are charming and adaptable, and are motivated to be seen as competent and successful. With their continuous drive, Type Threes can be workaholic, very competitive and at times emotionally disconnected. At their best, Type Threes are role models who inspire others.
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Type 4 - Authentic Individualist
Type Fours are expressive, aesthetically sensitive, introspective and romantic. Comfortable with a wide range of emotions including pain, Type Fours over-identify with their emotions. They have an underlying feeling that they are flawed or that something is missing, and yearn to fill that gap. As highly creative individuals, Type Fours avoid the ordinary and mundane.
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Type 5 - Quiet Specialist
Type Fives are cerebral, intense and observant. They are innovative and motivated to gain insight and thorough knowledge. They need their own private space. Highly independent, Type Fives conserve their energy and fear being depleted. They set clear boundaries and stay in control of potential demands. They can appear distant and detached but are very sensitive.
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Type 6 - Questioning Troubleshooter
Type Sixes are reliable, analytical, responsible, vigilant, and prepared. In a world that seems unsafe and threatening, Type Sixes seek to lessen their anxiety through finding out who and what they can trust. They are either actively fearful or rebellious and intimidating as a proactive move against fear. Having overcome self-doubt and suspicion, Type Sixes are very loyal, compassionate to others, warm and witty.
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Type 7 - Enthusiastic Visionary
Type Sevens are optimistic, fun-loving, adventurous, and versatile. They are playful and high-spirited and focus on fun and stimulating new experiences. They can become over-extended, scattered and exhausted by staying on the go. Type Sevens try to avoid emotional pain and conflict by mentally reframing. They look to the future and do not like feeling constrained or limited.
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Type 8 - Powerful Challenger
Type Eights are direct, strong, assertive, and action-orientated. They like to be in control and to feel the vibrancy of life that comes with challenge and excess. They have a big energy that they project. Type Eights are drawn to protect the weak and fight injustice. They are natural leaders with a blind spot about expressing their own vulnerability.
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Type 9 - Mediating Peacemaker
Type Nines are easy going, supportive, steady, accommodating and self-effacing. They are conflict-avoidant and can be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. Their “go along to get along” approach means they find it hard to focus on their own agenda and priorities. Type Nines enjoy comfortable routines. They are excellent listeners and can see all sides of a story.
“Jeanie is warm, friendly and encouraging. Her careful questioning made me think about my personality and my response to situations in a way I had never explored before. Her assessment of my type was very accurate. A thought provoking and very enjoyable experience!”
Anne Webber, November 2021