The Enneagram Quick Test

By Rev. Rhonda Abbott Blevins, DMIN

 

The first Enneagram book I ever read was The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Riso and Russ Hudson. It remains my favorite. Although Enneagram theory has been refined since Wisdom was published in 1999 (especially related to subtypes), the Riso-Hudson work remains the most cogent explanation of Enneagram theory of all the Enneagram books I have read.

At the beginning of the book, Riso & Hudson share what they call the “QUEST” (Quick Enneagram Sorting Test). I think it’s brilliant. The “QUEST” is based on two Enneagram groupings: the “Hornevian” groups and the “Harmonic” groups.

Hornevian Groups

Hornevian groups were named for Karen Horney, who observed that individuals tend to adopt one of three social styles in order to get what they want. Melded with Enneagram theory, the three Hornevian groups are:

  • The Assertive types (3, 7, 8) insist or demand that they get what they want.

  • The Withdrawn types (4, 5, 9) move away from engagement to get what they want.

  • The Compliant types (1, 2, 6) do what is expected or required to get what they want.

Harmonic Groups

Harmonic styles describe how individuals react when things don’t go their way or when they don’t get what they want. Like the Hornevian groupings, there are three Harmonic styles as well:

  • The Positive Outlook types (2, 7, 9) reframe negative situations and look at the “bright side.”

  • The Competency types (1, 3, 5) put aside personal feelings and strive to be objective, effective, and competent.

  • The Reactive types (4, 6, 8) react emotionally to conflict and problems and struggle with trusting other people.

Riso and Hudson discovered that if you can determine both your Hornevian and Harmonic styles, you’ll know your core Enneagram personality type. The “QUEST” isn’t the most thorough Enneagram inventory, but it is an excellent beginning point to anyone’s Enneagram journey. I invite you to take the Quick Test, and share it with a friend!

(If you have trouble with the form below, click here.)

 

Visit ascendenneagram.com for more Enneagram tools for transformation.

Rhonda Blevins