Enneagram 101: Enneagram Types Explained

By Rev. Rhonda Abbott Blevins, DMIN

Author’s note: This is the second in a series entitled “Enneagram 101.”

Previous Post: “What Is The Enneagram?”

There are nine basic personality types in the Enneagram of Personality. This article offers a crash-course about each of the nine personality types of the Enneagram. Let’s get started!

Type 1 is the “Perfectionist.” The superpower for Ones is their incredibly strong sense of right and wrong; they seek to improve themselves as well as the world around them. Ones are hardworking, responsible, and ethical. They strive for excellence and have high expectations of themselves and others. The hard part about being a One is that they can be overly self-critical and perfectionistic; they sometimes struggle with guilt and anger when they fall short of their own high standards.

Type 2 is the “Helper.” The Type Two superpower is their desire to help other people. They are generous, kind, and empathetic; they care deeply about the well-being of those around them. They are giving of their time, their energy, and their resources. The hard thing about being a Two is that they often put the needs of others before their own needs. Saying “no” and setting boundaries is hard for many Twos. They sometimes over-function to the point of neglecting their own needs.

Type 3 is the “Achiever.” Threes want to be successful and admired. They are ambitious, self-motivated, and goal oriented. The Three superpower is their ability to accomplish and achieve objectives. The hard part about being a Three is that, because Threes crave recognition and validation from others, their self-worth can be tied up with their achievements. They sometimes struggle with feelings of worthlessness when they don’t achieve at a high level, but they can’t show those feelings! They believe they must present an image of success despite their nagging insecurities.

Type 4 is the “Individualist.” Sensitive and introspective, Fours have a strong sense of identity. Emotionally deep, Fours are highly aware of their feelings and needs. Creativity is the Four’s superpower. Many Fours are drawn to the arts and self-expression to communicate their inner world. What’s hard about being a Four is that they sometimes struggle with feelings of not fitting in or not being understood. They can be sad or melancholy. Fours sometimes feel envious of those who seem to have an easier time fitting in or finding fulfillment.

Type 5 is the “Sage.” The superpower for Fives is their keen observation skills. Analytical, independent, and curious, Fives crave knowledge, so they are often well-read and well-informed. Fives want to understand the world and find meaning in it, which often leads to intellectual and solitary pursuits. What’s hard about being a Five is that they can sometimes struggle with a sense of inadequacy and feeling overburdened by the demands of the world around them. When Fives get overwhelmed, they will withdraw and retreat into themselves. This sometimes makes Fives come across as detached or aloof. In team settings, Fives can contribute in significant ways through employing their curiosity and independent nature.

Type 6 is the “Loyalist.” The superpower for Sixes is loyalty; they will go to great lengths to help or support their friends and family. Dependable, hardworking, and responsible, Sixes value commitment and are usually reliable team players. Sixes crave security and stability. It’s hard to be a Six because of the significant anxiety, fear, and angst that comes with Six-ness. Sixes can be indecisive; they often have a hard time making decisions on their own. Instead, they rely on guidance of authority figures or trusted friends. Sixes struggle with self-doubt, making it hard to trust their own instincts and abilities.

Type 7 is the “Adventurer.” The Seven superpower is enthusiasm and optimism. They are usually outgoing and enjoy being around people. Sevens crave new experiences and adventures; they have a variety of interests. Highly adaptable, Sevens are skilled problem-solvers, and they excel at brainstorming. Sevens love to have fun, they enjoy spontaneity, and they like to spread their enthusiasm to others. What’s hard about being a Seven is feeling restless and bored; they can have a hard time slowing down. Sevens tend to avoid difficult emotions and problems; they quickly reframe bad situations and find something positive from them. Sevens can be impulsive, and they often overcommit themselves.

Type 8 is the “Challenger.” The Eight superpower is their strong sense of personal power; they are not afraid to take charge. Eights can be determined; once they set their minds on something, they will stop at nothing to achieve it. Eights are natural leaders; they can be decisive and effective. Assertive and confident, Eights protect those they love—they are fiercely loyal to friends and family. It’s hard to be an Eight because they tend to avoid vulnerability and often suppress their emotions to appear strong. They can be confrontational; they sometimes struggle with anger and resentment. Eights can inspire and motivate others; they can also come across as intimidating.

Type 9 is the “Peacemaker.” Easy-going and supportive, Nines see the best in people. Their superpower is their strong desire for inner and outer peace. Naturally empathetic, Nines can connect with others on a deep level. Compassionate and generous, Nines love to help others. What’s hard about being a Nine is that they often struggle with self-doubt. They may have a hard time standing up for themselves and asserting their own needs. Nines will occasionally merge with someone else or go along with the crowd to avoid conflict. The understanding nature of Nines sometimes leads to difficulty setting boundaries and saying “no” when it is necessary.

That’s a brief synopsis of each Enneagram type. Which type sounds most like you?

If you want to continue your journey of transformation, I hope you’ll check out my next blog post: “Enneagram Centers of Intelligence.”

Visit AscendEnneagram.com for opportunities for Enneagram coaching, typing, team building opportunities or group encounters.