#2 Enneagram

key terms: wings, Tritype - core/fixes, Triads, Patterns of Structure [Harmonics/Social Styles/Object Relations], Triads, Dis/integration

I. Basic Information

II. Enneagram Websites
a. Descriptions
b. Enneagram + Wings
c. Comparisons of the types
d. Documents

III. Patterns of Structure
a. Instinctual Triads (Gut [8, 9, 1], Heart [2, 3, 4], Head [5, 6, 7])
b. Harmonics (competent [1, 3, 5], positive [2, 7, 9], reactive [4, 6, 8])
c. Social Styles / Hornevian Groups (compliant [1, 2, 6], assertive [3, 7, 8], withdrawn [4, 5, 9])
d. Object Relations (attachment [3, 6, 9], frustration [1, 4, 7], rejection [2, 5, 8])
e. Fixes/Tritypes

IV. Additional
a. Books
b. Diagrams

I. Basic Information:

Enneagram isn’t just about “fears” and “desires.” All MBTI and Enneagram combinations do not exist. Coping mechanisms are of the highest priority. Use Harmonics/Social Styles/Object Relations, Triads, Dis/integration patterns to further narrow the type down and for further guidance if core or order is uncertain. Adjust also using IVs.

Introductory Information:

Introduction: How the Enneagram System Works
Simplified Enneagram

Chestnut Paes

1) The Reformer: Rational, principled, self-controlled :1w9: :1w2:

> Type One is sometimes called The Perfectionist in that they tend to view the world in terms of how it matches (or doesn’t match) what they view as perfect or ideal. Their focus of attention is on whether things are right or wrong, doing the right thing, noticing and correcting errors, and working hard to improve things. They have a strong internal critical voice that comments on the things they do, and they can be critical and judgmental of others. Because of their orientation toward right and wrong, they want to make sure others are also doing the right thing, so they correct others, often thinking they are being helpful. They usually conform to rules and standards and tend to be idealistic reformers. They are often people of high integrity. Central challenges include managing their own anger and self-criticism.

2) The Helper: Caring, generous, possessive :2w1: :2w3:
> Type Two is sometimes called Givers or Helpers, but an even better title is The Befriender, as Twos want to create rapport and connection with people. They usually give strategically in that they can be afraid to ask for what they need, so they give to others as a way of making themselves important and implicitly inviting others to meet their (unspoken) needs. They tend to be friendly, upbeat, and generous (to a fault). Their focus of attention is on other people, important relationships, and what other people think and feel about them. They pay a lot of attention to whether or not others like them and they strive to be indispensable and approved of in the eyes of others. They are very empathic with others, but they can be out of touch with their own feelings and needs and overgive compulsively to others.

3) The Achiever: Adaptable, ambitious, image-conscious :3w2: :3w4:

> Type Three is sometimes called The Performer, and they tend to view the world in terms of tasks, goals, and achieving success. Their focus of attention is being perceived as successful and getting a lot done. They tend to think in terms of objectives and organize their lives around those objectives. They are good at matching the ideal model of how something should be done in terms of material success and cultural ideals of achievement. They usually focus on doing at the expense of feeling (emotions) and being. They can have a difficult slowing down and knowing what they are feeling, but they are very good at getting a lot done in the most efficient way. Their main challenges are knowing what they really think and feel (and not just what looks good to think and feel) and slowing down and not doing anything.

4) The Individualist: Intuitive, aesthetic, self-absorbed :4w3: :4w5:

> Type Four is sometimes called The Artist. They tend to have an artistic or aesthetic sensibility, they value authenticity, and they are typically comfortable with a wide range of emotions, including pain. Because they live more in their feelings than other people, they can at times over-identify with their emotions. They focus their attention on their internal world, the status of their connections, and the aesthetic aspects of their environment. In relationships, they value depth and the genuine expression of feeling. They tend to be idealistic and creative, but they can at times get caught up in longing, melancholy, or a focus on the past.

5) The Investigator: Perceptive, innovative, detached :5w4: :5w6:

> Type Five is sometimes called The Observer. They tend to be introverted and shy, and less expressive emotionally than other types. They focus their attention on thinking, on interesting intellectual pursuits and interests, and creating boundaries to maintain privacy. They often have the sense that they have a limited amount of energy and they are sensitive to other people potentially draining them of their finite stores of time of energy. They are usually well-boundaried and can withdraw to a safe place if they feel threatened by intrusion. They can be overly boundaried at times and can have a hard time sharing themselves with others in relationships.

6) The Loyalist: Engaging, responsible, defensive :6w5: :6w7:

> Type Six is sometimes called The Devil’s Advocate or The Contrarian. They have a rebellious streak and usually have some authority issues – both wanting a good authority and feeling a sense of mistrust in the presence of authority figures. They focus their attention on detecting threats to their safety and preparing in case something dangerous happens. They are naturally vigilant and can be either actively fearful (phobic) or strong and intimidating as a proactive move against fear (counter-phobic). They tend to be loyal, analytical, and good at trouble-shooting, but they can also struggle with paranoia and indecision.

7) The Enthusiast: Upbeat, accomplished, impulsive :7w6: :7w8:

> Type Seven is sometimes called The Epicure or The Adventurer. Sevens tend to be energetic, fast-paced, and optimistic. They focus their attention on fun and stimulating things to think about and do, on creating many options, and on planning. They are usually enthusiastic, fun-loving people who dislike feeling uncomfortable feelings including sadness, anxiety, boredom, or pain. They are good at reframing negatives into positives, they usually have many interests, and they usually enjoy engaging socially with others. Their central challenges include dealing with difficult or uncomfortable emotions, showing up for conflict in relationships, and focusing on one thing at a time.

8) The Challenger: Self-confident, decisive, domineering :8w7: :8w9:

> Type Eight is sometimes called The Boss or The Challenger. Eights tend to be oriented toward strength and power. Eights usually move toward conflict and confrontation more easily than other types. They also have more ready access to anger than most of the other types. Eights focus their attention on creating order out of disorder, the big picture, and who has the power. They have big energy, which can be intimidating to those around them, but they can often underestimate their impact on others. They can be excessive, impulsive, generous, and protective of others. They are natural leaders but can have a blind spot when it comes to expressing vulnerability.

9) The Peacemaker: Receptive, reassuring, complacent :9w8: :9w1:

> Type Nine is sometimes called The Mediator or The Peacemaker. Nines make good mediators because they can naturally see all sides of an issue and feel motivated to reduce conflict and create harmony. They are usually affable and easy-going, and they focus their attention on getting along with other people. They tend to be out of touch with their own anger and agenda because having strong opinions might invite conflict with others, which they dislike and so habitually avoid. Nines often have a hard time saying no and taking a stand for their own desires, and so can say yes when they mean no, and can be passive-aggressive when their unacknowledged anger leaks out or gets acted out.

II. Enneagram Websites

a. Enneagram websites

b. Enneagram + wings

c. Comparison of the types

d. Description documents

Enneagram: Cognitive Function Pairings

Wisdom of the Enneagram Imgur

Russell Rowe Imgur

III. Patterns of Structure

a. Triads

Enneagram Coping Mechanisms in the triads

Gut cores: 8, 9 and 1 are concerned with maintaining resistance to reality (creating boundaries for the self that are based on physical tensions). These types tend to have problems with aggression and repression. Underneath their ego defenses, they carry a great deal of rage. Deny their own vulnerabilities, impulses, or anger, acting as if they don’t exist, in order to maintain control of themselves and their environments, and avoid what they don’t want to experience or become.

Gut triad and autonomy: Beginning with the types in the Instinctive Triad we can see that the Eight demands autonomy, the Nine withdraws to gain autonomy (to have their own space), and the One attempts to earn autonomy (feeling that if they are perfect, others will not interfere with them).

Heart cores: 2, 3, and 4 are concerned with self-image (attachment to the false or assumed self of personality). They believe that the stories about themselves and their assumed qualities are their actual identity. Underneath their ego defenses, they carry a great deal of shame. Identify with a desirable image of themselves/”persona” to avoid feelings of being unlovable, worthless, or insignificant. By doing this, they maintain their sense of self, stepping into that image and losing touch with how they actually are.

Heart triad and attention: Moving into the Feeling Triad, we see that the Two, a compliant type, tries to earn attention (serving and doing thoughtful things for others). The Three, being an assertive type, demands attention (doing whatever wins recognition and attention), and the Four, a withdrawn type, withdraws for attention (in the hope that someone will come and discover them).

Head cores: 5, 6 and 7 are concerned with anxiety (they experience a lack of support and guidance). They engage in behaviors that they believe will enhance their safety and security. Underneath their ego defenses, they carry a great deal of fear. Disassociate from the problem in one manner or another, directing their focus elsewhere or seeking safety, in order to avoid feeling or experiencing insecurity.

Thinking triad and security: In the Thinking Triad, the Five withdraws for security ("I will be safe if I stay away from others"), the Six tries to earn security ("I will be safe if I do what is expected of me"), and the Seven demands security ("I am going after whatever I need to feel secure").

b. Harmonics (competent, positive, reactive)

These types show how a person will react and cope when they do not get what they want. They reveal the way our personality defends against loss, conflict and disappointment. There are three different groups for the enneagram. They are the positive outlook types (2, 7, 9), the competent types (1, 3, 5) and the reactive types (4, 6, 8).

The Positive Outlook Group: 2, 7, 9. They adopt a positive attitude, re-framing disappointment in a positive way. They emphasize the uplifting aspects of life and look at the bright side. They have trouble facing the dark side of themselves; they do not want to look at anything painful or negative in themselves.

These types react to conflict and disappointment by trying to adopt a ‘positive’ attitude. They will try to reframe the situation in a positive light, and are often considered ‘glass half-full’ people. These types will often deny that they even have a problem, and will try to tell others that they are fine. 2s, 7s, and 9s also often have trouble balancing the needs of themselves with the needs of others around them. For example, 2s focus too much on the needs of others, 7s focus too much on their own needs and 9s can oscillate between the two. As a result, they will often not face their problems head-on and will try to deny their existence.

The Competency Group: 1, 3, 5. Deal with difficulty by putting aside their personal feelings and striving for objectivity, effectiveness, and competency. They problem solve logically and expect others to do the same. They often have power struggles with the systems and rules around them, since they don’t know how much they want to obey them or rebel.

These types react to conflict in an unemotional, objective and detached way. They have learnt to put aside their own problems in favour of ‘getting the job done.’ They often try to use logic to solve problems, and expect others will do the same, so they cannot understand the reactions of other types (especially the reactive types). 1s, 3s and 5s are confused about their role in systems and structures, and how much they should follow the rules of said structure. For example, 1s operate within the rules, 3s can do both depending on their goals and 5s often operate outside of the rules. Consequently, they approach their problems in the same way.

The Reactive Group: 4, 6, 8. They react emotionally to conflicts and problems and have difficulties knowing how much to trust other people. When problems arise, they seek emotional responses from others that match their own concern. They have strong likes and dislikes, and must deal with their feelings before calming down to handle the issue. They struggle to balance their need for independence with a need for others’ support. They are either looking for advice and direction or engaging in rebellion.

These types react emotionally to conflicts and their thinking can often be clouded by their feelings and emotions. They want others to react similarly to their problems, and will have strong opinions on certain things. They may be the type to want others to terminate friendships with others because they don’t like them or they betrayed their trust. They deal with their problems quickly and often explode, however after the explosion of emotion they will often move on more quickly than other types. 4s, 6s and 8s are concerned with control and fear being betrayed by others. For example, 4s subconsciously want to be taken care of, 6s want to both take care of and be taken care of and 8s want to be providers and take care of others.

c. Social Styles (compliant, assertive, withdrawn)

The compliant types: 1, 2, 6. Attempt to earn something by placating their super ego to get what they want. They do their best to be “good” to get their needs met.
The assertive types: 3, 7, 8. Insist or demand that they get what they want. Their approach is active and direct as they go after what they believe they need.
The withdrawn group : 4, 5, 9. All withdraw to get what they want. They disengage from others to deal with their needs.

d. Object Relations (attachment, frustration, rejection)

Attachment: The core Types—3, 6 and 9—are members of the attachment group. People with these personality types get into trouble by attaching to something that, ultimately, limits their life experience. 3s attach to external validation from others, causing them to strive for success and make sure they get noticed. 6s attach to the external support of individuals or groups to feel safe and allay their fears – remember that 6s are part of the Fear triad. 9s attach to an inner sanctum where everything is as it should be (to them): peaceful and comfortable.
Frustration: Types 1, 4 and 7 fall into this group. 1s are frustrated most of the time; if you know a 1, you can see it on their faces quite often. Their frustration comes from living in a world that is not fair or rational. They are also frustrated that they are not perfect. 4s are frustrated by never feeling that they get what they need. Happiness is always just out of reach. For 7, their many adventures, experiences and collections of stuff fail to satisfy them fully, causing frustration and the cyclical need for more.
Rejection: The members of this group are Types 2, 5 and 8. These types expect to be rejected, ostensibly because they experienced rejection early in life. Nobody wants to be rejected, so the Types come up with strategies to avoid it. 2s do everything they can to please and serve others so that they will become indispensable; who could reject someone like that? 5s, as Thinking Types, rely on their brain to be seen as useful to others by creating a niche for themselves where they can be experts. 8s don’t really come across as rejection types, since they are assertive, instinct-based people, but their need to be powerful come from the underlying fear that unless they display their power, they will be rejected. This is at least part of the reason that they have difficulty showing vulnerability.

Integration and Disintegration

e. Tritype

The order of one's tritype is determined by strength/preferential order. Consider important factors such as the 3 instinctive triads, Object Relations, Social Styles/Hornevian Triads, Harmonic Triads, coping mechanisms, and general characteristics of the types themselves.

Tritype descriptions: