Breaking the Enneagram: A Total Beginner's Guide (2023)

IsEnneagramm, a funky 9-pointed geometric structure, has been the whole subject of personality testing and career training for the past decade. The nine distinct points are connected to the deeper facets of the psyche (ie the unconscious) to identify the core motivations, fixations, virtues, fears, desires and temptations. If that sounds a bit confusing, then we're here to add some clarity to the process.

Breaking down the Enneagram for beginners

We're excited to announce our version of the Enneagram! It takes about 10 minutes to fill out and provides a pie chart breakdown of your preferences for each of the nine ennea types.Take our free Enneagram test now!

Your results are here. What do you mean?

A visual example of the results:

Most of your results should indicate the enneatype that best describes you, from the numbers 1 through 9. In the example above, our examinee is enneagram type 6.

the nine speciesThey are divided intothree triadswhich divide the system into three areas:

• Visceral instincts):Type 8, 9, 1

• Idea):Type 2, 3, 4

• head (thinking):Type 5, 6, 7

Each member of the triad has a hyper-focused core feeling when under stress:

• Gut (Types 8, 9, 1): Anger

• Heart (Types 2, 3, 4): Shame

• Head (Types 5, 6, 7): Fear

Wings: when types are merged

Every point in itThe Enneagram is surrounded by wings, or two adjacent enneatypes (numerical values: one above and one below), which can influence the properties of the original enneatype. It is also possible to write without a specific wing, meaning that you are very characteristic of your ennea type.

The resulting subtype is loudly called "(Type) 'Wing' (Type)". So a 2 has either a wing 1 or a wing 3. Do the math: this gives a total of 18 variations in addition to the original 9 ennea types.

The main type "borrows" features from the neighboring wing, resulting in a hybrid of the two. For example, a 2W1 ("Two Wing One") is a helper (Type 2) with reformist tendencies (Type 1). This particular person is likely to be passionate about something and extremely organized.

(If you are more curious, there are 6 sets ofinstinctive variantin addition to the 27 subtypes, resulting in 162 combinations, but that is beyond the scope of this article).

It can be helpful to run the test a few more times afterward to check for consistency. Remember: choose the answer that comes to mind first; Your answers should be intuitive to provide the most accurate results.

The official principles of the Enneagram state:

1. Personality does not change from one type to another.

2. The description of each type is universal and can be applied to all genres.

3. The description of each type cannot be applied to one person forever, as human nature oscillates between healthy and unhealthy levels.

4. Numbers are used to represent each type; They are considered neutral.

5. The order (1-9) does not represent the goodness or badness of the types.

6. No type is better or worse than another; Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Nine Rolls: A Brief Summary

Here are the 9 Eneatipo Scrolls with a brief overview of each one.

Typ 1(The Perfectionist)

The Perfectionist is serious and practical, with strict morals that show in their lifestyle and decisions. They are on a quiet mission to improve the world with their knowledge and intrinsic drive.

• Focus: organize, comply, systematize
• Basic goal: To be a good and just citizen of society; contribute to high standards.
• Basic fear: being morally wrong or corrupt; breaking principles and promises.

Typ 2(Assistant)

With a natural affinity foremotional intelligence, the helper builds and strengthens connections. As natural givers, they are generous with their time and energy and have high hopes of bringing out the best in others.

• Focus: giving, connecting, sharing
• Basic Goal: Caring for and giving freely to others; that love will be returned.
• Basic fear: of being unwanted or unnecessary and having no one to take care of.

Typ 3(The winner)

Successful and motivated, the top performer takes on new challenges in order to expand his ever-growing wall of personal achievement. They are adaptable, charismatic and willing to go the extra mile to achieve their dreams.

• Areas of focus: Status, Appearance, Achievement
• Basic goal: To be more and more successful, fulfilled and valuable.
• Basic fear: Losing reputation and becoming insignificant in the eyes of others.

Typ 4(The individualist)

By creating unique works of personal expression, the Individualist focuses on presenting the world with their authentic, unfiltered self and ultimately trying to unleash their true inner identity. Her overarching goal is to seek a deep sense of purpose in all aspects of her life.

• Areas of focus: self-identification, creation, conceptualization
• The basic goal: to choose an unmistakable image and to stand out as a truly unique person.
• Basic fear: Being unoriginal and unappreciated, without a clear self-identity.

typ 5(The investigator)

As life philosophers, the researcher searches for patterns and connections between the great mysteries of the essence of life itself. They are knowledge sponges and intellectually open-minded they go new and virginal paths.

• Areas of focus: detention, analysis, prosecution
• Primary goal: To become ever more knowledgeable, wiser and informed about the complexities of life.
• Basic Fear: Being incompetent and useless; helpless in the face of new challenges.

Enter 6(The faithful)

Skeptical and detail-oriented, the Loyalist seeks security and devotion in all areas of his life. You are keen on maintaining trust and are excellent problem solvers who can get down to the details.

• Areas of focus: preparation, engagement, savings
• Basic goal: to feel safe, accepted and supported.
• Basic fear: Being in a panic; Feeling of insecurity and disorientation.

typ 7(The Enthusiast)

Wide-eyed and full of energy, every step of life's journey is an adventure for the enthusiast. Optimistic and infinitely curious, they like to seek out new experiences and enjoy life to the fullest at every moment.

• Focus: discover, experience, recharge your batteries
• Basic Goal: Live an exciting and fulfilling life full of joy and opportunity.
• Basic Fear: Getting caught up in menial activities and succumbing to boredom.

Typ 8(The challenger)

Goals, strategy and continuous improvement are the three cornerstones of Challenger. Stubborn and courageous, they make leaps and bounds in what they anchor their minds to. Their desire for autonomy and power drives them to become opinion leaders in their fields.

• Focus: Leadership, Pioneers, Strategy Making
• Fundamental goal: to dominate life as a strong, motivated and intrinsically motivated person.
• Basic Fear: Being controlled and weakened by lack of freedom and power.

typ 9(The Peacemaker)

The Peacemaker is accepting and tolerant of others, and goes to great lengths to ensure harmony in a group. They are masters of language and gently encourage others to express their views openly, with patience and empathy.

• Areas of focus: harmonise, calm down, encourage
• Basic Goal: Feel fullness and peace with the outer and inner environment.
• Basic Fear: Being haunted by a constant sense of conflict and being separated from others.

One of the key features of the Enneagram is the breakdown of healthy, normal, and unhealthy levels. Under stress, one type can resemble another, so it's important to pay attention to the integration (growth) ↔ dissolution (stress) arrows. More on that below.

The truth about the arrows of growth and stress

Each type of Enneagram indicates a different type of growth (integration) and tension (disintegration). We call these pointsArrows of the Enneagram. When an ennea type is functioning optimally (good work-life balance, strong sense of purpose, support system, physical health), the growth arrow is activated. You will experience traits of a different nature that will enhance your self-development.

For example, if a Type 2 (Helper) is successful, they will inherit some traits from a Creative Type 4 (Individualist). This allows them to feel comfortable with themselves and understand how to take care of the needs of others while maintaining their identity.

However, when stress strikes, the cold can produce anxiety, depression, and even psychosomatic symptoms (e.g., pain or trouble sleeping). This process is called disintegration and triggers the stress arrow.

When a Type 2 breaks up, they come across as more like a controlling Type 8 (challenger), trying in vain to assert control of their relationships, being overly rigid and uptight about getting exactly what they want, the complete opposite of how. d work normally.

Enneagram Applications

In addition to exploring adjustment and career resources, the Enneagram's applications are widespread. From improving team communication to inspirationguide, is a complete and awesome tool that guides you through every stage of the growth process.

With the promise of further intensive research and development, the Enneagram has great potential for major advances in the professional field. It is also gaining support in areas such as psychotherapy, business and healthcare.

What are your results? How useful do you find the Enneagram? Did you learn something new? We'd love to hear it in the comments below!