What is the Enneagram?

We've been asked this question hundreds of times, and there are easily a hundred answers. But here is a good jumping off point: “Ennea” is the Greek word for nine. The modern Enneagram is a system of nine personality types, which describes nine different ways of seeing the world. The nine types are based on specific sets of core internal motivations, which lead to different “placements of attention.” To say it more simply, your Enneagram type is discerned by what aspects of life occupy your attention the most. It’s an answer that can only be derived from your internal world. Wherever your focus lands most often and most automatically, that’s where you’ll find the preoccupations of your Enneagram type.

So, your number is much more than just a list of character traits. Here are some other ways to describe what Enneagram Type is:

• One’s framework of perception, a filter used to sort incoming information—giving privilege to whatever information is deemed important, and registering the rest as background noise

• Unconscious programming. A “hidden worldview” that drives the way you behave and navigate life, but exists beneath the surface of conscious awareness

• A tool to explore and lend understanding to one’s inner life

• A collection of intertwined superpowers and stumbling blocks

• Your version of “that’s just what life is”—your unquestioned world paradigm

Bottom Line: the way we see it, the Enneagram is just a mirror that reflects you back to you. Your role in the process is to keep looking into the mirror willingly—until you can see yourself with enough clarity to create a pause, a space, in your automatic patterns. In that space, you can make new choices. The most important thing to remember is that your Enneagram number is meant to describe patterns of habit. Those patterns may represent your fiercest challenges, they may also be your greatest teachers—but at the end of the day they are merely patterns. They are not who you are. The Enneagram helps you become the best version of yourself, and bring that best version of yourself to all your relationships.

So, what about these nine types, then?

As we mentioned, the Enneagram is a system of nine personality types, which describes nine different ways of seeing the world. In the image to the right, you see the Enneagram symbol with the nine types mapped out for you to see. We have listed two common names for each type (although you may have heard many others not pictured here).

Below are some brief descriptions of each type:

• Type 1: Places attention on errors (and how to correct them) in order to be good and ethical. Often disciplined, organized, with high integrity, but may also be critical, perfectionistic, and overly controlled.

• Type 2: Places attention on others’ needs (and how to meet them) in order to be generous and likeable. Often warm, attentive, and altruistic, but may also be overbearing, intrusive, and manipulative.

• Type 3: Places attention on tasks and goals (and how to accomplish them) in order to be successful and accomplished. Often driven, self-assured, and pragmatic, but may also be impatient, over-working, and too focused on appearances.

• Type 4: Places attention on what’s missing (rather than what is there) in order to be original and extraordinary. Often creative, expressive, and personally authentic, but may also be self-absorbed, dramatic, and temperamental.

• Type 5: Places attention on collecting information (and retaining it) in order to be competent and wise. Often perceptive, intelligent, and innovative, but may also be very private, overly analytical, and emotionally shut down.

• Type 6: Places attention on hazards and worst-case scenarios (and how to avoid them) in order to be safe and secure. Often loyal, thoughtful, with a questioning mind, but may also be suspicious, pessimistic, and anxiety-ridden.

• Type 7: Places attention on pleasant options/ideas (and ensuring they are plentiful) in order to be positive and upbeat. Often outgoing, high-energy, and good synthesizers, but may also be impulsive, escapist, and overindulgent.

• Type 8: Places attention on power dynamics (and how to deal with them) in order to be strong and protective. Often action-oriented, confident, and magnanimous, but may also be confrontational, overly impactful, and domineering.

• Type 9: Places attention on harmony (and how to maintain it) in order to be comfortable and at peace. Often easygoing, receptive, and diplomatic, but may also be indecisive, conflict avoidant, and self-neglecting.

The above descriptions are just the tip of the iceberg, as far as understanding these 9 types. To get more information on the types themselves, you can sign up for one of our workshops and groups, follow Noah on Instagram @lets.talk.enneagram, or check out some of our favorite enneagram resources.