Understanding Enneagram Type 1
Welcome to Enneagram Type 1. Individuals of this type are driven by a deep desire to do what is right, to improve themselves and the world around them, and to live with integrity. With a strong inner critic and a natural eye for what could be better, Type 1s are principled, responsible, and idealistic—often holding themselves (and others) to high standards. In this post, we’ll explore some of the basics of what it is to be a Type 1!
This type’s attention naturally goes towards error: what’s wrong or out of place, and how to correct it. They are focused on avoiding mistakes. They really want to get it right, have high integrity, and make things better in their environment. Effort towards progress tends to be their motto.
As a result, Type 1s are often principled, purposeful, rational, and self-controlled. However, their desire to avoid labels like “bad,” “corrupt,” or “unethical” can also lead them to be overly perfectionistic, critical, and resentful. Of the classic names for Type 1, I like “The Reformer,” because (I think) it accurately describes what 1s are doing. They are like sculptors, who feel they’ve been given the clay of the scenery/family/group/society they were born into—and they want to mold that clay into something greater. Their determination is fierce.
I’ve attempted to further clarify this type with my own addition: “The Idealistic Improver.” To me, improvement is truly the best word to sum up what Type 1s strive for. They look at the world around them and see infinite potential, saying to themselves, “So much is possible here. We can do better.” It isn’t really about perfection, it’s about not settling for the way things are now—things can always be further improved.
Check out some names from different Enneagram experts in the graphic below.
As members of the Body Triad, type 1s are concerned with control and autonomy. They certainly want to control their surrounding environment, to “make it better,” by fixing what they perceive to be wrong with it. But that is all in the pursuit of being a good person.
So it’s really more about what’s going on inside—1s try to assert control over their internal world first and foremost. They attempt to “edit out” thoughts, feelings, and instincts that they perceive as being wrong to have/display. 1s feel that if they do not exert control over their internal world, their base instincts will be running the show (and that will turn them into bad people).
In growth, Type 1s soften their inner critic and begin to embrace flexibility, allowing themselves and others to be human and imperfect. They become more accepting, joyful, and spontaneous—able to hold their ideals without letting them become rigid rules. From this place, their integrity shines even more clearly, rooted in compassion rather than control.
In relationships, Type 1s bring sincerity, loyalty, and a deep commitment to doing right by their partner. They value honesty and shared principles, and often express love through acts of responsibility and support. At times, their desire to improve things can come across as criticism, but underneath is a genuine wish to help their relationships flourish.
At work, Type 1s are reliable, ethical, and driven by a strong sense of responsibility. They hold themselves to high standards, often becoming the go-to person for doing things “the right way.” Their diligence and desire for improvement make them natural organizers and advocates for quality—but they may struggle with perfectionism and being overly self-critical.
In other posts, we will continue to dig even deeper into the type. You can click the tag below “Type 1” to see all the related posts!
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