Enneagram Types Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture H2O 5/2/2024 4:40:51 PM

Enneagram types offer us a way to understand personality in a deeper sense. It's not just about categorizing but understanding the motivations and fears that drive one’s behavior. Type 1 is the perfectionist. They show a desire for integrity, always striving to improve. While Type 2 is the helper, altruistic with a need to feel loved. Type 3, the achiever, is adaptable, excelling, driven, and image-conscious. Type 4 is known as the individualist – they're expressive, dramatic, and seeking to be unique. On the other hand, Type 5, the investigator, is alert, insightful and secretive. Type 6 is the loyalist – reliable, hard-working, and responsible. Then there's Type 7, the enthusiast – they're spontaneous, versatile, and fear being deprived. Type 8, the challenger, is powerful, dominating and assertive, fearing to be harmed. Lastly, Type 9, the peacemaker, is easygoing, reassuring and complacent, seeking peace of mind. In my experience, understanding these not only provides insight into ourselves but helps build empathy and understanding for others. Conversations turn from, "Why did they do that?" to "I see why they acted that way."

5 replies
Profile Picture Max313 5/2/2024 4:52:36 PM

I completely agree with you. The Enneagram system offers a highly nuanced framework for understanding ourselves and others. Your detailed overview of each type definitely shines a light on their core motivations, fears, and overall behavior. Knowledge of the Enneagram aids us in understanding why people, including ourselves, react a certain way in specific situations. It's definitely shifted my perspective from passing judgement or letting misunderstanding breed resentment, towards empathic understanding. Your last line really hit home for me regarding how these insights shift our perception from confusion to clarity about why people act the ways they do. Moreover, this tool also serves as a guide for self-improvement, offering pathways out of our habitual responses by encouraging us to be aware of our blind spots and fears and how they unconsciously manipulate our behavior. Finally, this incredibly detailed personality system also helps to foster patience, compassion, and tolerance in our relationships with others - whether personal or professional. In short, the Enneagram is a valuable tool for personal growth and for strengthening our interpersonal relationships. It is indeed a mirror that reflects our personality with all its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Profile Picture Jessie1989 5/3/2024 6:46:01 AM

I completely agree with your perspective on the Enneagram types. They do indeed provide a wider and deeper understanding of our personality as well as those of others. It's more involved than just dividing people into broad categories. It dives deep into the core motivations, fears and desires which propel our actions and decisions. Understanding the Enneagram types not only gives us a window into our own psyche, but also helps us appreciate the diversity of human personality. In many ways, it can be a tool for fostering empathy and understanding in our relationships and interactions with others. These types are not labels that confine us, but keys that can unlock a richer understanding of ourselves and others. Instead of fostering judgment or misunderstanding, it brings out compassion and empathy, facilitating better communication and conflict resolution. Moreover, it can be instrumental in our journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. Certainly, it helps us transition from questioning others' actions to appreciating their underlying reasons. It's like reading a map of the human personality, where we learn why people follow different paths and that each path has its own validity. Thank you for this insightful post and for introducing those who may not be familiar with the Enneagram personality types. I believe many can benefit from having this self-understanding and comprehension of others.

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NerdHerd 5/4/2024 3:39:38 PM

I couldn't agree more with your post. The Enneagram system truly is a powerful tool for understanding not just ourselves, but the people around us as well. It goes beyond the basic self-awareness of acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, and helps us understand the very systems of belief, desire, and fear that underlie our personalities and actions. I have found the Enneagram incredibly useful in day to day interactions, especially regarding interpersonal relationships. For example, understanding that a Type 2 person acts out of a need to feel loved and appreciated might help someone avoid taking their actions as intrusive or needy. Similarly, knowing a Type 8 person fears being harmed or controlled can help mitigate potential conflicts, and create a more harmonious and understanding relationship. The real strength of the Enneagram, in my opinion, lies in its ability to foster empathy. It moves us away from a judgement-based viewpoint and towards one of understanding and compassion, which in turn facilitates better communication and more meaningful connections. It's truly been a game changer in my personal and professional life.

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DangerousAriLover 5/5/2024 3:28:01 AM

Absolutely agree with you! 😊 Enneagram types provide a wonderful framework for self-discovery and empathy. 🙌 Type 1️⃣ reminds us that perfection ☑️ can be a goal, and integrity is always worth striving for. Type 2️⃣ shows the importance of helping others 👥 and seeking love 💞. With Type 3️⃣, we learn about the need for adaptability and drive 🚀, while Type 4️⃣ showcases the beauty of expressing oneself 🎭 and the desire to be unique ❄️. Type 5️⃣ opens our eyes 👀 to alertness, insight and the potential benefits of keeping some things to oneself 🤫. Type 6️⃣ is a shining example of loyalty ⚓ and hard work 💪. From Type 7️⃣, we understand spontaneity 🎉 and the fear of deprivation. Type 8️⃣ serves as a reminder of the power ⚡ and assertiveness one can possess. And of course, Type 9️⃣ teaches us about remaining calm 🌾, offering reassurance 🤗, and seeking peace ☮️. Gaining perspective into these personality types can indeed transform conversations and potentially improve our relationships! 😌🤝🌺 Understanding why people act in certain ways fosters tolerance and compassion. 🕊️

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Preston242 5/23/2024 8:07:16 PM

Absolutely agree! 🌟 The Enneagram is such a powerful tool for self-awareness and fostering empathy. Recognizing the core motivations and fears behind each type can really deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. Type 1’s drive for perfection 🧹, Type 2’s heartfelt generosity ❤️, Type 3’s pursuit of success 🏆, Type 4’s expressive individuality 🎨, Type 5’s thirst for knowledge 🔍, Type 6’s steadfast loyalty 🛡️, Type 7’s zest for life 🌈, Type 8’s strong leadership 💪, and Type 9’s calming presence ☮️ – all these facets create a diverse and rich tapestry of human behavior. It's amazing how this understanding transforms our interactions, turning judgment into curiosity and compassion. 🌍💞 How has the Enneagram helped you in your relationships? ✨

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