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Nine Enneagram Types Explained In-Depth

Enneagram types can help you understand your personality and motivations in and out of a group. There are nine distinct types in the enneagram system, split into Head, Heart, and Body triads [1]. While the Enneagram system can provide some valuable insights into our personality types and motivations, each individual is unique. The HIGH5 strengths assessment offers a complementary approach by helping you identify your inherent talents and strengths.

By understanding your natural strengths and how to leverage them effectively, you can boost your self-awareness, personal growth, and interpersonal relationships. The HIGH5 assessment empowers you to embrace your authentic self and cultivate a growth mindset. So you can navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence. Let’s begin by looking into what characterizes each of the nine Enneagram types.

Introduction of all nine Enneagram types

As mentioned, there are nine distinct types in the Enneagram system. If you think about it, this makes sense as there are nine points. Let’s look at the various Enneagram types in a bit more detail.

Enneagram Type 1 – The Improver

Sometimes called the Reformer, the type One is marked by a focus on personal improvement. They are always looking for ways they can improve themselves and this often manifests as an interest in spirituality, personal growth, or self-help. They want to be better than their peers without wanting to point out what others are doing wrong. This is more of an internal judgment. They are often well-behaved and proper, but they can be stubborn about changing their ways for fear of doing something wrong or being seen as hypocritical.

Enneagram Type 2 – The Helper

Being a caring and empathetic type, type Twos place the needs of others above their own. They are usually very giving and generous but can become hurt or disappointed when they feel like they aren’t appreciated enough. They are good listeners and will help others by providing advice or practical care (although sometimes this is misinterpreted as smothering). This type tends to become more clingy the more they are rejected or ignored. They have high expectations of themselves and others, so they can be very disappointed if their efforts aren’t rewarded enough. Twos are often hard on themselves but kind to (and tolerant of) others.

Enneagram Type 3 – The Achiever

Success-oriented and proactive, Enneagram type threes are usually highly motivated presentable individuals who want to impress others. They will often formulate tons of exciting plans that they hope to achieve to provide themselves with a sense of value. They can be very ambitious and competitive, trying hard not to let anyone outshine them or cause them to lose their looks or reputations. Achievers are often hard on themselves and struggle with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. They can be charming, but will often try to distract others from noticing these fears. They prefer to look good and accomplished on the outside rather than work on their internal self-worth.

Enneagram Type 4 – The Individualist

Being quiet at times and also introspective, type Fours will sometimes withdraw from the needs and expectations of others. They may feel that they cannot live up to the standards that others have set for them. They can become reclusive and melancholic when they become too focused on themselves. However, when focused on others they have a good sense of humor and can be very creative. Fours are often artistic and appreciate the finer things in life. They may even try to bring attention to themselves by becoming a subject of their art. They tend to resist change, especially when it involves them going outside of their comfort zone or being seen in a negative light.

Enneagram Type 5 – The Investigator

The Type Five Investigators are intelligent and insightful individuals who love to delve deeper into theories and concepts to understand them better. They enjoy finding out information that not everyone knows about and being able to share it with others or use it for their benefit is something they appreciate a lot. They can be seen as loners because they rarely feel the need to socialize, but this is often because they are lost in their thoughts or research. When Fives do socialize though they are usually confident and passionate about what they know. Fives are very clever and analytical individuals who trust their gut instincts more than they trust what other people have to say. They are usually in their head a lot, but when they are grounded enough they can be very charming and witty.

Enneagram Type 6 – The Loyalist

Sixes are often passionate individuals who want to take part in activities that will benefit them or others. They are always looking for new ways to improve themselves or others but can become anxious when they feel like their plans are failing. They need to know that the people around them are reliable and will be there if needed. They want to trust others but sometimes may worry too much about what people think of them. Sixes are often hard on themselves but also make sure the people around them aren’t slacking off. They are usually well-informed individuals who can bring a lot of different perspectives into one room or project.

Enneagram Type 7 – The Enthusiast

Always on the go and fun-loving, type Sevens are all about being present and enjoying the moment. They can be overly enthusiastic at times and more than a little impatient with anyone who cannot keep up with them or slow them down. They want to experience everything life has to offer and truly appreciate anything new that comes their way. Type Sevens like to live in the moment and will often push themselves too hard to get things done. They like to be surrounded by people who can supply them with variety and constant stimulation. Sevens love sharing their experiences with others and thoroughly enjoy being the center of attention.

Enneagram Type 8 – The Challenger

Type Eights are often solid individuals who prefer to get what they want by beating out others. They are very ambitious and have a strong sense of self-reliance, but can be too confrontational with others at times. Eights are likely to be powerful people in their lives, both physically and mentally. Other people may see them as impenetrable fortresses, but deep down they are the most sensitive types on the Enneagram, although it can be hard to get to know this. Eights tend to take risks because they want to be in the driver’s seat. They won’t back down from confrontation and thrive when they have influence.

Enneagram Type 9 – The Peacemaker

Nines are usually laid-back individuals who enjoy their downtime. They’re the types to slip into a good book, but they can also be caught up in their daydreams. Nines can be very relaxed people, but they are also very sensitive to their environment and are always prepared to defend themselves. They have pretty solid opinions on things that matter most in life, even if they don’t like to be the center of attention or take up too much space.

Levels of Enneagram type development

Enneagram types show themselves differently to the world at healthy, average, and unhealthy levels.

Healthy

A healthy level of Enneagram type development means that that type of Enneagram is very mature and healthy in that area of their personality. They “grow” towards integration and demonstrate characteristics of another type. For example, an Enneagram type 3 (The Achiever) at healthy levels will demonstrate signs of type 6 (The Loyalist), and appear more stable and relationship-oriented.

Average

An average level of Enneagram type development means that that Enneagram type is pretty healthy but not entirely, and still has room for improvement. It can also mean that the Enneagram type is either unhealthy or mature in certain areas. An average Enneagram type 3, for example, will appear driven, status-conscious, and goal-oriented.

Unhealthy

At unhealthy levels, Enneagram types will experience disintegration under stress and pick up characteristics from another type. Using our previous example, an Enneagram type 3 under stress will resemble a type 9 (The Peacemaker), and shy away from conflict; perhaps withdraw from the world altogether and become apathetic.

Pro Tip From HIGH5

While the levels of Enneagram type development can provide a useful framework, it’s important to approach personal growth with a strengths-based mindset. Reflect on your natural talents and strengths, and consider how you can leverage them to overcome challenges and achieve your goals. The HIGH5 strengths assessment can help you identify your unique strengths and develop strategies for leveraging them in a healthy and balanced way.

What are Enneagram type wings and do they represent?

Enneagram wings are usually just a slight variation of the main Enneagram type. They can be either healthy or unhealthy, but in general, they represent a different way of looking at the world [2]. For example, a Type Three (Achiever) with a two wing would be more people-oriented and focused on their relationships, while a three with a four wing would have more of an emotional and artistic flair.

All Enneagram types have another type they grow towards, and a different type they fall back to under stress, so keep this in mind if you want to accurately figure out someone’s type. For example, a type Three with a Two wing (3w2)would be more likely to care about others’ opinions, while a type Three with a Four wing (3w4) would be more reclusive and focused on their ideas.

How to divide and recognize enneagram types?

There are three main groups of Enneagram types, which are known as the Heart, Head, and Body triads. Generally speaking, these divisions do represent the way an Enneagram type tends to behave.

Heart types (2, 3, 4)

People with Enneagram Heart types tend to be very sensitive and can take criticism personally. They are types 2, 3, and 4. They often have a physical manifestation of their sentimentality which mainly consists of easily-accessible tears and a desire for hugs or other forms of contact. The health levels of these Enneagram types tend to be very high and they can overwhelm people with their unstoppable emotional outpourings.

Head types

The Enneagram Head types in this category tend to be more detached from their emotions and may seem unresponsive or uncaring. They are types 5, 6, and 7. They can look cold and aggressive when they just don’t understand how to express themselves, so tend to bottle up their problems instead of talking them through with others. This type is also very intelligent but this often goes hand-in-hand with being distant from other people. They may have a hard time understanding emotions that are beyond what can be rationalized.

Body types

These Enneagram body types are in tune with their physicality and can be highly sensual. They are types 8, 9, and 1. They are often tactile or sexually expressive, but the main thing that characterizes them is a desire for physical contact and bodily strength.

Pro Tip From HIGH5

As you explore the different Enneagram type categories (heart, head, and body), remember that each individual is a unique blend of strengths and traits. Consider taking the HIGH5 strengths assessment to gain a holistic understanding of your dominant strengths and how they influence your approach to life. This knowledge can help you navigate interpersonal dynamics more effectively and foster greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Enneagram types FAQ

Which Enneagram is the most common?

Which Enneagram type is the best?

There is no “perfect” or infallible Enneagram type. All Enneagram types are good at something specific, which is why many people find it useful to get more knowledgeable about this because, otherwise, they may not be aware of what opportunities exist for them in life.

Is there a rare Enneagram type?

The Type 5 Investigator appears to be the rarest Enneagram type, accounting for only 4.8% of a sample, with the Type 8 Challenger following closely behind [3].

What is the most complex enneagram type?

The Enneagram Type 4 personality is one of the most unusual and perplexing across the Enneagram spectrum. Their personality is marked by a pervasive feeling of being “different” from everyone and the need to express their intense emotions through art. Still, the waters run deep.

What is an Enneagram subtype?

There are three subtypes: self-preservation (sp), sexual (sx), and social (so) instincts [4]. Each of these pertains to certain Enneagram types and can even depend on what wing they have. Self-preservation (sp) key features: