In the third article in the Enneagram series, we will explore the Enneagram Thinking Types. As a reminder, the Enneagram is a tool to improve self-awareness as well as other elements of emotional intelligence. It is a study of the nine basic types of personality that explains why we behave the way we do and points to specific directions for growth.
The Thinking Types approach the world through their head with rational thought. They are as follows:
Type Five – The Investigator (aka The Observer)
Fives are excellent thinkers and strategists. They want to know and understand everything to be self-sufficient and avoid looking foolish.
SUPERPOWER – Power of observation
CORE FEAR – Of being helpless or incapable
CORE DESIRE – To gain knowledge and avoid relying on others
FIVES AT THEIR BEST
- Self-sufficient
- Analytical
- Reflective
- Wise and clever
- Well-thought-out responses
- Problem solvers
FIVES AT THEIR WORST
- Intellectually arrogant
- Analysis paralysis
- Stubborn
- Distant/aloof
- Critical of others
- Unassertive
- Negative
- Withdrawn
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Get comfortable asking for help – Fives desire complete autonomy but should work on not being afraid to ask for support when needed.
- Step outside of your comfort zone – You can do this by saying yes to things that aren’t very comfortable for you (e.g., social events).
- Explore your emotions – Become more self-aware by challenging yourself to sit with your feelings and explore what you might be repressing.
Type Six – The Loyalist (aka The Questioner)
Sixes are reliable, hard-working, loyal, and trustworthy. They want security so they focus on creating safety and structure.
SUPERPOWER – Spotting what could go wrong
CORE FEAR – Being without support or guidance
CORE DESIRE – To have security and safety
SIXES AT THEIR BEST
- Organized
- Insightful
- Anticipate and solve problems
- Loyal
- Prepared
- Accurate
- Likable
- Helpful
- Troubleshooters
- Ethical
SIXES AT THEIR WORST
- Pre TSD – they have Pre TSD rather than Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Worry a lot!
- Doubt themselves and others
- Procrastinators (probably the worst of the types)
- Have trouble relaxing
- Suspicious
- Hyper analysis at times
- Paranoid
- Defensive
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Own your power – Sixes tend to view life as a series of events that happen to them. You could work on learning to acknowledge and own the power that you have to impact outcomes.
- Work on building trust in your relationships – Learn to have more faith and trust in the people in your life.
- Develop healthy habits to release anxiety – Sixes spend a lot of time in their head, so it’s essential to practice habits that focus on your body like physical activity. In addition, Sixes can really benefit from mindfulness practice to release stress and anxiety.
- Realize that most of the things you worry about don’t come to pass.
Type Seven – The Enthusiast (aka The Adventurer)
Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous – the life of the party. They want to be happy and plan enjoyable activities and avoid suffering and pain.
SUPERPOWER – Joy and vision
CORE FEAR – Being deprived and in pain
CORE DESIRE – To be happy and have stimulating experiences
SEVENS AT THEIR BEST
- Inspiring
- Optimistic
- See possibilities
- Enthusiastic and energetic
- Fun
- Spontaneous
- Risk-taking
- Charming
- Curious
- Confident
SEVENS AT THEIR WORST
- Impulsive
- Rebellious
- Superficial
- Lack self-discipline
- Scattered
- Aversive to rules
- Sometimes don’t do what they say they will do
- Don’t listen
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Manage your impulsiveness – Practice the pause when you feel impulsive. Become a good judge of which impulses to act on and which ones not to.
- Prioritize and develop plans to help finish tasks and projects
- Practice active listening – Instead of listening to others with the intent to reply, really listen!
Next month, we will conclude the series by taking a look at the Instinctive/Gut Types.
