The Enneagram is a dynamic personality assessment tool, which can help you both recognize and accentuate your own unique strengths and so thereby give you the confidence to embrace a more purposeful, directed and ultimately successful life. When used in conjunction with a detailed job analysis it can be a powerful instrument for finding a suitable occupation.

It identifies 9 base personality types, known as ‘enneatypes’, which are grouped into 3 triads - 'feeling', 'thinking' and 'instinctive'. Whilst each person will have an innate root 'enneatype', this will be influenced to a greater or lesser degree through a systematic relationship with the other enneatypes.

The Feeling Triad - twos, threes and fours

These types are more emotionally driven and react to feelings before recognizing what they think or considering how they should respond.

Caregivers (type 2) are empathizers. They are protectors and selfless. At an ideal level they are kind, caring and considerate. However, at an unhealthy level they can become domineering, approval seeking, and self-important. Wing Influences – 1 (Perfectionists) and 3 (Achievers). Point of Integration 4 (Romantics) and Point of Disintegration 8 (Challengers). They are most closely associated with the attribute (Sefira) of Binah (Understanding).

Achievers (type 3) are success orientated. Highly motivated and competitive, they are driven to make a name for themselves. At an ideal level they are able to maximize their potential and make the most of their talents. However, at an unhealthy level they can become deceitful, vain, narcissistic and exploitative. Wing Influences – 2 (Caregivers) and 4 (Romantics). Point of Integration 6 (Loyalists) and Point of Disintegration 9 (Mediators). They are most closely associated with the Sefira of Hesed (Benevolence).  

Romantics (type 4) are creative, introspective and sensitive. They are authentic seekers and appreciate beauty. At an ideal level they are self-actualizers, genuine and passionate. However, at an unhealthy level they can become moody, suffer from melancholy and self-obsessed. Wing Influences – 3 (Achievers) and 5 (Observers). Point of Integration 1 (Perfectionists) and Point of Disintegration 2 (Caregivers). They are most closely associated with the Sefira of Tiferet (Beauty).

The Thinking Triad - fives, sixes and sevens

These types when confronted with a new experience tend to analyze, evaluate or plan before responding with actions or feelings.

Observers (type 5) are rational, objective and profound. They are truth-seekers, wanting answers for everything. At an ideal level they are wise, knowledgeable and forthright. However, at an unhealthy level they can become insecure, isolated and anxious. Wing Influences – 4 (Romantics) and 6 (Loyalists). Point of Integration 8 (Challengers) and Point of Disintegration 7 (Adventurers). They are most closely associated with the Sefira of Gevurah (Strength).

Loyalists (type 6) are rational, insightful and devoted. They seek security and stability. At an ideal level they are faithful to friends, family and causes. However, at an unhealthy level they can become anxious, possessive, indecisive and procrastinators. Wing Influences – 5 (Observers) and 7 (Adventurers). Point of Integration 9 (Mediators) and Point of Disintegration 3 (Achievers). They are most closely associated with the Sefira of Netzach (Steadfastness).

Adventurers (type 7) are optimistic, ambitious and innovators. They enjoy life to the full. At an ideal level they are energetic, resilient and highly disciplined. However, at an unhealthy level they can become narcissistic, self-absorbed, impulsive pleasure-seekers. Wing Influences – 6 (Loyalists) and 8 (Challengers). Point of Integration 5 (Observers) and Point of Disintegration 1 (Perfectionists). They are most closely associated with the Sefira of Hod (Splendour).

The Instinctive Triad - eights, nines and ones

These types are more instinctive by nature and often go with their 'gut reaction' before considering how they feel or what they think about a new experience.

Challengers (type 8) are assertive and courageous. They are ambitious and charismatic. At an ideal level they are practical, resourceful and independent. However, at an unhealthy level they can become arrogant, possessive, paranoid and controlling. Wing Influences – 7 (Adventurers) and 9 (Mediators). Point of Integration 2 (Caregivers) and Point of Disintegration 5 (Observers). They are most closely associated with the Sefira of Yesod (Righteousness).

9 Mediators (type 9) are patient, trusting and reassuring. They are calm under pressure and self-effacing. At an ideal level they are approachable, accommodating and supportive. However, at an unhealthy level they can become fatalistic, disassociated and oblivious to pain. Wing Influences – 8 (Challengers) and 1 (Perfectionists). Point of Integration 3 (Achievers) and Point of Disintegration 6 (Loyalists). They are most closely associated with the Sefira of Malkhut (Sovereignty).

1 Perfectionists (type 1) are crusaders for justice. At an ideal level they are objective, tolerant, idealistic and conscientious. However, at an unhealthy level they can become resentful, rigid, close-minded and obsessed with order. Wing Influences – 9 (Mediators) and 2 (Caregivers). Point of Integration 7 (Adventurers) and Point of Disintegration 4 (Romantics). They are most closely associated with the Sefira of Hochmah (Wisdom).

* You will notice that two of the Sefira - Keter (Crown) and Da'at (Knowledge) - are missing from the comparison. This is quite easily explained. Keter is an overarching Sefira, which encompasses all the others, whilst Da'at is a sub-Sefira, often not shown on the Tree of Life, relating to Hochmah (Wisdom) and Binah (Understanding).

daniel@tiferet.co.uk