What is the Enneagram

Introducing the Enneagram as a personality type model

Do you want to get to know yourself better? The Enneagram system is a widely accepted personality model that offers deep insight into our core driving motivations, opening up exciting possibilities in the prediction and understanding of human behaviour.

Enneagram Wheel of the nine personality types Enneagram type 9 Adaptive Peacemaker Enneagram type 1 Critical Perfectionist Enneagram type 2 Considerate Helper Enneagram type 3 Competitive Achiever Enneagram type 4 Intense Creative Enneagram type 5 Quiet Specialist Enneagram type 6 Loyal Sceptic Enneagram type 7 Enthusiastic Visionary Enneagram type 8 Active Controller

The Integrative Enneagram unlocks and supports your journey of self-discovery and uncovers the patterns of behaviour that subconsciously drive and motivate us to behave in certain ways. When we make these motivations conscious, we are able to transcend them and develop richer, more supportive ways of being. Working with this model empowers individuals to take the first step of responsibility for their own behaviours and growth, through a greater understanding of why they act and react the way they do.

The Enneagram is an archetypal framework consisting of nine Types that offer in-depth insight to individuals, groups, and collectives. Consisting of 3 Centers of Intelligence, 9 Enneagram Types, Wings, 27 Subtypes, and more, this model offers a rich map to personal development. It does not box people in but rather opens a pathway to self-discovery and greater personal awareness.

As a framework, it speaks to the journey of integration in a profound way. It is able to uncover the uniqueness of each individual and his or her journey. It does not only reveal what holds an individual back, you can also gain valuable insights into your journey towards strength and liberation, connecting us to our strengths and higher selves.

The Enneagram test is, therefore, a sense-making tool or a framework that enables the development of self-knowledge and meta-awareness.

The most effective, accurate, and comprehensive Enneagram personality test for our users, is the iEQ9 developed by Integrative Enneagram Solutions.

Enneagram Wheel of the nine personality types Enneagram type 9 Adaptive Peacemaker Enneagram type 1 Critical Perfectionist Enneagram type 2 Considerate Helper Enneagram type 3 Competitive Achiever Enneagram type 4 Intense Creative Enneagram type 5 Quiet Specialist Enneagram type 6 Loyal Sceptic Enneagram type 7 Enthusiastic Visionary Enneagram type 8 Active Controller
Definition and meaning of the Enneagram

Definition and meaning of the Enneagram

The Enneagram is a model of human psychology and personality theory, that is based on the idea that each person has a unique and innate personality structure, or "essence," that shapes the way they see the world and themselves.

The word "Enneagram" comes from the Greek words "ennea" meaning "nine" and "grammos" meaning "something written" or "a figure". The Enneagram symbol is composed of a circle with nine equidistant points, each representing one of the nine personality types. Its origin has an ancient history.

These Types are characterized by a unique combination of strengths, weaknesses, unconscious motivations, fears, and triggers that shape their thoughts, feelings, and actions. The Enneagram is not only a tool for understanding ourselves and others, but is also a powerful tool for growth, self-awareness, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. It can help individuals understand their own motivations and behaviours, as well as the motivations and behaviours of others, which can lead to more harmonious relationships, better communication, and more effective problem-solving.

What can the Enneagram do for me?

The Enneagram can be used to help us better understand our own personalities and the personalities of others, as well as to develop more self-insight and self-acceptance.

What are the Nine Enneagram Types?

Here are short definitions of the 9 personality Types. Follow the links to read more on each Type. But for the greatest benefit, use the official Enneagram personality test ,which has been scientifically validated. Do you want to discover your Enneagram personality? Take the iEQ9 Enneagram test and get a 20-page standard report or a 44-page full professional report that provide valuable support on your path to knowing who you really are and how to truly become a new you.

ennea icon type 8
ENNEAGRAM TYPE 8 The Active Controller Eights are forces of nature, with a strong presence and personality that values being in control. They are guarded but caring and protective of those around them. As they mask any vulnerability with a tough, no-nonsense exterior, they may seem intimidating and confrontational. At higher integration, they combine their directness with compassion, collaborating with others while serving the greater good.
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ENNEAGRAM TYPE 2 The Considerate Helper Twos want to meet others' needs in a helpful, supportive way. Warm, giving and people-oriented, they seek affirmation from their relationships and may be sensitive and angry if they feel unappreciated. They may over involve themselves in others' lives and risk being manipulative. Their integration challenge is to give unconditionally and to nurture themselves as well as others.
ennea icon type 5
ENNEAGRAM TYPE 5 The Quiet Specialists Fives are private individuals with an active mental life, observing and exploring how the world works. They struggle to share thoughts and feelings and may seem socially awkward or disinterested. At lower integration, Fives may be withdrawn, antagonistic and aggressively defend their isolation. At higher integration, they are intellectual pioneers, offering their perceptive wisdom unselfconsciously.
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ENNEAGRAM TYPE 9 The Adaptive Peacemaker Nines are diplomatic and attuned to the ideas of others, often as facilitators or mediators in groups. They form the glue between people with their friendly, grounding and stable demeanour. They struggle to connect to their own point of view, say no, and often avoid conflict. At high integration, they are independent and self-respecting, acting with self-awareness and autonomy.
ennea icon type 3
ENNEAGRAM TYPE 3 The Competitive Achiever Threes are 'doers' and tend to be practical, success-oriented and task-driven, and project a polished persona or image. They are competitive and will make sacrifices to achieve their goals and appear successful. They risk becoming overstretched or workaholic and may resort to deception or expediency to win. At higher integration, they work towards self-acceptance and authentic influence, connecting heart and hands.
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ENNEAGRAM TYPE 6 The Loyal Sceptic Sixes easily tune into potential danger and risks, act on a sense of anxiety and think in sceptical ways. They value trust, responsibility and loyalty and need to feel they are safe and belong. At lower integration they may be paranoid, reactive and insecure as loyalty turns into dependency and oversensitivity. At higher integration, self-reliant, committed and grounded Sixes give confidence to those around them, resiliently coping with risk.
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ENNEAGRAM TYPE 1 The Strict Perfectionist Ones are about improvement and 'right action', ensuring things are done correctly. They are principled, with a clear sense of right and wrong and may seem idealistic, self-righteous or judgemental. They organise their world and value facts, precision and clarity, working hard to avoid mistakes. Their gift is in discernment, evaluation and knowing what is right.
ennea icon type 4
ENNEAGRAM TYPE 4 The Intense Creative Fours search for meaning, depth and authenticity. They are emotionally sensitive and attuned to their environment; creative and expressive as individuals. They may seem emotionally moody, dramatic and focused on their own needs or what is lacking in their lives. As they integrate, Fours get in touch with their inner creative voice and are able to separate their identity and their emotions.
ennea icon type 7
ENNEAGRAM TYPE 7 The Enthusiastic Visionary Sevens seek variety, stimulation, and are a fun-loving Type, tackling challenges with optimism and engaging with life in a future-oriented way. In groups, they bring creativity, energy and optimism, and easily make friends. They may seem distracted, hedonistic, insensitive or irresponsible to others. Sevens are often unhappy but deny this, escaping into hyperactivity and impulsive pleasure-seeking. At higher integration they are present, finding joy within.
What are the 27 Subtypes and Instincts, and why do they matter?

What are the 27 Subtypes and Instincts, and why do they matter?

We all have three basic instinctual drives that are essential to the human experience – all three reside in us as necessary, body-based, primal forces. They are separate from personality and are behind our life strategies, which, though often unconscious, powerfully direct our fundamental way of being.

While all three these Instincts are always there, one of the three becomes dominant and is more easily accessed and, therefore, more easily used than the others. When the dominant Instinct merges with the Core Type and basic fear, a new character structure is formed. These are the 27 Subtypes according to Claudio Naranjo's model.

The IEQ9 Enneagram Test is designed to clearly identify your dominant Instinct and accurately reveal your Subtype.

Read more about the 27 Subtypes
What are the Centers?

What are the Centers?

Gurdjieff, in his Fourth Way teachings, explained that we function with three ‘brains’ that influence the way we think, feel, and behave. These are Thinking (head-centred), Feeling (heart-centred) and Action (body- or hands-centred). Normally, one of these Centers is dominant, and we have to consciously develop the use of the other two. For example, someone might say that they think their feelings, or act before thinking, or that their feelings often prevent them from thinking

There is a powerful connection between the Enneagram system and the Centers, so much so that the Nine Types can be grouped into three triads, each of which has its own set of issues that underly our behaviour. For example, the head-centred Enneagram Types (E5, E6 and E7) have issues with fear and cynicism; heart-centred Enneagram Types (E2, E3 and E4) have issues with image, sadness and shame; and the body-centred Enneagram Types (E8, E9 and E1) have issues with control and anger.

The iEQ9 test has a built-in assessment for the Centers and gives practical coaching tips to bring them into balance.

Read more about the Centers
What are the Centers?
What are the Wings?

What are the Wings?

The Wings refer to the two Enneagram types adjacent to your Core Type on the circle. These ‘close neighbours’ influence you but do not change your Type. If the Core Type is like ice-cream in a bowl, the Wings are the kind of sauce you add to it. It is not a second type of ice-cream, just the flavours of the adjacent Types. We all have access to both of our Wings, and each has a different set of resources and characteristics that we find helpful at times. Sometimes, one of these Wings is more familiar, or dominant. Some people don't like to add much ‘sauce’ at all (true Type or light Wings), others add a lot (strong Wing/s), and some add both (balanced double Wings).

The Wings enable us to understand the Types not only in isolation, but in relationship to one another. Since the Enneagram Types are seen as a spectrum or continuum, connecting to your Wings can help you understand the subtleties of your resonating Type. By leaning into our Wings, to one side or the other, we expand our perspective and increase our emotional and behavioural repertoire. The Wings may also offer a way to understand the tension and influences we experience when we are stuck, and create the potential we can access to reframe a dilemma as a transformation opportunity. The iEQ9's accurate Enneagram Test shows how you can use your Wings effectively for growth.

Read more about the Wings
What are the Lines on the Enneagram symbol?

What are the Lines on the Enneagram symbol?

The lines follow two sequences, 3-6-9 and 1-4-2-8-5-7-1. The Line symbolises movement, change dynamics and strong polarities. These lines indicate the influences and interactions between Types, patterns of energy movement or flow. While our Core Type remains constant as a 'home base', we are also capable of travelling, or even being pulled, along these connecting lines. Each Type or number is related to those on the other end of the line, as a polarity or paradox to be lived into.

Moving along the lines offers a significant shift in perspective or point of view, which allows us to step out of our typical style and reactions and create new ways to respond to the world around us. The lines, therefore, offer rich potential for exploration and evolution as they offer balance and fresh resources to our Core Type. Ideally, we work to develop the ability to be fluent in the lines as a continuum, as a path of movement for our integrated self.

Read more about the Lines
What are the Lines on the Enneagram symbol?
What are the Levels of Development?

What are the Levels of Development?

The levels refer to the degree of self-mastery we have achieved so far in our integration journeys in life. This is a time-bound measure and changes as we grow and develop, or as our circumstances become more or less challenging. While integration is not fixed, and people may move between high and low integration behaviours depending on context, more people demonstrate a concentration of energy and behaviour at a particular Level of Integration over time.

Read more about the Levels of Integration

What is the iEQ9 Enneagram personality test and why is the iEQ9 seen as the official Enneagram test?

The Integrative Enneagram test is a dynamically adaptive intelligent assessment. It will take you about 30 minutes to complete and it will score and measure: Enneagram Profile, 27 Subtypes, Centers, Wings, Lines, Levels of Integration and 6 dimensions of stress and Strain.

Begin your journey of self-discovery today!

Buy the iEQ9 Enneagram Test

What sets the IEQ9 test apart from the rest? Our assessment is backed by extensive research and is constantly updated with the latest insights from psychology, mindfulness and neuroscience. You can trust that our full report and results are valid, accurate and reliable. Our psychometry experts and data scientists have spent more than 12 years perfecting our assessment, ensuring that it is not only the most accurate test (+95%) but also user-friendly and accessible to everyone, according to the American Journal of Psychiatry.

There are many free Enneagram tests on the internet but none of them has undergone 12 years of extensive research and development. Most have been put together by people who hardly know Psychometry or using Statistical validation, big data and scientific test-retest methodology to improve the outcome. The founder of Integrative has worked directly with Claudio Naranjo to adapt the core teachings directly from his expertise. The reliability of the iEQ9 is positively enhanced by 4000 professional practitioners who use it with their clients on a daily basis, in big companies like Google, NASA, Microsoft and Amazon.

People tell us that they find the iEQ9 questionnaire easy to use even though it is comprehensive, integrated, dynamic and adaptive. The test has 175 questions, which are intelligently pulled out of a database of 2000, and only requires around 30 minutes to complete. You would need to do multiple alternative tests to get the equivalent of the iEQ9 report. Behind the scenes, statistical validation and unique machine-learning techniques are constantly updated to further increase precision. You can trust that we developed the expertise, with the guidance of solid theory, to give you a world-class soul map.

What is the iEQ9 Enneagram personality test and why is the iEQ9 seen as the official Enneagram test?

What are the benefits of using the Enneagram Test?

The Enneagram has, over the past decades, proved to be one of the most powerful tools in the people transformation and coaching environment. The use of the Enneagram not only fast-tracks insightful discovery, growth and integration, but also gives durability and magnitude to the evolution process over time.

THE BENEFITS FOR Personal self-awareness and self-development

Benefits for Personal self-awareness and self-development

Some of the key advantages of using the Enneagram is that it helps to create meta-awareness at the level of motivation. This means that it can help individuals to understand the underlying reasons for their actions and behaviours, which can, in turn, lead to increased consciousness and confidence.

Another benefit of using it is that it enables individuals to clear core emotional issues. By understanding the motivations behind their actions, individuals can work through unresolved emotional issues that may be holding them back.

The Enneagram also provides a framework for understanding functional and dysfunctional behaviours that stem from core motivations. This can help individuals to identify behaviours and blind spots that are not serving them and guide them in developing healthier ways of thinking and acting

Benefits for Personal self-awareness and self-development

One of the most important benefits is that it leads to a greater understanding of and deeper compassion for self and others. By understanding the motivations of others, we can develop more empathy and better understand their actions.

The Enneagram also uncovers pathways to development and integration. Additionally, it can increase productivity and motivation by helping individuals to understand their unique strengths and weaknesses and to set goals that align with their core motivations. Finally, the Enneagram creates a language and sense-making framework that stretches deeper than a personality trait-based approach and builds leadership authenticity, potency and impact.

Read more for Individuals
Benefits for Personal self-awareness and self-development

THE BENEFITS FOR Professionals, teams and leaders

Benefits for Professionals, teams and leaders

The Enneagram Test is a valuable tool for professionals and leaders as it can help to reduce judgement and criticism of others while building understanding and tolerance. By providing a framework for understanding the motivations of each member, the Enneagram can help leaders to see past superficial differences and to appreciate the unique strengths and contributions of each member.

Additionally, the Enneagram provides a framework for making sense of conflict and challenges. Rather than blaming strife on 'personality differences', the Enneagram allows members to identify underlying motivations that may be contributing to the conflict. This can lead to more effective, resilient and lasting solutions.

It also enables teams to move beyond traditional 'fault lines' and repolarise. This can lead to improved working relationships and increased productivity.

Benefits for Professionals, teams and leaders

Furthermore, the iEQ9's accurate Test can also enhance business procedures by providing a deeper understanding of inter-relations of group members, leading to improved communication and a new language framework for team dynamics. In a nutshell, the Enneagram can be a powerful tool to improve team dynamics, communication, and ultimately, productivity in the workplace.

The iEQ9 Team Full Report can be used by coaches with leaders to significantly enhance their resilience. It uses a unique fractal mathematical algorithm to generate a group gestalt.

Read more for Professionals
Benefits for Professionals, teams and leaders

THE BENEFITS FOR Organisations, culture and staff happiness

Benefits for Organisations, culture and staff happiness

The Enneagram assessment holds immense potential for organizations, culture, and employee satisfaction. It transforms the way teams work together by providing an insightful lens into the motivations and goals of each member. This understanding can help mitigate workplace politics and foster collaboration, leading to decreased conflict and improved team dynamics

The Enneagram acts as a game-changer for change management, empowering individuals to embrace and adapt to organizational transformations with greater ease. The deeper comprehension of team member's motivations and patterns equips organizations to tackle change with confidence, thereby decreasing fear and anxiety.

Benefits for Organisations, culture and staff happiness

Organizations can tap into the full potential of their workforce by comprehending the unique strengths and contributions of each member. This integration leads to a creative and productive work environment, driving performance and boosting overall productivity.

The Enneagram test also serves as a valuable tool for project management and leadership, providing a framework for effective organization and execution of projects. This leads to greater integrity within the organization, improving communication and enabling the discovery of hidden talents.

Culture change and effective communication are crucial elements of a positive and productive work environment. The Enneagram plays a significant role in promoting both, thereby contributing to employee happiness and overall wellbeing. This framework also enables organizations to develop more impactful talent and training programs, elevating individual growth and development.

Read more for Organisations
Benefits for Organisations, culture and staff happiness

What is the Enneagram personality test vs MBTI?

Diagram Enneagram

Enneagram Test

The iEQ9 Enneagram Test provides comprehensive insight into personality type and development. It identifies 27 nuanced subtypes and offers a dynamic model of evolution toward higher levels of health and functioning. The iEQ9 explains underlying drives and cognitive patterns that shape behaviour, addressing both strengths and growth areas. It anticipates how different types interact in complex social systems. Rooted in spiritual and psychological teachings, the iEQ9 supplies a profoundly meaningful perspective for those seeking self-actualization.

  • Shows you how you can know yourself and develop to new levels
  • Indicate the core motivations and fears that underly your behaviour
  • Provides clear and practical paths for growth and development
  • Predictive in complex situations and relations to others
  • Links to deeper spiritual and psychological teachings
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Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator aims to classify individuals into 16 personality types based on traits like extraversion and intuition. While research supports the validity of these traits for some purposes, the MBTI lacks a comprehensive model to guide personal growth over time. The MBTI, with its emphasis on observable traits, often falls short in capturing the subtleties and complexities inherent in human personality and motivation. However, the MBTI remains popular, especially for recruitment.

  • Surface personality traits, not the driving motivation
  • Doesn't offer a framework for personal growth
  • Doesn't indicate blind spots, biases and habits
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Strengths Finder

The Strengths Finder Test identifies individuals' strongest talents and skills from a list of 34 strengths. By highlighting areas of greatest competence, this tool can assist career and leadership development. However, the Strengths Finder adopts an imbalanced approach in focusing solely on strengths rather than personality as a whole. The model lacks a conceptual framework to indicate how strengths interrelate or evolve. Useful as a starting point, the Strengths Finder requires supplementation.

  • Focuses only on strengths, ignoring weaknesses, and areas for growth.
  • It lacks an understanding of how strengths interact dynamically across situations and relationships.
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Big Five Factors Test

The Big Five model proposes personality can be captured by five broad traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. Research supports the validity of these traits in providing a high-level sense of characteristics. However, the Big Five lacks nuance due to emphasis on just five traits. It does not sufficiently explain the deeper drivers underlying behaviour or take a dynamic view of personality change. While useful, additional tools are needed to supplement the Big Five's limited scope

  • Focuses on traits or behaviours, not why you do what you do
  • It does not provide insight into the deeper motivations, fears, behaviours, and coping mechanisms
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The 9 Types model can be more useful in shadow work with blind spots, personal insights, counselling or therapy, and in the workplace.

The Enneagram provides a more in-depth and holistic understanding of your full personality and the deeper mechanisms of why you do what you do.

Understanding Your Enneagram Type

Understanding Your Enneagram Type

Discovering your Enneagram Type can be a transformative experience, allowing for a deeper understanding of yourself and your interactions with the world. By revealing your strengths, weaknesses, and unconscious motivations, the nine Types model can pave the way for greater self-awareness and acceptance.

Determining your personality Type is a process that can involve multiple approaches. Some may choose to take a test, work with a seasoned practitioner, or simply study the Core Types to see which resonates with them most. The iEQ9 may be the closest to a fool-proof method to arrive at your Enneagram Type.

Once you have a clearer grasp of your Type, it's just as crucial to acknowledge your blind spots - the areas where you're most prone to struggle. For instance, a Type 8 may have difficulty expressing vulnerability, while a Type 4 may battle with self-doubt. By recognizing these blind spots, you can work to overcome them and grow as a person.

The importance of understanding one’s personality type

The importance of understanding one’s personality type

The impact of understanding your Type extends far beyond self-discovery, affecting your personal wellbeing and professional life in profound ways. By clarifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can improve communication, problem-solving, and relationships, leading to greater success in your career. Moreover, an understanding of your Type can reveal the best ways to care for yourself emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

The test and model provide a framework for understanding your personality and behaviour, serving as a valuable tool for growth and awareness. By gaining a deeper understanding of what motivates your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, you can cultivate greater self-acceptance and a holistic understanding of yourself. Furthermore, by recognizing areas for growth, it offers a roadmap to reaching your full potential, propelling you towards a life of self-discovery and growth.

The importance of understanding one’s personality type
Can the Enneagram be applied in leadership, team building?

Can the Enneagram be applied in leadership, team building?

The Enneagram test or assessment can be applied in various settings such as in leadership resilience building, or discovering and unlocking team dynamics. For example, knowing the personality Types of each member can be beneficial for effective communication and collaboration. In leadership transformation, it can be used to zoom in on and develop strengths and to address blind spots. In conflict resolution, it can be used to understand the motivations and perspectives of the different parties involved.

Summary

Out of all the models of personality types, the iEQ9 test and Enneagram model stands out as the most comprehensive and accurate. It can be a valuable tool for evolving and maturing, by providing a framework for understanding one's personality and behaviour. It can be applied in various settings such as in coaching, mentoring, leadership transformation, and the enhancement of teams. It can also be used to reveal one's main challenges and how to face them. By understanding one's Type, one can find the areas of struggle, and develop guidelines for addressing those challenges.

However, it has limitations and it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for understanding personality. It should be used as a tool for self-reflection and self-discovery, and in conjunction with other personality frameworks and assessments. There are various resources available for readers to continue learning about the Enneagram, such as books and workshops.

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