Description for Enneagram Type 3 with a 2 Wing

E3 - COMPETITIVE ACHIEVER | WING DESCRIPTIONS

Three (Core Type)

Threes are competitive “doers” and tend to be practical, task-oriented and willing to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. They usually show strong “A-Type” behavioural tendencies, focusing their energy on winning and appearing successful. They tend to project a polished persona or image, which they adapt to fit the requirements of success in a given situation.

At lower levels of integration, workaholic Threes may overextend themselves and resort to deception or extreme expediency to maintain their winning image.

At higher levels, they connect to a strong sense of who they are, moving towards compassionate self-acceptance, authentic influence and a strong connection between heart and hands.

Two Wing

Gifts:

This wing balances the Three’s task-oriented behaviour with more people orientation
This makes them less likely to run over people, as they value people as individuals not just contributors
They become more aware of their own needs and can balance these with work.
Accessing this wing may strengthen and deepen personal relationships

Challenges:

The Two amplifies the need to please key stakeholders, making Threes more outward-directed, seeking approval
Burnout is a risk as they work hard to adapt themselves to whatever others want or need
Instead of being true to themselves, they focus on others’ expectations
If their achievements are not appreciated, they may become disappointed and critical

Using the Wings to Develop yourself

As an Enneagram Type 3 wing 2, you have access to the characteristics and resources of both Type 2 and Type 3. Your Type 2 wing balances your task-oriented behaviour with a more people-oriented approach. This means that you value individuals not just for their contributions, but also for who they are as people. You become more aware of your own needs and can balance them with work, which can deepen your personal relationships.

However, your Type 2 wing also amplifies your need to please key stakeholders, making you more outward-directed and seeking approval. You may work hard to adapt yourself to whatever others want or need, which can lead to burnout. You may also focus on others' expectations instead of being true to yourself. If your achievements are not appreciated, you may become disappointed and critical.

Remember that your wing is like the sauce you add to your ice-cream. It doesn't change your core type, but it influences it. By leaning into your Type 2 wing, you can expand your perspective and increase your emotional and behavioural repertoire. At the same time, be aware of the challenges that come with it, and strive to find a balance between the characteristics of both your core type and your wing. By doing so, you can develop yourself and become the best version of yourself.