Introduction

The Enneagram is a geometric personality “typing” system that maps out the nine fundamental personality types of human nature. The word Enneagram comes from the Greek for ‘nine’ – ennea - and “figure” -grammos. The Enneagram is unlike most other typing systems in that it not only describes the traits/behaviours of each type but also the core desires and core fears underlying the traits. In addition it also describes how the 9 types relate to each other.

The Enneagram can help you understand your blind spots and how they might trip you up. It is also a great tool to use to develop your strengths. The Enneagram helps answer some basic questions about life such as:

• How can I live life in a way that is true to the best aspects of myself?
• How can I live a fulfilling and satisfying life?
• How can I have better relationships?

Although there are different ways of understanding the Enneagram I prefer the view that Types are innate, with us for life, do not change over time and are source of positive motivation. As you grow up we receive messages, both wounding and encouraging that will influence both the helpful and unhelpful aspects of your particular type.

The core motivation is the reason underlying your traits/behaviours and each “type” will have one dominant core motivation! Identifying your core motivation is an essential part of working out your type. Motivation is made up of Core Desires and Core Fears so start by identifing what these are.

Wings

Connection Points of Stress & Relaxation

On the Enneagram the Nine Types (also called Nine Points) are also connected by straight lines that cross each other to connect with other numbers/points on the circle. While our core type remains constant as a ‘home base’, we are also influenced by the Points/Types that these lines connect us with. Susan Rhodes describes these as “backup resources that offer us additional support” which are useful to use when our usual resources are not sufficient or are getting in the way. There are two kinds of lines that connect to us to other types.

The Three Subtypes (SP/Sx/Soc)

Each of the 9 Enneagram types can be further described by 3 subtype “arenas” which can be used to provide more specific information about each type. The 3 arenas are Self Preservation; Sexual and Social:

For the sake of simplicity I have described each of the 3 subtypes using only the key descriptive words. Susan Rhodes has detailed but well written descriptions in her book, The Positive Enneagram if you are keen to explore these further.

Taking the Rhodes Enneagram Test

I prefer the test developed by Susan Rhodes as it has a more positive focus than many other tests and the questions are well expressed. When taking the test it is really important to answer the questions based on your actual choices, behaviours, thoughts and feelings and not how you would like to be.

Initially the Enneagram may seem complicated but it is actually quite straightforward. You have one Core Type that is influenced by the Wings (numbers on either side of your Type on the Enneagram dial. When stressed or relaxed your Core Type will move along lines toward a Connection Point and you take on some of the behaviours of these Points. This is what makes the Enneagram such dynamic and diverse system.

There are a few ways to identify your Enneagram type:

• Identify your core motivation and read through the description for that type.
• Ask yourself if the description fits and resonates well. If yes, then you have identified your type.
• If no, then take the test and read through the descriptions for your top 3 types starting with the highest number first.
• You should be able to identify 1 Enneagram type that fits better than the others but remember the Core Motivations for your type must also correspond.

Or:

• Take the test and note your top 3 scores.
• Read through the description for your highest score.
• Ask yourself if the description fits – paying special attention to the Core Motivation for that type. If it fits well then you have identified your type.
• If it does not fit then move on the next highest score and repeat the process.

If you take the test and and feel confused about the results it may be helpful to note the following:

• You may have a very strong “wing” influencing your Type.
• You may look more like the type you move toward when under stress or very relaxed.
• Nines and Sixes are often confused and so are Nines and Two’s. Use the Core Motivation that best fits to help you settle on one Type.
• Two’s can often be mistyped particularly if you have grown up as a female.
• Look at the number your type moves towards under stress and pressure and see if those fit.

Do not be too worried if you cannot accurately identify your type at first. Although the Enneagram is quite flexible it is considered to be a valid and reliable test. Talking it through with someone who understands the Enneagram well may be helpful. Try to avoid taking repeated tests.

Acknowlegements

Acknowlegements to following which have helped inform this Enneagram resource:

• The Positive Enneagram by Susan Rhodes
• The Enneagram in Love by Steph Barron Hall
• The Road back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile
• The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The complete guide to psychological and spiritual growth for the nine personality types by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson