Using the Enneagram as a Tool for Growth

The enneagram seems to be all over the place right now - on social media, discussed at dinner parties and maybe even mentioned by your church or work. It’s becoming more commonplace to be asked - “What’s your type?” or “What number are you?”. The enneagram is a very old personality inventory, but no one really knows its origin. It’s not evidence-based or scientific, but it has stood the test of time for some good reason.

For those who are still unfamiliar with the enneagram, here’s a quick recap on how it works. There are 9 personality types; all of which are represented by a singular number. You can either be a Type 1 or Type 2 and so on. You can only be one type, and your type cannot change. According to Enneagram Coaches Liz Carver and Josh Green in their book “What’s Your Enneatype?”, you discover your number through reading all 9 type descriptions. As you learn, pay close attention to each type’s core motivation and core fear. There are tests available which will be linked below. But part of the fun is going on a journey to decide for yourself which type you are - no test needed! Just go ahead and delve into the book.

It’s a journey with many layers that makes you - you! Once you find your type, you can go on the journey of discovering your “wing” that also explains you more. Your wing can be either number adjacent to your main Type number on the Enneagram number wheel. This just means that you tend to take on characteristics of those core numbers. Next there are subtypes that further explain how you relate in social situations (social subtype, one-to-one subtype and self-preservation subtype). To further peel back the onion layers on the unique you, there are also harmonic triads ; which group 3 numbers together to talk about how your type relates to others.

The Enneagram can be a useful tool for self growth. It’s not so focused on who you are but how you operate and see the world. Richard Rohr writes about why the enneagram is useful for growth, “Self-knowledge is tied to inner work, which is both demanding and painful.” We need to see ourselves, the strengths And weaknesses, in order to heal, mend and become more whole-hearted people. It takes slowing down, learning and painfully changing bad habits in order to heal old wounds.

The Enneagram does a great job of balancing the value of our natural strengths, while also pointing out and challenging us to pursue growth in characteristics that do not come naturally. For example, detail-oriented, ethically and morally obligated Type 1s are challenged to develop the characteristic of being adventurous, joyful and easy going like a healthy Type 7. This tool of growth is called arrows. It’s when your Enneagram Type begins to take on strengths of another number in seasons of growth. Arrows can also give you language to help identify your feelings when you are in a season of stress. Type 1s, in stress, take on the weaknesses of a Type 4 and can seem moody, overly-emotional, critical and even depressed. When a Type 1 feels themselves being pulled too much into their emotions, that can be a sign that more self care and rest is needed and to watch their tone and emotions with others. Each category provides descriptions of levels of health and recommendations of how to pursue a stronger level of health. At different times in a Type 7’s life, they could be more loyal, committed and disciplined, yet also joyful and spontaneous. This is an example of a great balance of health. Also, a Type 7 can be more unhealthy, showing signs of over-indulgence in things they love, being flakey in commitments and showing no interest in taking care of their emotions. The enneagraminstitute.com lays out all the levels of health for each number under Type Descriptions.

Although the enneagram isn’t a one-size fits all or perfect in its descriptions, a lot of people who find their enneagram type feel seen and understood. They are able to give names and language to aspects of themselves they have never been able to verbalize before. People say that the enneagram is also a tool for understanding others better. People are able to see more clearly the motivation of their spouse or close friend and how to take things less personally because they have a deeper understanding of the needs and motivations of others.

If you’d like to learn more about the enneagram, here are a couple of suggested books and a website to begin your journey of self discovery and growth.

What’s your Enneatype? by Liz Carter and Josh Green

The Road Back to You by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile

www.enneagramkinstitute.com - $12 test is available along with information on Type Descriptions.