center of intelligence in the Enneagram

external conflicted internal
action

Enneagram type 8

Enneagram type 9

Enneagram type 1

    focused on the external world and the need to make things happen • action style is strongly connected to anger and control • anger expressed directly, and control taken by being in charge • others may experience this as aggressive • move into action as soon as thinking about something • use the force of their personality to push others into performance • test people based on their output.

    may be experienced as more passive than active • typical pattern is one of suppressed anger in order to ensure harmony • strong resistance to being controlled • diversion of actions into less important activities, thereby impacting on ability to act in a focused manner and address key issues • driven to keep things simple by avoiding over-involvement of the head or heart • prefer to deal with situations as they arise.

    focused on internal world and a need for order and structure • act swiftly, believing they are right • commit deeply to plans, use commitments to push themselves to perform • hold themselves accountable to high standards • tend to put their best foot forward • may be known to exhibit suppressed anger that surfaces in moments of resentment or sarcasm • will assert control over environment through self-control and structure.
feeling

Enneagram type 2

Enneagram type 3

Enneagram type 4

    focused on the needs and wishes of others • connect empathically to the people around them, tuning into their desires and emotions • use compassion and understanding to support others • find identity in relation to others and their ability to help and support others • strong desire to give and care, therefore, create an image of being thoughtful, likeable, and reliable.

    may be experienced as objective and even disconnected from feelings • “tune out” emotions and divert feelings into drive to excel and succeed • others may experience this as not being “genuine” as the real feelings are masked • identify through achievements rather than through emotions, and create image of being confident and successful, even when not feeling this way.

    deeply attuned to emotions and internal world — identify own feelings and needs with ease • this internal focus may be experienced as self-absorption • define identity through relationship with desires, dreams and feelings • focus emotional energy on being true to self • create an image of being different and unique • easily connect with negative emotions like shame and sorrow.
thinking

Enneagram type 7

Enneagram type 6

Enneagram type 5

    face the future by focusing thoughts externally • enthusiastically amass new ideas and make plans that will enable new experiences, engaging with things that are interesting, fun, and stimulating to avoid fear, discomfort, and constraint • comfortable taking risks • dislike boredom and monotony • assimilate and understand new information quickly • thoughts are centered on staying positive and planning things to do • may be quite adept at rationalizing emotions.

    future is faced with apprehension • thoughts are centred around uncertainties and fears • tend to be very aware of potential risk • thoughts and plans are focused on minimising surprises • tend to plan for the worst rather than the best • tend to be cautious in approaching new information, preferring to stick with the known • may find themselves continually scanning the environment • may apply thinking to create rules and procedures that are aimed at creating stability and safety.

    face the future by focusing thoughts internally • enjoy assimilating new information in great depth and want to build expertise and understanding • may seem distracted or absent-minded at times, as their attention becomes focused on inner thoughts and mental processes • may seem to intellectualize issues • think things through first • may be known for rationality and objectivity • fear of intrusion may lead to becoming withdrawn and self-reliant.

summarized from the work of Ginger Lapid-Bogda, Don Riso & Russ Hudson