ENNEAGRAMS

Descriptions of types:
Each description below starts with a one-word name (e.g. Reformer, Helper, Motivator, etc.) based on the terminology of Don Riso and Russ Hudson. I also give a three-word "directional description" in red font, based on my directional theory of the Enneagram.

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1. The reformer - The aggressive ideal-seeker
"Your best teacher is your last mistake." - Ralph Nader
Reformers. The underlying motivation of the 1 is to be RIGHT, and to avoid being WRONG. Reformers are the most compulsively
rational of the types, and the perfectionist is another name for this type. Average 1s are driven by their "inner critic", an inner set of
standards that tends to be quite rigorous, and independent of what other people tell them. Hence, the average 1 is very self-critical, and also critical of others when they expect the same high standards of others that they have imposed on themselves. Ones get much of their energy from anger, and at best, this energy is channeled into discipline, organization, a strong work ethic and a love of fairness, justice, and truth. At worst, they become rigid in their thinking, psychologically trapped by their own rules and principles and becoming self-righteous in a way that, although logically correct, is not helpful to themselves or others.
Different 1s may look very different outwardly, even though the underlying motivations are the same. Introverted ones may be extremely well mannered, in their attempt to become the ideal perfect individual. Extroverted ones may be more abrasive if their passions, e.g. social justice, require fighting to turn their principles into reality.
Famous ones: Hillary Clinton is a one who lends solidity and intellectual discipline to her husband's affable but wandering style.
Also, Harrison Ford, Ralph Nader, Judith Martin (Ms Manners), Mario Cuomo, William Buckley, Martha Stewart, Confucious, Aristotle, Queen Elizabeth II.
Comparisons with other types: ones and fives, are both analytical, and both appreciate detailed, accurate, information. However, 1s think to ensure correctness, while 5s think to understand and intellectually conquer their environment. Fives are oriented toward ideas, while ones are oriented toward ideals. Ones feel bound by rules and principles, while the 5s do not.
Many 1s identify with the anger and rage of eights. However, 1s are guided by principles and logic, whereas 8s are driven more by willpower and gut instincts and are less constrained by logic.
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2. The helper. The embracing power-seeker
Helpers focus their lives on giving and receiving love. This personality is one of the most emotionally expressive, and one of the most focused on human relationships for their own sake. At their best, healthy 2s bring a special interpersonal touch to almost everything they do, empowering others with their unrivaled desire to make others feel special, important, and loved for simply being themselves. Although 2's can be found in almost any profession, it is rare to find a 2 in high-profile leadership positions (they prefer being the power behind the throne), or in a job that emphasizes analysis at the expense of human interaction.
Highly nurturing at their best, less healthy 2s show a much darker side of their personality. When unhealthy 2s help others, it is merely to make themselves feel more important. They may offer "help" that seems intrusive and manipulative to others, or may do a "favor", only to subsequently ask repayment for their "kindness". Average twos are often attracted toward two seemingly opposite kinds of people: toward people with power, whose agenda they can support, and towards the needy and the outcast, who most urgently need the 2's caring spirit.
Famous 2w1s: Fred Rogers ("Mr. Rogers"), Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, Bill Cosby
Famous 2w3s: Kathie Lee Gifford
9s and 2s both feel others' needs more than their own, and both like to have positive feelings for others. However, 2s are more assertive emotionally, while the 9 tends to be more emotionally detached. 9s tend to efface their egos when helping others, while 2s tend to magnify them.
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3. The motivators. The aggressive approval-seeker
"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get." - Dale Carnegie
Being admired is very important to 3s - they are competitive, and place great value on winning and looking good while doing it. Publicly, 3s project high self-esteem, driving relentlessly toward their career and life goals. But the average 3's craving for external approval may degenerate into superficial and image-conscious behavior, as they work hard to look impressive while neglecting genuine achievement. Despite the high self-esteem they project to others, 3s may privately feel insecure about their self-worth, being as it is so dependent on what others say about them. 3s have an unusually strong inner contradiction; they project qualities of leaders: drive, energy, and success, and yet their definition of success is unusually dependent on the values of the society they belong to. Hence, they are simultaneously leaders and followers.
Healthy 3s often have a "cool" attitude to go along with their accomplishments - they know what is "hot" and what is not, and for better or worse, this contributes to the 3's reputation for being excellent salesmen who can win over the most reluctant audience. Because they place high value on affirmation from others, they may be very adept at reading subtle cues in others, using this information to quickly tailor their message to their audience. However, unhealthy 3s are notorious for being phony and self-promoting. Extroverted 3s can be charming smooth talkers, using their networking skills to augment their image and their career, which may be closely linked. More introverted threes may instead strut their stuff through competence and skillful performance rather than showmanship.
American culture is probably a 3-ish society, with its emphasis on appearances, success, and winning. See more on cultural topics here.
Famous 3w2s: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brooke Shields, Britney Spears, Katie Couric
Famous 3w4s: Jimmy Carter, O.J. Simpson, Regis Philbin, Tom Cruise, Joe Montana, Christopher Reeves, Tony Blair
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4. The romantic. The withdrawn ideal-seeker
"The world is full of strange phenomena that cannot be explained by the laws of logic or science. Dennis Rodman is only one example." - Dave Barry
More than any other type, 4s seek to understand themselves. They may probe their own emotions to an unusual depth. They don't settle for the ordinary or shallow, and are disturbed that most everyone around them does. The importance they attach to their inner feelings makes them highly individualistic and original, sometimes so much so that others have a hard time understanding them. 4s are unusually self-aware, sensitive, and intuitive, sometimes painfully so, and often with an intense interest in emotional and spiritual growth. Because of this emotional awareness, fours can show kindness at a very deep level (especially to those in crisis), but also know how to rile people up. A 4 I know stated it eloquently:
"We may be profound, intense, direct, unpredictable, avoidant, overly sensitive, compassionate, creative, tactful, whiny, special, and envious." - William Camiré
The 4's inward focus gives them an intense need for personal self-expression, which often reveals itself in art such as writing, music, or even tattoos and body piercing. The 4 has a romantic streak, and their relationships often occur at unusually high intensity. At best, this can be deeply transformative to both persons. At worst, this intensity may cause a trail of broken relationships, as the 4 continually seeks the intensity of a new relationship, only to be disillusioned when the mysterious becomes ordinary.
4s experience an unusually wide range of human emotions, from extreme highs to extreme lows. To an unusual degree, the 4 also seeks expression that is authentic, which makes many 4s refreshingly candid, sometimes with a devilishly sharp wit. However, their emotionality, combined with their tendency to ignore practical reality, often gets them into practical trouble (e.g. with money, commitments, etc.). When this happens, their emotional reaction can be intense, leading to despair and brooding, which only accentuates their real-world problems, leading into a downward spiral.
Famous 4s: Calista Flockhart, Wynona Ryder, Dennis Rodman
Famous 4w3s: Peter Tchaikovsky, Michael Jackson
Famous 4w5s: Franz Kafka, Emily Dickinson, John Lennon, Bob Dylan Comparisons with other types: 4s and 9s are mistaken for each other surprisingly often. In particular, self-preservation 9s can be shy and sensitive, seemingly like 4s. However, 4s seek intensity in their emotions, while 9s avoid it. 9s in pain may look like 4s, but they deal with their pain by numbing themselves, whereas the 4 is more likely to use their pain to seek meaning.
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5. The thinker The withdrawn power-seeker
"Nothing interferes with my concentration. You could put on an orgy in my office and I wouldn't look up. Well, maybe once." - Isaac Asimov
5s identify more strongly with their thoughts than any other personality. To others, 5s are known for their sharp intellect, strong need for independence and privacy, and intensity of their cerebral interests. 5s are intensely interested in explaining the world and predicting what it will do next. This derives partly from scientific curiosity, and partly because they sense much of the world to be hostile and unreliable, requiring that they use their minds to defend against its threats. The 5 is the prototypical scientist "type", although not all 5s are scientists, and not all scientists are 5s. Whatever their profession, 5s bring a strong desire to investigate, observe, and understand an issue deeply and provocatively. Fives are unusually independent and self-motivated, with a strong need for privacy, and others sometimes have no idea what the five is working on until it is finished and unveiled. Some of the greatest minds in history were fives whose ideas challenged the conventional wisdom, forcing those around them to think differently.
Unfortunately, the average 5's independence often leads to social isolation, and the 5's need for intellectual control can also be off-putting to others. Many 5s develop a cynical worldview, which sharpens their perceptions but also intensifies their isolation. Their independence makes their thinking very idiosyncratic, leading to either brilliance or weirdness, or both. As with all the types, healthy 5s can transcend this pitfall of their personality, and 5s that do make this effort can become as brilliant in their social understanding as in anything else.
Famous 5s: William Rhenquist, Stephen Hawking, Francis Crick, Helen Keller, Wittgenstein, Arthur C. Clarke
Famous 5w4s: Sigmund Freud, Nikola Tesla
Famous 5w6s: Charles Darwin, Frederich Nietzsche, David Lynch, Isaac Newton
Comparisons with other types: See 1.
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6. The loyalist The embracing approval-seeker
Chris Magruder (exasperated): "There is a word for people who think everyone is conspiring against them."
C.W. Briggs (played by Woody Allen): "I know, .... perceptive!"
- From the movie Curse of the Jade Scorpion, by Woody Allen.
Average 6s are often preoccupied with feeling safe and protected by people. This need gives them a strong desire to trust others and to be trusted themselves, which makes them among the most loyal of the Enneagram personalities. Of course, each type's greatest strength is also their greatest weakness, and the 6s capacity for loyalty can be devastating if they put their faith into something malicious or unreliable. A 6 that has been "burned" by someone they trusted can become permanently wary of others, or of their own judgment. They react strongly to this betrayal, either by retreating into fear or lashing out. 6s often seek safety in groups of like-minded, trustworthy people, and among them they can be fun-loving, playful, and very good company. But outside of such a protective environment, 6s feel less secure, more defensive, and more prone to magnifying small dangers into large ones.
The average 6 is the type most plagued by ambivalence, self-doubt, and love-hate attitudes toward authority. They simultaneously like people and fear the power others have over them. They value trust, but are afraid of putting their trust into someone that will hurt them. They would like a strong authority to make them feel safe, but often question the competence of these same authorities. 6s often develop good "bull-shit detectors" because of their lifelong habit of reading between the lines of what people say. Because 6s are both analytical and people-oriented, they may have very good insights into the motivations of others. Despite their mental acuity, 6 are fearful about taking action on their own, and work better in teams where a common goal and safety in numbers makes the 6 feel protected. Although 6s do not usually consider themselves natural leaders, they can in fact be brilliant leaders when faced with an external threat or enemy (even if the "enemy" is just a looming deadline).
6s are extremely loyal to those they trust, and may fight for them more strongly than they would for themselves. Like the 2, who also orients their lives toward others, 6s can be unusually self-sacrificing, perhaps even more so because they are unlikely to have the 2's confusion between helpfulness and self-aggrandizement.

Famous 6s: Al Gore, Mel Gibson, Harry Truman, Woody Allen, Andy Rooney, George H.W. Bush (Senior)
Famous 6w5s: Richard Nixon, Adolph Hitler, Bill Gates, Alicia Silverstone
Famous 6w7s: David Letterman, Ross Perot, John McCain, James Carville (Democratic strategist), Monica Lewinsky
Comparisons with other types:
Many people find 6s rather difficult to understand. They are often confused for a great many other types, particularly 1s, 2s, and to a lesser degree 8s. The ambivalent, reactive nature of the 6 often means they can oscillate between a wide range of behaviors, from compliance to aggression to withdrawal, thus emulating a lot of other personalities at different times. A particularly hard distinction is between 1s and 6s, who can both be rule-oriented, meticulous, and prone to powerful feelings of guilt. However, 1s and 6s differ a great deal emotionally - average 1s feel anger as their driving emotion, while 6s feel anxiety, affection, and guilt. 1s also have more internalized, intellectualized, principles than 6s, whose attachments are more often interpersonal than academic. From a distance, famous 6s are also frequently confused with 2s, because both can show caring, emotional qualities and are strongly people-oriented. For example, princess Diana, a 2, is often typed as a 6, whereas Monica Lewinsky, a 6, is often typed as a 2.
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7. The Enthusiast The embracing ideal-seeker
"Seize the moment." - Theodore Roosevelt
To an unusual degree, 7s live a life of action that is based on seeking experience, pursuing plans, dreams, and visions. At best, this makes them extremely exuberant, multi-talented, diverse, curious, and experienced, with a strong appreciation for beauty, style, and aesthetic flair. At best, 7s exude a youthful spirit, viewing the world as a giant playground, but at worst, they may become childish with their need for instant gratification.
In the extreme, 7s can go crazy with activity, juggling many different activities and plans in their heads at the same time. They may seem unusually lucky, although in reality their "luck" happens because they are unusually perceptive of opportunities and quick to grab them. 7s are unusually good problem solvers in a pinch, improvising clever solutions out of whatever is at hand. Even though their work style seems rather chaotic they are often extremely prolific and productive. Their improvisational ability makes some 7s quite entertaining and comedic, but with a tendency to disappear when slower, boring tasks need to be done. 7s are also called "generalists", because they can quickly master several areas of expertise, and cross-fertilize between them. But they may also become dilletantes, slow to finish or follow through. Healthy sevens also have an egalitarian streak - spreading their own joy and stimulation to everyone around them. Less healthy sevens often seem to be in a desperate battle against boredom, leading to breakdowns if boredom should temporarily win out.
Famous 7s (no wing or both wings): Richard Feynmann, Conan O'Brien, Warren Buffet
Famous 7w6s: John F. Kennedy, Shirley Temple, Al Roker
Famous 7w8s: Howard Stern, Newt Gingrich, Madonna, Theodore Roosevelt, Jesse Ventura
Comparisons with other types: See 4.
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8. The confronter The aggressive power-seeker
"Power is the virtue that makes all other virtues possible." - From the movie Enter the Dragon, starring Bruce Lee
8s come across as the toughest of the Enneagram personalities. At work, average eights can be assertive to a fault - they like to speak their minds bluntly, make quick but forceful decisions, and respect others who do the same. They demand and need a high degree of autonomy, and when they feel controlled by authority, they often show an unmistakable defiant streak. They are often shrewd in using circumstances to their material advantage. They do not like threats to their dominance, or people who hide information from them, and may force confrontations with others to get the truth, however uncomfortable it may be. 8s like to have the final say on things, but they may also give tremendous autonomy, within certain absolute limits, to subordinates they trust, which others find very empowering. Eights may show a softer side at home, where their strength is used not to dominate, but to protect. 8s are the prototypical "father figures", (even if they are women). When eights are secure in their dominance, they may expand their caring side by becoming magnanimous and generous. However, insecure 8s are the most tyrannical, destructive, and self-serving types. Many historically great world leaders are 8s, but so are many ordinary people who project a strong sense of being their own person, refusing to be used or led by others.
While some types dislike conflict (notably 9s and 7s), eights are energized by it. This ability helps them overcome obstacles that would crush a weaker person. For better or worse, during periods of historical crisis, it is often an eight (or someone with a strong eight wing), who comes to the forefront as a political or military leader.
Famous 8s: Joseph Stalin, Henry Kissinger, Mick Jagger, King Henry VIII, Muhammad Ali, Julius Caesar, Vladimir Putin, Zhu Rongji
Famous 8w7s: Pablo Picasso, Rosie O'Donnell, Lyndon Johnson
Famous 8w9s: Sean Connery, Carl Sagan, Bruce Lee, Franklin Roosevelt
It is surprising how many 1s score as 8s on Enneagram tests. This is understandable: both 8s and 1s have a lot of core anger, and both tend to see the world in black-and-white terms. Both may set rules for others to follow. However, 1s feel guilty when they break their own rules, while the 8's feel much less bound by limits, even their own. 8s are much less prone to guilt than 1s, and more likely to delegate responsibilities, as opposed to 1s who often become overwhelmed with responsibility.
Motivators (3s) and 8s are both competitive, and both push others to get get things done. But 3s goals tend to be oriented around building their positive self-image, while 8s prefer to be respected, even if this means being disliked or even hated.
8s with 9 wings are an interesting subtype. The 9 wing considerably softens the traits of the 8, making the 8w9 much harder to recognize and understand than a pure 8. Don Riso notes that the 8w9 often holds their power "in reserve". 8w9s are often underestimated, because they can look like mild-mannered 9s one day, only to unleash their aggressive 8 side the next.

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9. The mediator The withdrawn approval-seeker
9s come across as patient people who are good listeners, adaptable and accommodating to others. 9s have an unusual ability to "go with the flow" of their surroundings, and a desire to be connected with their surroundings. This ability is both their biggest strength and weakness; at best, 9s are very accepting and supportive of others as they really are, but at worst 9s forget who they themselves are, passively agreeing with others and afraid to assert their own desires. 9s learning the Enneagram may take a long time to figure out their type because they identify more with others than with their own true selves.
The passivity of average 9s can make it hard for them to assert their needs or make decisions. 9s can have a particularly hard time making painful decisions, like firing someone, because they also see the other person's predicament, and hate to force confrontations. Average 9s may distract themselves from tough problems with soothing but trivial tasks (e.g. web-surfing, aimless chatter). 9s with an 8 wing are less likely to have this problem because the 8 wing has a lust for action and challenge, while 9s with a 1 wing are more likely to become creatures of habit, because of the 1's compulsive qualities. Inertia is in fact a chronic problem for 9s, who often find it hard to get started on things. However, this inertia can also work to their advantage, because once started 9s can make slow-but-steady progress, becoming surprisingly relentless in their pursuits. The old Aesop's fable about the slow-and-steady tortoise who beats the faster rabbit aptly describes the work habits of healthy 9s.
Famous 9s: Bill Clinton (has both wings)
Famous 9w1s: Carl Jung, Nelson Mandela, Warren Harding, Tiger Woods, Prince Charles, Scottie Pippen, Kevin Nealon, Bob Costas, cultural aura of Ancient China.
Famous 9w8s: Walter Cronkite, Ronald Reagan, Albert Einstein, Dwight Eisenhower, The Dalai Lama, cultural aura of Ancient India.
1 Reformer
I do everything the right way.
"produces order" (51/4524)

2 Helper
I must help others.
"humble goodness" (86/3746)

3 Motivator
I need to succeed.
"Succ-esssss" (74/2979)

4 Romantic
I am unique.
"tragedy queen" (341/8751) Type4 Board

5 Thinker
I need to understand the world.
"full of disclaimers" (263/8443) Type5 Board

6 Skeptic
I am affectionate and skeptical.
"fortress mentality" (70/3181)

7 Enthusiast
I am happy and open to new things.
"dizzy flirt" (87/3783)

8 Leader
I must be strong.
"I'm Stalin!" (70/2878)

9 Peacemaker
I am at peace.
"diversions" (132/5664) Zodiacs


The Perfectionist (the One)
Perfectionists are realistic, conscientious, and principled. They strive to live up to their high ideals.
How to Get Along with Me
• Take your share of the responsibility so I don't end up with all the work.
• Acknowledge my achievements.
• I'm hard on myself. Reassure me that I'm fine the way I am.
• Tell me that you value my advice.
• Be fair and considerate, as I am.
• Apologize if you have been unthoughtful. It will help me to forgive.
• Gently encourage me to lighten up and to laugh at myself when I get uptight, but hear my worries first.
What I Like About Being a One
• being self-disciplined and able to accomplish a great deal
• working hard to make the world a better place
• having high standards and ethics; not compromising myself
• being reasonable, responsible, and dedicated in everything I do
• being able to put facts together, coming to good understandings, and figuring out wise solutions
• being the best I can be and bringing out the best in other people
What's Hard About Being a One
• being disappointed with myself or others when my expectations are not met
• feeling burdened by too much responsibility
• thinking that what I do is never good enough
• not being appreciated for what I do for people
• being upset because others aren't trying as hard as I am
• obsessing about what I did or what I should do
• being tense, anxious, and taking things too seriously
Ones as Children Often
• criticize themselves in anticipation of criticism from others
• refrain from doing things that they think might not come out perfect
• focus on living up to the expectations of their parents and teachers
• are very responsible; may assume the role of parent
• hold back negative emotions ("good children aren't angry")
Ones as Parents
• teach their children responsibility and strong moral values
• are consistent and fair
• discipline firmly
The Helper (the Two)
Helpers are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs.
How to Get Along with Me
• Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.
• Share fun times with me.
• Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.
• Let me know that I am important and special to you.
• Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.
In Intimate Relationships
• Reassure me that I am intersting to you.
• Reassure me often that you love me.
• Tell me I'm attractive and that you're glad to be seen with me.
What I Like About Being a Two
• being able to relate easily to people and to make friends
• knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better
• being generous, caring, and warm
• being sensitive to and perceptive about others' feelings
• being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor
What's Hard About Being a Two
• not being able to say no
• having low self-esteem
• feeling drained from overdoing for others
• not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish
• criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should
• being upset that others don't tune in to me as much as I tume in to them
• working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings
Twos as Children Often
• are very sensitive to disapproval and criticism
• try hard to please their parents by being helpful and understanding
• are outwardly compliant
• are popular or try to be popular with other children
• act coy, precocious, or dramatic in order to get attention
• are clowns and jokers (the more extroverted Twos), or quiet and shy (the more introverted Twos)
Twos as Parents
• are good listeners, love their children unconditionally, and are warm and encouraging (or suffer guilt if they aren't)
• are often playful with their children
• wonder: "Am I doing it right?" "Am I giving enough?" "Have I caused irreparable damage?"
• can become fiercely protective
The Achiever (the Three)
Achivers are energetic, optimistic, self-assured, and goal oriented.
How to Get Along with Me
• Leave me alone when I am doing my work.
• Give me honest, but not unduly critical or judgmental, feedback.
• Help me keep my environment harmonious and peaceful.
• Don't burden me with negative emotions.
• Tell me you like being around me.
• Tell me when you're proud of me or my accomplishments.
What I Like About Being a Three
• being optimistic, friendly, and upbeat
• providing well for my family
• being able to recover quickly from setbacks and to charge ahead to the next challenge
• staying informed, knowing what's going on
• being competent and able to get things to work efficiently
• being able to motivate people
What's Hard About Being a Three
• having to put up with inefficiency and incompetence
• the fear on not being -- or of not being seen as -- successful
• comparing myself to people who do things better
• struggling to hang on to my success
• putting on facades in order to impress people
• always being "on." It's exhausting.
Threes as Children Often
• work hard to receive appreciation for their accomplishments
• are well liked by other children and by adults
• are among the most capable and responsible children in their class or school
• are active in school government and clubs or are quietly busy working on their own projects
Threes as Parents
• are consistent, dependable, and loyal
• struggle between wanting to spend time with their children and wanting to get more work done
• expect their children to be responsible and organized
The Romantic (the Four)
Romantics have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.
How to Get Along with Me
• Give me plenty of compliments. They mean a lot to me.
• Be a supportive friend or partner. Help me to learn to love and value myself.
• Respect me for my special gifts of intuition and vision.
• Though I don't always want to be cheered up when I'm feeling melancholy, I sometimes like to have someone lighten me up a little.
• Don't tell me I'm too sensitive or that I'm overreacting!
What I Like About Being a Four
• my ability to find meaning in life and to experience feeling at a deep level
• my ability to establish warm connections with people
• admiring what is noble, truthful, and beautiful in life
• my creativity, intuition, and sense of humor
• being unique and being seen as unique by others
• having aesthetic sensibilities
• being able to easily pick up the feelings of people around me
What's Hard About Being a Four
• experiencing dark moods of emptiness and despair
• feelings of self-hatred and shame; believing I don't deserve to be loved
• feeling guilty when I disappoint people
• feeling hurt or attacked when someone misundertands me
• expecting too much from myself and life
• fearing being abandoned
• obsessing over resentments
• longing for what I don't have
Fours as Children Often
• have active imaginations: play creatively alone or organize playmates in original game s
• are very sensitive
• feel that they don't fit in
• believe they are missing something that other people have
• attach themselves to idealized teachers, heroes, artists, etc.
• become antiauthoritarian or rebellious when criticized or not understood
• feel lonely or abandoned (perhaps as a result of a death or their parents' divorce)
Fours as Parents
• help their children become who they really are
• support their children's creativity and originality
• are good at helping their children get in touch with their feelings
• are sometimes overly critical or overly protective
• are usually very good with children if not too self-absorbed
The Observer (the Five)
Observers have a need for knowledge and are introverted, curious, analytical, and insightful.
How to Get Along with Me
• Be independent, not clingy.
• Speak in a straightforward and brief manner.
• I need time alone to process my feelings and thoughts.
• Remember that If I seem aloof, distant, or arrogant, it may be that I am feeling uncomfortable.
• Make me feel welcome, but not too intensely, or I might doubt your sincerity.
• If I become irritated when I have to repeat things, it may be because it was such an effort to get my thoughts out in the first place.
• don't come on like a bulldozer.
• Help me to avoid my pet peeves: big parties, other people's loud music, overdone emotions, and intrusions on my privacy.
What I Like About Being a Five
• standing back and viewing life objectively
• coming to a thorough understanding; perceiving causes and effects
• my sense of integrity: doing what I think is right and not being influenced by social pressure
• not being caught up in material possessions and status
• being calm in a crisis
What's Hard About Being a Five
• being slow to put my knowledge and insights out in the world
• feeling bad when I act defensive or like a know-it-all
• being pressured to be with people when I don't want to be
• watching others with better social skills, but less intelligence or technical skill, do better professionally
Fives as Children Often
• spend a lot of time alone reading, making collections, and so on
• have a few special friends rather than many
• are very bright and curious and do well in school
• have independent minds and often question their parents and teachers
• watch events from a detached point of view, gathering information
• assume a poker face in order not to look afraid
• are sensitive; avoid interpersonal conflict
• feel intruded upon and controlled and/or ignored and neglected
Fives as Parents
• are often kind, perceptive, and devoted
• are sometimes authoritarian and demanding
• may expect more intellectual achievement than is developmentally appropriate
• may be intolerant of their children expressing strong emotions
The Questioner (the Six)
Questioners are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.
How to Get Along with Me
• Be direct and clear.
• Listen to me carefully.
• Don't judge me for my anxiety.
• Work things through with me.
• Reassure me that everything is OK between us.
• Laugh and make jokes with me.
• Gently push me toward new experiences.
• Try not to overreact to my overreacting.
What I Like About Being a Six
• being committed and faithful to family and friends
• being responsible and hardworking
• being compassionate toward others
• having intellect and wit
• being a nonconformist
• confronting danger bravely
• being direct and assertive
What's Hard About Being a Six
• the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind
• procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself
• fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of
• exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
• wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right
• being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations
Sixes as Children Often
• are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn
• are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger
• form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent
• look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel
• are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent
Sixes as Parents
• are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty
• are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence
• worry more than most that their children will get hurt
• sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries
The Adventurer (the Seven)
Adventurers are energetic, lively, and optimistic. They want to contribute to the world.
How to Get Along with Me
• Give me companionship, affection, and freedom.
• Engage with me in stimulating conversation and laughter.
• Appreciate my grand visions and listen to my stories.
• Don't try to change my style. Accept me the way I am.
• Be responsible for youself. I dislike clingy or needy people.
• Don't tell me what to do.
What I Like About Being a Seven
• being optimistic and not letting life's troubles get me down
• being spontaneous and free-spirited
• being outspoken and outrageous. It's part of the fun.
• being generous and trying to make the world a better place
• having the guts to take risks and to try exciting adventures
• having such varied interests and abilities
What's Hard About Being a Seven
• not having enough time to do all the things I want
• not completing things I start
• not being able to profit from the benefits that come from specializing; not making a commitment to a career
• having a tendency to be ungrounded; getting lost in plans or fantasies
• feeling confined when I'm in a one-to-one relationship
Sevens as Children Often
• are action oriented and adventuresome
• drum up excitement
• prefer being with other children to being alone
• finesse their way around adults
• dream of the freedom they'll have when they grow up
Sevens as Parents
• are often enthusiastic and generous
• want their children to be exposed to many adventures in life
• may be too busy with their own activities to be attentive
The Asserter (the Eight)
Asserters are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.
How to Get Along with Me
• Stand up for yourself... and me.
• Be confident, strong, and direct.
• Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.
• Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side.
• Give me space to be alone.
• Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.
• I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's a personal attack.
• When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just the way I am.
What I Like About Being a Eight
• being independent and self-reliant
• being able to take charge and meet challenges head on
• being courageous, straightforward, and honest
• getting all the enjoyment I can out of life
• supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me
• upholding just causes
What's Hard About Being a Eight
• overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to
• being restless and impatient with others' incompetence
• sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it
• never forgetting injuries or injustices
• putting too much pressure on myself
• getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when things don't go right
Eights as Children Often
• are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit
• are sometimes loners
• seize control so they won't be controlled
• fugure out others' weaknesses
• attack verbally or physically when provoked
• take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings
Eights as Parents
• are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted
• are sometimes overprotective
• can be demanding, controlling, and rigid
The Peacemaker (the Nine)
Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.
How to Get Along with Me
• If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure.
• I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advatage of this.
• Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit.
• Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally.
• Ask me questions to help me get clear.
• Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery.
• Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings.
• I like a good discussion but not a confrontation.
• Let me know you like what I've done or said.
• Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life.
What I Like About Being a Nine
• being nonjudgmental and accepting
• caring for and being concerned about others
• being able to relax and have a good time
• knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around
• my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator
• my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now
• being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe
What's Hard About Being a Nine
• being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive
• being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline
• being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally
• being confused about what I really want
• caring too much about what others will think of me
• not being listened to or taken seriously
Nines as Children Often
• feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant
• tune out a lot, especially when others argue
• are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves
Nines as Parents
• are supportive, kind, and warm
• are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective
Amy’s Test
Enneagram Type Indicator Results
Your highest score will indicate you basic type, or it will be among the top 2-3 scores. You have answered all the questions -- terrific!
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5 Type 6 Type 7 Type 8 Type 9
4 3 6 8 4 3 2 0 6

The Nine Personality Types of the Enneagram
Type 1: The Reformer. The rational, idealistic type.
Type 2: The Helper. The caring, nurturing type.
Type 3: The Motivator. The adaptable, success-oriented type.
Type 4: The Artist. The intuitive, reserved type.
Type 5: The Thinker. The perceptive, cerebral type.
Type 6: The Skeptic. The committed, security-oriented type.
Type 7: The Generalist. The enthusiastic, productive type.
Type 8: The Leader. The powerful, aggressive type.
Type 9: The Peacemaker. The easygoing, accommodating type.

Enneagram Personality Type Indicator Results
Your highest score will indicate you basic type, or it will be among the top 2-3 scores. Low scores in some type might come out negative. That's perfectly normal.
For best results, you should answer all the questions that apply.
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5 Type 6 Type 7 Type 8 Type 9
4 -3 5 5 1 -5 -9 -10 12