The enneagram is one of the best tools for self understanding. Also, for understanding other people. If used properly, it can be a trustful compass in your life quest. Some say it is a map of the human nature. If we consider personality as a demarcated form of the human soul, then learning our personality type will get us closer to the soul. Recognizing our own personality type might come as a relief, might rouse us to enthusiasm, or might bring a feeling of shame or irritation. Whatever effects it will bring, one thing will be sure: now we are able to understand something about ourselves that we have always felt to be there. But never had the means to formulate it. Now let’s see a few working tips on how to recognize your own personality type.
Learning your type
First of all you need to know a few basics of each type. There is no commonly accepted naming for them, although there were several tries to do that. The 9 types are usually referred to according to their number. So there is a type one, a type two, 3, 4 etc. The naming attempts though are elucidating. All 9 types can be looked at as roles, roles we play in life. Here is the list of the nine types with a few of their basic characteristics:
1. Reformer, Perfectionist
- true to principles, staunch, rational, orderly, meticulous, hypocritical, critical
2. Helper, Altruist
- giver, caretaker, generous, possessive, manipulative
3. Achiever, Motivator
- performer, succeeder, ambitious, image oriented, adaptable
4. Individualist, Romantic
- withdrawing, intuitive, expressive, original, tragic
5. Investigator, Observer
- thinker, keen eyes, innovative, deep observations, hermit, detached
6. Loyalist, Defender
- ambivalent, devil’s advocate, winning, pleasing, anxious, reactionary
7. Enthusiast, Epicure
- adventurer, sensationalist, joyful, versed, superficial, unscrupulous
8. Challenger, Leader
- protector, strong, confident, resolute, seeks control, domineering
9. Peacemaker, Mediator
- preservationist, reassuring, calming, indolent, complacent
Which one of the 9 roles resembles you the most? If you can’t point out one at this time, then try to find two or three that you think are most likely to be your type. Now you are one step closer.
Also, the following exercise can be helpful. On the drawing you can see all the 9 types with one of their conventional names. If you had to describe yourself with only one of those names, which one would be the closest one?
On the illustration I used the conventional names defined by the Enneagram Institute.
Enneagram tests
Learning your type from descriptions is the safe and sure way. But also you might get some serious help from the tests available. Some of them are available on-line. Actually I reviewed two of the on-line tests before:
Both of them are highly recommended and freely available on-line.
Also you might want to take the RHETI enneagram test. This one is created by the guys behind the most comprehensive work ever done on the personality types, Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson. The free sampler test is available here on-line.
Remember, tests are there only to give you a hint. It is only by learning the types that you can get full confirmation.
Further resources on the enneagram of personality types
The Wikipedia article can be a good reference at times. It is one of the most fluctuating entries I’ve seen so far on Wikipedia. Right now it is recommended.
The Enneagram Institute website has lots of good information. Being the on-line home of one of the greatest enneagram experts, it is highly recommended.
The most comprehensive books to familiarize yourself with the nine enneagram types are written by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson:
- Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery
- The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types
Lots of good informations on
You might want to consider also the Enneagram Monthly, a publication focused exclusively on the enneagram.
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