E N N E A G R A ME N N E A G R A MR E S O U R C ER E S O U R C EP L A Y B O O KP L A Y B O O KA G U I D E T O E A C H P E R S O N A L I T YT Y P E + T I P S F O R I N T E R A C T I N GS U C C E S S F U L L Y W I T H E A C H
To navigate this resource, you may click on the section you would like to read, or go through page bypage. To return to the table of contents, click on the house symbol in the corner of each page. Enneagram Personality Test01Heart, Head, or Body?02Type One: The Perfectionist03Type Two: The Giver04T A B L E O F C O N T E N T SType Four: The Individualist06Type Five: The Investigator07Type Six: The Skeptic09Type Seven: The Enthusiast0805Type Three: The Achiever10Type Eight: The Challenger11Type Nine: The Peacemaker12Additional Resources
The Enneagram is a system of personality typing that describes patterns in how peopleinterpret the world and manage their emotions. It describes nine personality types and mapseach of these types on a nine-pointed diagram which helps to illustrate how the types relateto one another.According to the Enneagram, each of the nine personality types is defined by a particularcore belief about how the world works. This core belief drives your deepest motivations andfears — and fundamentally shapes a person's worldview and the perspective through whichthey see the world and the people around them.Understanding a person's Enneagram type helps us to see why they behave the way they do.Each Enneagram type has a set of core beliefs that will consistently motivate them to takeparticular actions and guide them to make certain decisions. Behavior that may seemconfusing or contradictory can often be explained when we understand a person'sEnneagram type.E N N E A G R A MP E R S O N A L I T Y T E S TEnneagram Personality TestTips for Taking the Test
Body types react with an instinctive, gutfeeling. They connect with other people basedon their physical sense of comfort and makesense of the world by sensing their body'sreaction to what is happening. The primarydrive for this triad is to maintain theirindependence and limit control from outsideinfluences. They respond by being eitheroverly controlling, overly passive, or overlyperfectionistic. Types Eight, Nine, and One arethe body or gut-centered Enneagram types.H E A R T , H E A D , O R B O D Y ?The Enneagram is an emotionally focused system of understanding people — honing in on one’score emotional motivations and fears. Each of the nine personality types has its own drivingforce, which is centered around a particular emotion.Some Enneagram types experience strong emotions, while other types aim to avoid emotions inone form or another. However, whether running from emotions or diving into them, each typedescribes some aspect of emotional experience.Heart types react with emotions first. Theyconnect with other people on an empatheticlevel and make sense of the world byunderstanding their feelings about it. Thesetypes are guided by the feelings connected totheir emotional relationships with otherpeople. They value things such as emotionalsupport, recognition, and inclusion. TypesTwo, Three, and Four are the heart or feeling,centered Enneagram types.Heart Head BodyHead types react with analysis first. Theyconnect with other people on an intellectuallevel and make sense of the world byunderstanding the systems and theories thatunderlie what they observe. These types areprimarily focused on control, which they gainby maintaining stability, security, andcompetence. Types Five, Six, and Seven arethe head-centered Enneagram types.
T Y P E O N E : T H E P E R F E C T I O N I S TOnes are very responsible, so much so that they may resent other people who don't take lifeas seriously as they do. They have high standards and tend to see things in black and white,right and wrong. It's easy for them to be critical, of themselves and others. They work hard atbeing right all the time. They are idealistic and will exert great effort to improve the worldaround them, which often puts them in the role of social reformer. Their crucial elements ofgrowth are to learn to accept their imperfections and tolerate other people's points of view. 1Ones place a high emphasis onpersonal integrity and self-control. Their attention goestoward seeing and correctingwhat is wrong and doing theright thing. They are known fortheir honesty, dependability andcommon sense.Interaction TipsIf you work with a One, please take your role seriously so they don't end up carrying theload. Acknowledge when Ones have done something well. Know that when Ones are being outwardly critical, it's usually because they are beinginternally harder on themselves. Remind Ones that even though things aren't perfect, everything will be okay. Apologize to Ones if you've done something wrong. It helps them to forgive more easily. Hear a One's concerns, but then help them loosen up by gently encouraging them to havemore fun. Point things out to Ones, but please do it gently. They are very sensitive to criticism. To read more about Ones, click here.
T Y P E T W O : T H E G I V E RLike emotional sponges, Twos must be very careful what they absorb from the people aroundthem. Getting angry or setting personal boundaries can be very hard to do, although they mayhave emotional outbursts to relieve the pressure. While being a special person or earning theapproval of others has its advantages, it doesn't substitute for being loved for oneself. Twosstruggle to turn their attention toward themselves and knowing what they themselves need ismuch more difficult. They want to be accepted and liked by others, and they will adapt orchange themselves to earn this approval. 2Twos tend to focus onrelationships. They excel at makingconnections and empathizing withthe needs and feelings of otherpeople. They are usually good atsupporting others and helpingbring out their potential.Interaction TipsTell Twos what you appreciate about them. Bonus points if you're super-specific. Feel free to spontaneously do things for Twos or give them gifts, as it makes them feelseen by you.Take an interest in Two's problems. Chances are, they will turn the focus back on you, sodo your best to stay focused on them. Let Twos know that they are important to you. Random notes reminding them of this factmake their day. Twos are open to constructive feedback, but please be gentle. They are very sensitive. Understand that it's hard for Twos to take care of themselves or express their needs, soit's important for you to remind them to try. To read more about Twos, click here.
T Y P E T H R E E : T H E A C H I E V E RThrees like to stay active and on the go, so it's hard to stop or slow down. Their focus onkeeping up their image and achieving results can get in the way of personal needs and health. American business is a particularly strong Three culture where performers get a lot of positivereinforcement for being productive and efficient. A danger for Threes is concentrating onexternal praise or material rewards while losing contact with who they are inside. It's difficultfor them to step out of their roles, feel their own feelings, and decide for themselves what isimportant.3 Threes take the initiative and workhard to accomplish their goals.They are highly adaptable, and theyexcel at "feeling out" and meetingthe expectations of others whenthat will lead them to success. Interaction TipsRemind Threes that their value and worth are not in what they accomplish. Please try not to be overly critical or judgemental when giving Threes honest feedback.Make an effort to get to know a Three, not because they are successful, admired, oraccomplished, but because of who they are. Threes often struggle with self-esteem, so be patient with them. Help Threes by keeping work areas clean and tidy. It's important to them that their spaceis harmonious and peaceful. Try to keep your negativity to a minimum. Having an emotional balance is somethingThrees value in work relationships. To read more about Threes, click here.
T Y P E F O U R : T H E I N D I V I D U A L I S TMany Fours are artists who excel at expressing universal human emotions in dance, music,and poetry. While they seek to have a good image, it's most important for them to beauthentic. Often passionate, sometimes overly emotional, their attention moves back andforth from empathizing with others to their own inner experience. They need time alone. Thekey to healing and growth for Fours is to balance sadness with the capacity for happiness andsatisfaction, even if the relationship or the experience seems flawed or incomplete. 4Fours are defined by their sense ofbeing special and different fromother people. They are oftencreative, and present a unique,distinctive persona to the peoplearound them.Interaction TipsFours thrive on genuine compliments, as they often worry that they are missing somethingvital. Pointing out a Four's strengths is a good way to encourage and motivate them. It's important to a Four that they are acknowledged to be special and authentic. Fours are visionaries and very intuitive. It's important that those gifts are acknowledged. Fours really dislike when you tell them that they are overreacting to things. Allow Fours space to feel their emotions. They need time to calm themselves. To read more about Fours, click here.
T Y P E F I V E : T H E I N V E S T I G A T O RFives are mental types who focus on intellectual understanding and accumulating knowledge.They are often scholars or technical experts because of their keen perception and analyticalability. Privacy and personal autonomy are very important to them, and other people may beexperienced as intrusive. The ability to detach from other people and from emotional pressureconfers personal freedom, but may also create loneliness. Fives need to balance theirtendency to withdraw or withhold from people by reaching out to others, even if this involvesdiscomfort or conflict.5 Fives are defined by their desire toconserve their energy and to avoidbeing drained by engagement withthe outside world. They focus onbeing knowledgeable andcompetent so that they can be asself-sufficient as possible.Interaction TipsFives gravitate towards those they perceive as independent and don't enjoy clinginess. Fives need alone time to recharge. If a Five seems distant, aloof, or arrogant, it might be that they actually feeluncomfortable. Fives are observers by nature, they are not intentionally distant or quiet. Fives can be easily overwhelmed in large gatherings. Try to give them some grace. Fives do not enjoy being forced to interact with others, whether in a group or individually.Trust is incredibly important to Fives. Do not share any information that a Five has toldyou privately. To read more about Fives, click here.
T Y P E S I X : T H E S K E P T I CSixes are mental types who use their perception and intellect to understand the world andfigure out whether other people are friendly or hostile. They focus on guarding the safety ofthe group, project, or community. Sixes are good at anticipating problems and coming up withsolutions. Knowing the rules and making agreements with other people is important, yet at thesame time, they tend to doubt themselves and question others. They can oscillate betweenskepticism and certainty, rebel or true believer. 6 Sixes are defined by their desirefor safety and security. They seekto anticipate and avoid risk, and toally themselves with trustworthyauthority figures and institutions.Interaction TipsBe direct and clear when speaking with a Six. Listen carefully when a Six is speaking. Don't judge a Six for their worrying or anxiety. They are already concerned with what youthink of them. Work through things with Sixes, instead of leaving them on their own. When things are difficult, Sixes respond well to reassurance. Sixes can tell when you aren't being sincere, so if you are encouraging them, be sure not topatronize them. The traits that Sixes admire most in others are loyalty, commitment, being hard-working,responsible, and trustworthy. To read more about Sixes, click here.
T Y P E S E V E N : T H E E N T H U S I A S TSevens are forward thinkers and forward movers. They usually bring an optimistic andpositive attitude to all of their activities. They are interested in many different subjects. Theydon't want to be limited to doing one thing and they prefer to keep their options andpossibilities open. Although they can be excellent communicators, they are less concernedwith image and other people's approval than other types. It's most important to have fun (orget to do one's own thing), whether that's found in travel and adventure or more intellectualpursuits. 7 Sevens are defined by their desireto experience everything life has tooffer while avoiding pain andboredom. They appear to others tobe lively, fun-loving and hedonistic.Interaction TipsSeven thrive on positive encouragement and affection. Allow Sevens the freedom to be themselves. Share your life with Sevens- they enjoy companionship.Make Sevens feel valued by listening to their stories and grand visions. Sevens have difficulty being restricted and told what to do, so when autonomy is anoption, Sevens will thrive. Sevens usually have good intentions, so be cautious about showing negative reactions totheir processes. Sevens are always looking for new experiences and fun activities. Utilize that strength forthe team. To read more about Sevens, click here.
T Y P E E I G H T : T H E C H A L L E N G E REights tend to take charge of situations and step into a leadership role. They are energetic andintense, and they can be intimidating at times to other people. Impatient with rules andregulations, they like to do things their way. By asserting control over their environment, theydo their best to protect themselves and anyone else who is part of their team. Fairness orjustice is a high priority. If they feel wronged, they will fight back since in their experienceweakness or vulnerability will precipitate an attack from the outside world. The challenge forEights is to combine assertion and control with interdependency and cooperation.8 Eights are defined by their desire tobe powerful and to avoid anyvulnerability. Argumentative andintimidating; it is important to themto stand up for what they believe inand to protect those who are weakerthan themselves.Interaction TipsEights are ready to stand up for you- and they value your efforts to stand up for them. Eights don't trust easily, so don't betray that gift. When communicating with an Eight, be direct and honest. Eights have no patience fordishonesty or games. If you are open and vulnerable with an Eight, they will reward your efforts by being openand vulnerable with you. Eights enjoy being appreciated for their tender and warm insides, not just their strongoutsides. Don't assume that an Eight's straightforward way of speaking is an attack. They valueconcise and to-the-point interactions. To read more about Eights, click here.
T Y P E N I N E : T H E P E A C E M A K E RNines are the "salt of the earth" and the "glue" that holds the community together. People ofthis type share a common problem with momentum. Nines have a problem finding andstaying with their own priorities. It's hard to change directions or shift attention to what ismost important. They "forget" themselves. Nines excel at seeing all points of view. This canmake it difficult for them to make personal decisions, but at the same time, they can beexcellent mediators and peacemakers for others. Nines seek harmony in their environmentand will go to great lengths to avoid conflict. 9Nines are defined by their desire tomaintain a sense of inner peace andharmony and to avoid conflict orother emotional disturbances. Theyare typically agreeable, calm, andeasy to be around.Interaction TipsNines enjoy serving others, but not if it is expected or demanded of them. Nines are naturally giving, but do not enjoy others taking advantage of their good nature.When Nines are speaking to you, they find it helpful if you reword what they say back tothem. This demonstrates that you are listening and care. Be patient with Nines. It takes them a while to discern their needs and wants. Askingquestions and talking it through can help. Nines do not enjoy confrontation. If you are in conflict with a Nine, please speak with themin a kind and gentle way. Affirmations show Nines that you see them and that they matter to you. To read more about Nines, click here.
A D D I T I O N A LR E S O U R C E STruity, Molly OwensThe Enneagram at Work, Peter O'HanrahanSourcesDeeper Dive Into the EnneagramDeeper Dive Into Heart, Head, and Body TypesEnneagram
E-mail ExperienceTeam@EnsembleHP.comW E ' R E H E R E F O R Y O U !Susan MilliganExperience DirectorEnneagram SevenMargot BarronExperience ManagerEnneagram OneErin HancockExperience ManagerEnneagram EightGerald DunlapExperience ManagerEnneagram NineDan ConnorsOperations CoordinatorEnneagram Nine