Enneagram Types 1-9: A Quick Overview of Each Personality

Introduction

The Enneagram is a system of nine personality types that describes how people interpret the world and manage their emotions. Unlike other systems that focus on behavior, the Enneagram focuses on motivation.

The Gut Center (Instinctive)

These types react with their gut and struggle with anger.

• Type 8 (The Challenger): Powerful, dominating, and self-confident. They fear being controlled or harmed by others.
• Type 9 (The Peacemaker): Easygoing, self-effacing, and agreeable. They fear conflict and fragmentation.
• Type 1 (The Reformer): Rational, idealistic, and principled. They fear being "bad," defective, or corrupt.

The Heart Center (Feeling)

These types react with their heart and struggle with shame.

• Type 2 (The Helper): Caring, interpersonal, and demonstrative. They fear being unwanted or unworthy of love.
• Type 3 (The Achiever): Success-oriented, pragmatic, and adaptable. They fear being worthless or having no value apart from their achievements.
• Type 4 (The Individualist): Sensitive, withdrawn, and expressive. They fear having no identity or personal significance.

The Head Center (Thinking)

These types react with their head and struggle with fear.

• Type 5 (The Investigator): Intense, cerebral, and secretive. They fear being useless, helpless, or incapable.
• Type 6 (The Loyalist): Committed, security-oriented, and anxious. They fear being without support or guidance.
• Type 7 (The Enthusiast): Spontaneous, versatile, and acquisitive. They fear being deprived or in pain.

Finding Your Type

You don't "choose" your type; it's your dominant operating system. While you may relate to aspects of all nine, one core motivation drives you.