There’s no doubt you’ve heard Seattleites discussing astrology signs at length, and maybe even Meyers-Briggs — but have you ever heard of the Enneagram?
This dynamic personality system, which is composed of nine types, has increased in popularity over the last decade — just look at the Google search trends. Plus, it’s become a popular topic amongst local therapists, coaches, influencers + creatives.
We want to know what you think Seattle’s would be (take the poll here), but first here’s some background on enneagram types.
So, how does it work?
The Enneagram aims to identify our core motivations, patterns + fixations at a deeper level to understand how they affect our approaches to life, work, and relationships. Practitioners also believe that it can be a great tool for developing empathy, strengthening communication, and enabling personal growth.
Another way to look at it: each person has an essential nature (or essence) that drives their personality, temperament, and decisions. To uncover your type, coaches typically recommend reading through a hefty description and choosing the type that you resonate with most or taking a quiz. Cool, right?
What are the types?
Type 1 – The Reformer: Rational, idealistic, principled + perfectionistic.
- Essence: Purity
Type 2 – The Helper: Caring, interpersonal, generous + people-pleasing.
- Essence: Compassion
Type 3 – The Achiever: Success-oriented, pragmatic, adaptable, driven + image-conscious.
- Essence: Love, Acceptance
Type 4 – The Individualist: Sensitive, introspective, expressive, dramatic + self-absorbed.
- Essence: Radiance, Beauty
Type 5 – The Investigator: Intense, cerebral, perceptive, innovative, secretive + isolated.
- Essence: Omniscience, Peace
Type 6 – The Loyalist: Committed, security-oriented, engaging, responsible, anxious + suspicious.
- Essence: Wisdom
Type 7 – The Enthusiast: Busy, variety-seeking, spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive + scattered.
- Essence: Serene Bliss
Type 8 – The Challenger: Powerful, dominating, self-confident, decisive, willful + confrontational.
- Essence: Power, Innocence
Type 9 – The Peacemaker: Easygoing, self-effacing, receptive, reassuring, agreeable + complacent.
- Essence: Harmony
