an introductory guide to the enneagram for coaches and individuals

Eights value strength, control, and honesty. They don’t want to feel vulnerable or weak, something they often experience when it feels like someone else has their hands on the steering wheel of an issue they care about. They are decisive and usually take charge in challenging situations.

Their strong sense of justice drives them to stand up for people who need protection and for what they believe is right. They are quick to challenge any dishonesty or unfairness. While their directness can be perceived as aggressive, Eights see it as a necessary trait to achieve their goals and protect their values.

An Enneagram Eight might say… "The world is a jungle; only the strong survive, and I am strong. Don’t mess with me."

Nines are focused on creating and maintaining harmony and stability in their environment. They are often group peacemakers, striving to maintain relationships and systems. They offer a steady and measured pace to life and projects.

They dislike conflict and will have different strategies to minimise, avoid, manage or resolve issues that arise, at times going along to get along. Nines can listen to differences and synthesise points of view to weave groups together. They may self-forget and numb discomfort in times of stress. They are slow to anger, but when they do move from passive to active expression of anger, it will be explosive and exhausting for them.

An Enneagram Nine might say… “If only we could be more curious, less aggressive and listen to each other more, the world would be a peaceful place."

Individuals with an Enneagram One personality are driven by a deep-seated need to do everything correctly and avoid mistakes. This often manifests in a relentless pursuit of perfection, both in their personal and professional lives. For instance, a One might spend hours revising a report to ensure every detail is flawless, often missing out on rest or relaxation. They may come across as controlling or overly critical, especially when they see others not meeting the high standards they set for themselves.

An Enneagram One might say… “If I relax, I may make mistakes and go bad. So, I need to focus on keeping things from falling apart."

Enneagram Twos are deeply focused on relationships, often going above and beyond to ensure the well-being of those they care about. Their desire to be needed and appreciated can lead them to prioritise others’ needs over their own. For example, a Two might organise a surprise party for a colleague, pouring their energy into making others feel valued. However, this often comes at the expense of their self-care, as they find it difficult to say no or take time for themselves.

An Enneagram Two might say… “I want you to like me, and I have a strategy for this. If I’m helpful and kind to you, you’re more likely to like me and not reject me."

Threes are highly motivated by success and recognition, often setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. In a work environment, a Three might be the one who volunteers for every high-profile project, driven by the desire to stand out and be seen as successful. They are adept at adapting to different situations to achieve their goals, which can sometimes strain their relationships, as others may perceive them as overly competitive or insincere.

An Enneagram Three might say… “There are two types of people in the world: winners and losers. And I won’t be a loser, so I will show others I’m valuable.”

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Fours are characterised by their deep emotional sensitivity and a strong desire to express their authentic selves. They are often drawn to creative or artistic pursuits, where they can channel their intense emotions into their work. A Four may resist following standard procedures, favouring a more unique approach that values individuality over conformity.

An Enneagram Four might say… “I feel, therefore I am.”

Fives are introspective and value knowledge above all else, often preferring to observe and analyse rather than engage directly. In a workplace setting, a Five might be the person who spends days researching a topic in depth before presenting their findings, ensuring they have a complete understanding before sharing. They value their privacy and autonomy, often setting strict boundaries to protect their personal space.

An Enneagram Five might say… “I want energy, time, and space to make sense of an overwhelming world, and therefore, I need to minimise my contact with others.”

Sixes are driven by a need for security and are always on the lookout for potential threats or challenges. They want certainty and are cautious about who or what they trust. They excel at anticipating problems and creating detailed plans to avoid or mitigate them. A Six’s cautious nature can sometimes make them appear overly pessimistic, but their thorough approach often prevents issues from arising.

Sixes act in phobic and counter-phobic ways - sometimes avoiding risks and dangers (phobic) and sometimes tackling them head-on (counter-phobic). They have busy minds, trying to figure things out while also checking and double-checking the conclusions they draw and the decisions they make.

An Enneagram Six might say… “If you let your guard down, bad things happen. So don’t just have a Plan A - have a Plan B, C, D, and E.”

Sevens are full of energy and always looking for the next exciting experience. They want to be free in the world to experience the good things in life and not feel trapped in emotional pain and boredom. They bring ideas, enthusiasm and optimism to most situations.

In a team setting, a Seven might be the person who comes up with innovative ideas and is eager to start new projects, but they can lose interest once the initial excitement fades. They are skilled at finding the silver lining in difficult situations, often using humour or distraction to avoid dwelling on the negative.

An Enneagram Seven might say… “Too much of a good thing is wonderful!”