Throughout our journey of understanding ourselves and our motivations, many tools and systems have emerged over the years. One tool that’s become popular recently is the Enneagram. Let me preface this all by saying that the wisdom of the Enneagram has been and will be debated. But, I still think it’s a useful tool.

The scientific community criticizes it due its lack of scientific validation, and the fact that it is largely based on subjectivity and interpretation. However, for our purposes, it’s a useful tool to help us get more in tune with our way of thinking.

Derived from the Greek words “ennea” (nine) and “gramma” (a written symbol), the Enneagram is a personality typing system that offers interesting insights into human behavior, motivations, and interpersonal dynamics.

You can take a free Enneagram test here. Answer the questions honestly, and I think you may learn something about yourself along the way.

Understanding the Enneagram

At its core, the Enneagram is a model of personality that suggests there are nine basic personality types. And each has its own set of motivations, fears, desires, and patterns of behavior.

Unlike some other personality frameworks, the Enneagram acknowledges that individuals may exhibit traits of all nine types, but one type typically dominates our personality and influences how we perceive the world and interact with others.

The nine Enneagram types are

1. The Reformer: Principled, purposeful, self-controlled, and perfectionistic.
   
2. The Helper: Caring, interpersonal, generous, and people-pleasing.
   
3. The Achiever: Success-oriented, image-conscious, driven, and adaptable.
   
4. The Individualist: Expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed, and temperamental.
   
5. The Investigator: Analytical, perceptive, innovative, and secretive.
   
6. The Loyalist: Committed, responsible, anxious, and suspicious.
   
7. The Enthusiast: Fun-loving, spontaneous, versatile, and distractible.
   
8. The Challenger: Assertive, decisive, confrontational, and controlling.
   
9. The Peacemaker: Easygoing, agreeable, complacent, and disengaged.

While each type has its strengths and weaknesses, understanding our dominant Enneagram type can offer insights into our behavior patterns, motivations, and areas for personal growth.

Benefits of Understanding the Enneagram

1. Self-awareness: By identifying our Enneagram type, we gain a deeper understanding of our motivations, fears, and unconscious patterns of behavior. This self-awareness allows us to make more conscious choices and break free from limiting beliefs and behaviors.
   
2. Compassion and empathy: The Enneagram helps us understand that each person sees the world through their unique lens shaped by their Enneagram type. This understanding fosters compassion and empathy, improving our relationships and communication with others.
   
3. Personal growth: Armed with knowledge of our Enneagram type, we can embark on a journey of personal growth and development. By recognizing our blind spots and areas for improvement, we can work towards becoming the best version of ourselves.
   
4. Improved relationships: The Enneagram provides valuable insights into the dynamics of our relationships. By understanding the Enneagram types of those around us, we can navigate conflicts more effectively, communicate more authentically, and build deeper connections with others.

Is The Wisdom Of The Enneagram To Be Trusted?

The Enneagram is a decent tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and understanding the complexities of human nature.

While it offers valuable insights, it’s important to remember that the wisdom of the enneagram doesn’t lie in it’s scientific accuracy. It’s essential to approach it with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity.

By delving into the depths of the Enneagram, we can unlock new levels of understanding, compassion, and authenticity in ourselves and our relationships.

Let me know what your thoughts are on the Enneagram. Do you think it’s cool, lame, meh? Or just a fun personality quiz that’s not to be taken too seriously?