The Enneagram: A Tool for Understanding Others

Understanding Others and Yourself Through the Enneagram

Though there are new ways to understand others in the workforce today, the two classics that have always been referred to are: the MBTI and the Enneagram. This blog post will deal with the latter. What I will write of the Enneagram is only meant to whet your appetite for knowledge of a people-knowledge tool. More extensive and real professional information is available online or in person, through professionals.

Working today needs tools to understand your companions' attitudes and way of relating with the world. This is important to make the direction of the work productive and not counter-productive. Some basic knowledge can make it easy to avoid the usual conflicts that occur when people who work together do not understand one another. It is a basic tool in conflict management - from an interpersonal sense. This tool to know people initially is through the Enneagram personality classification. Although each individual is unique in himself, there are certain dominant characteristics that typify persons, so that they can be grouped under a common set of dominant personality traits. For starters, in the Enneagram, they can be basically grouped into three: those who function more with the heart, those who relate regularly with the head, and those who act often with the gut. "Heart people" tend to always move towards other people. "Head people" tend to distance and withdraw themselves from others in order to "sort things out". And "Gut people" are those who follow their instincts, and act to work things out from the "gut". The Enneagram has three personality types for each group of Head, Heart and Gut personalities. Type #1, #9, & #8 personalities are gut people. Type #2, #3, & #4 personalities are heart people. Type #5, #6, & #7 personalities are gut people.

The Enneagram

The Enneagram is an ancient tool for classifying personality types. This tool classifies people into nine basic personality types. Some teachers of the Enneagram give names to these nine personality types. For the purposes of this blog post, a number will suffice to avoid typecasting each personality into a one-word or two-word description. This classification of people is meant only as a guide. In reality, even when people have the same dominant traits within a group, i.e., belonging for example to personality #1, each one is really gifted with other personality traits that are uniquely his own and different from others of the same personality group. Moreover, the human being is a growing entity - both physical and spiritual. He is and will continually be molded by the attitudes he will adapt to through the many experiences life brings. But, for specific purposes, like work or professional relationships, the Enneagram can be used to create the balance necessary, so that the social grouping can be productive and life-giving, not divisive and destructive, leading to dangerous negativity. Also, it can be a source of fun, as learning and knowing others leads to discovering new insights into work and life, and seeing a God who gifts everyone the power to generate life and productive work.

The Enneagram in Catholic circles

During the 1990's, the Enneagram was popularly applied in the formation of those entering into religious life. It was important for those in formation to know not only their personality type, but also the personality types of their companions (and their formators and religious superiors), as they would be studying, working and living together in community. Those who write about the Enneagram for Catholics usually have a saint mentioned as the "patron saint" of a personality type. Some mention the culture of countries as having also an Enneagram personality type.

Enneagram personality type #1

Here is the good boy who always wants to do the right and perfect thing all the time. He wants everything perfect and in place. For him, it is not right to express his anger, because expression of anger is a sign of imperfection. Often, this personality type is serious and conscientious, and needs to add more humor to his attitude. The drive to perfection can be so all-consuming that this type of personality can easily fit in the role of a reformer of organizations, or a moral teacher. Many writers of the Enneagram say that St. Paul the Apostle, and St. Ignatius of Loyola were Enneagram personality type #1s. This is indeed evident in the letters of St. Paul when he exhorts and urges his readers to always strive to goodness and perfection.

Enneagram personality type #2

This is a service-oriented personality type. He sees the world as a place to serve and care for others. Many people depend on this personality type, as he is sensitive to people's needs. Writers of the Enneagram say St. Teresa of Calcutta belongs to this personality type. Personality type #2 often enter into professions that are service-oriented or people-oriented, like doctors, teachers, nurses, and public-service personnel. If a manager or a religious superior belongs to this personality type, he would be a leader who will certainly be loved by all. He will treat each one as a person who needs his attention and care. These personality type is a nurturing and defending type: one you can count on for service-excellence in a corporation or a religious community.

Enneagram personality type #3

Success is very important to this personality type. This personality type has a successful image projected in his smile and his handshake. Since success is important to this personality type, he will do everything in his power to achieve his goals and ambition in life. People of this personality type often enter the entertainment industry, and strive for celebrity status. Because of the successful image they project, these types of personality are very attractive to many. They can be very good role models also for the youth - especially if the image they project is one that espouses good and traditional values. If this personality type were to be applied to nations, the USA is a personality #3 country, because of its success-driven culture. On the other hand, many Enneagram writers say that Russia is a personality #1 country because of its emphasis on utopia in its philosophies.

Enneagram personality type #4

This personality type is unique and special. Artists, poets, writers, and many in the field of humanities, are grouped into this personality category. This people seek to be unique and to be different. An example of this personality type is the Trappist monk and author Thomas Merton. Thomas Merton became popular for his book 'The Seven Storey Mountain'. Reading the book, you can see the unique journey in life he made - from being non-Catholic, to one of conversion to the Catholic faith, and finally entering the Trappist monastery. He writes in depth about philosophy and theology, and some passages need several re-readings before it can be understood (very deep writings). Author Thomas Merton and other Enneagram personality type #4s are usually non-conformist. They will do what is distinct, special and unique. This may be the reason why Thomas Merton entered into the meditation practices and philosophy of the Buddhist religion.

Enneagram personality type #5

This personality type seek wisdom as the life project. They are thinkers and work to gather information, knowledge and facts. They can make wise and good decisions because of their store of knowledge and facts. Solitude, meditation and reflection come naturally to this personality type. They are very logical and objective. It is their left brain that functions more dominantly when they need to make decisions. St. Thomas Aquinas is said to be an Enneagram personality type #5. His Summa Theologica is a testimony to the sound reason and logic which the personality type #5 symbolizes.

Enneagram personality type #6

These personality type seek conformity. These are men loyal to the institution. They are very particular about obedience to rules and regulations. Whatever goes against the norm, or the rule, would upset this personality type. Personality type #6 are very good in religious communities, because the rigid structure of obedience in many religious communities gives them security. The same is true for those in military organizations. Those in very conservative business organizations that seldom change in organizational structure would also be interesting for the personality type #6. Since this type wants people to conform to the institution, it will find those who do not conform a great threat to him, and the institution he serves. Many Enneagram writers say that St. Oscar Romero (gunned down in church because of his hardline stand against the political bloc that oppresses the poor of his local Church) is a good example of personality type #6. Another Church personality who falls under this category is St. Peter. St. Peter is a man of the institution. And his Petrine function has to see that everybody in the institution conforms to it.

Enneagram personality type #7

These personality types always seek fun and enjoyment in life. He can be the spice of the group - bringing the group to heights of humor and laughter. This personality type is very active - running here and there and doing so many things all at the same time. A man given to multitasking! Hyperactivity is probably second nature to him. Even with all the work and activities this person does, he always finds ways to enjoy life, and make others enjoy through his jokes and humorous stories. He can influence others to gather in parties and socials. In a corporate set-up or a religious community, if you need someone to organize your party, or your social gathering, get a personality type #7 and for certain, your gathering will be a fun-filled success.

Enneagram personality type #8

This personality type needs to be in charge of things. He is a leader, and is aware where the power in a group resides. Many politicians or those in leadership positions belong to this personality type. These people are strong personalities. Sometimes they forget how strong they are, that they overlook (their own weakness) and the feelings of others - trampling whatever is in their way when they act or speak. Because of their need to be in charge, and the need to take leadership positions, they are often concerned with issues of justice and peace. Those who are members of political groups that are espouse justice-oriented causes and advocate human rights, can belong to personality type #8.

Enneagram personality type #9

This personality type is peaceful and always seeks harmony in his relationships and environment. Those who belong to this personality type are very stable in the way they carry themselves. They do not want anything, nor anyone, to 'rock the boat', so to speak. Since this type seeks harmony and understanding, they move towards humanitarian activities. They can be very altruistic, and are often concerned with the state of mankind and the world. World leaders who have personality type #9 often make a great and positive impact in the global policital scene, because of the ideals their personality represent. Since the world in its positive direction always seeks universal harmony, brotherhood, peace and unity, a world leader having the personality type #9 will surely be a great gift for humanity.

Additional note:

All these personality types are gifts. All contribute to the common good and the greater good. Not one is a cut above the rest. Not one is better than the other. When gathered together in a community or a workforce, each one brings the gift of his personality to the social setting. Sometimes it would be fun to see how these personalities act when it comes to a certain situation. Take for instance an emergency situation like a fire. #1s would get his list of emergency procedures and act accordingly; #2s would be aware of the people who may be affected by the fire and work to save them; #3s would make themselves appear as calm, in-charge of the situation, and at the same time organize others to put the fire out; #4s would be very emotional and hyper-sensitive; #5s would pause and think what would be the best thing to do; #6s would go to the phone directory and call the fire department, or go to one responsible for the building; #7s would tell everybody there is nothing to worry about, and may even bring humor to the situation; #8s would really take charge of the situation; and #9s would be calm, stable, and confident that everything will be well.

Memorial of Saints (February 27)

St. Leander of Seville was the brother of St. Isidore of Seville. Leander's works as bishop resulted in the conversion of the Visigoths and the Suevi. Since the king was against his work, Leander was exiled to Constantinople. It is to Leander that the Church received the formulation of the Nicene Creed in the West, and also a Rule for a community of nuns (died ca. 600 A.D.).

St. Gabriel Possenti entered the Passionist novitiate in 1856 A.D. Because of his devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, he took the religious name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. He was known for his cheerfulness, and his commitment to prayer and penance. Gabriel was only twenty-four years old when he died of tuberculosis in Abruzzi, Italy (died ca. 1862 A.D.).

St. Alnoth was a cowherder who lived in the estate of a monastery at Northamptonshire, England. Alnoth grew in holiness in his state of life as a cowherder. He then decided to live the life of a hermit near Stowe. Because of the dangerous state of things where he lived, Alnoth was killed by a group of bandits (died ca. 700 A.D.).

St. John of Gorze inherited a wealthy estate upon the death of his father. John was attracted to religious life and visited several monasteries. He was to go on a second pilgrimage to Rome, but the bishop of the diocese where he studied sent him, and a companion to a run-down abbey in Gorze. John revitalized the abbey and became prior. Eventually, he was elected abbot of Gorze abbey in 960 A.D. (died ca. 974 A.D.).

Sts. Besas, Cronion and Julian were martyrs. Already crippled with gout, Julian was scourged and then burned to death. Cronion was martyred together with Julian. Both Cronion and Julian helped the martyred Christians during Decius' persecution of Christians. St. Besas was a soldier who defended Julian and Cronion when the two were to be executed. Because of Besas' defense, he was also martyred (died ca. 250 A.D.).

St. Thalelaeus lived as a hermit near Gala - probably an area near Cilicia, in Asia Minor where he was born. Thalelaeus was able to convert many to the Christian faith, especially those who wanted to worship at a pagan shrine near his hermit's shack. Since he was gifted also with the gift of tears by the Holy Spirit, he was surnamed Epiklautos - meaning "weeping much" (died ca. 450 A.D.).

St. Baldomerus was a locksmith in Lyons, France. Because of his reputation for holiness, the abbot of St. Justus ordained him to the minor order of the subdiaconate. Baldomerus' cell was next to the monastery of the abbot of St. Justus. It was in this cell that St. Baldomerus spent the rest of his life in prayer and meditation (died ca. 660 A.D.).

St. Anne Line was disowned by her father when she became a Roman Catholic, and married Roger Line - also a Roman Catholic. Because England separated from the Roman Church, Anne helped priests of the Roman Church to find shelter in England. Because of this, Anne was arrested and hanged - one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales (died ca. 1601 A.D.).