Pt. 1: Introduction to the Enneagram for Entrepreneurs

I previously wrote a blog called "What is brand personality?" to help entrepreneurs understand Aaker’s 5 Dimensions of Brand Personality (with examples) and determine their business’s personality.

But, as Greek philosophers have said, "Know thyself."

(And I don't mean knowing if you prefer long walks on the beach vs. Netflix binges with your dog.)

To "know" yourself means to know why you do the things you do—your internal motivations, desires, strengths, fears, etc. Without understanding what makes us tick, we can harm relationships with employees, colleagues, and clients.

Thankfully, we have tools that help us identify our inner "why's."

This blog walks you through the nine Enneagram types and how you can identify your number as an entrepreneur who's dedicated to personal growth and self-actualization.

Today, you’ll learn the basic fear, desire, and core motivations for each of the nine Enneagram types.

Soo, what's the Enneagram? Well, let me introduce you to my favorite personal development tool!

What is the Enneagram?

The Enneagram (Ennea=9, Gram=Diagram) is simply a map for self-discovery and personal growth based on nine basic personality types. It gives unique insight into how people feel, think, and behave.

Each Enneagram personality type takes on the positive or negative traits of another type depending on if they are in an "integrated" or "disintegrated" state.

Types can also have a "wing" number, sharing traits with the numbers to the right or left of them.

For instance, I'm a Type Three with a Four wing (3w4 Enneagram), which means I share traits from both types.

In a secured or integrated state, I'll share positive characteristics of Sixes, while in a stressed or disintegrated state, I'll share negative traits of Nines.

See how the left line of the 3 connects to the 6 and my right “arm” or line connects to the 9?

Clear as mud, right?

Anyway, we're getting in deep here, so I'll lead us back to the shallows. In another blog, I'll discuss Enneagram wings, integrations, and disintegrations.

Now, why should the Enneagram matter to you as an entrepreneur?

Why the Enneagram Matters for Entrepreneurs

As the mental health conversation continues to open up, entrepreneurship is becoming a popular path to self-actualization. Looking at Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, self-actualization is the key to becoming your best, truest self.

Let's be honest, sometimes we're the ones getting in our way.

Maybe the roadblocks you're facing in your business today are:

• You're shying away from great opportunities

• You're constantly clashing with clients

• You're not taking risks

Whatever it is, there's an underlying fear or motivation that's pushing you toward or away from your business goals. Knowing your strengths, fears, and gifts can help you thrive personally and professionally.

That's where the Enneagram comes in. It offers us a path towards personal growth by uncovering who we are when the curtain is pulled back. Studying the Enneagram brings awareness to your personality and the personality of others, explaining why we all see the world a bit differently.

Summarizing The Nine Enneagram Personality Types

Now, don't get all, “I'm too unique to be boxed in to a number” on me.

I get it, you think you're special (and you are!) But, there are going to be common denominators in your personality that fit into one of these nine types—trust me.

Think of the Enneagram types as shades of a color wheel.

For instance, while Sixes are the most common Enneagram type (pictured above as a purple dot), their personalities can range from a soft lavender to bright violet.

Basically, don't see your Enneagram Type as limiting. The Enneagram is not meant to box you in. It’s a helpful tool that empowers you to move towards your best self and empathize more with others.

1. Enneagram Type One: The Perfectionist

Principled, Self-controlled, Purposeful

Type Ones see the world as black and white, right and wrong. However, this extreme thinking can lead to problems in relationships. They find what's broken in the world and aim to fix it. Ones have a strong attention to detail, but they're afraid of making mistakes. They're incredibly hard-working and disciplined, but they are critical of themselves.

Basic Fear: Corruption

Basic Desire: To be good

Core Motivations: Ones want to be right, improve everything, and be beyond criticism to avoid condemnation by others.

2. Enneagram Type two: The Helper

Generous, People-pleasing, Possessive

Type Twos are empathetic and self-sacrificing—always quick to assist, offering guidance or a helping hand to anyone in need. However, their servanthood can leave them without time or energy to attend to their own needs. Twos are well-meaning, but can tend to offer assistance to others in order to feel needed.

Basic Fear: Rejection

Basic Desire: To be loved

Core Motivations: Twos want to be loved, needed, and appreciated by others.

3. Enneagram Type Three: The Performer

Success-oriented, Driven, Image-conscious

Type Threes are performers to the core. They are ambitious, attractive, and self-assured. Threes are known to be chameleons—able to adapt to any social setting. However, their constant shape-shifting can leave Threes feeling exhausted and lost as to their true identity. Threes are workaholics at worst, but role models at best.

Basic Fear: Worthlessness/failure

Basic Desire: To be valued

Core Motivations: Threes want to be affirmed, distinguished, admired, and impressive.

4. Enneagram Type Four: The Individualist

Expressive, Dramatic, Individualistic

Type Fours are sensitive, feeling-oriented, and a bit moody. The most emotional type on the Enneagram, Fours can utilize their feelings to create beauty and art while deeply empathizing with others. Fours can get lost in their feelings, though, and become too self-involved. At best, they encourage others to be their most authentic self.

Basic Fear: Lost identity

Basic Desire: To be understood

Core Motivations: Fours want to express their individuality, surround themselves with beauty, and care for their own emotional needs first.

5. Enneagram Type Five: The Investigator

Perceptive, Isolated, Innovative

Type Fives are observers and analysts who love to explore their curiosity. Preferring to keep to themselves, Fives' intense concentration makes them excellent at investigation and discovery. They can become preoccupied with their flurries of thoughts at times, making them aloof and introverted.

Basic Fear: Helplessness

Basic Desire: To be capable

Core Motivations: Fives want to be knowledgeable, figuring things out as a way of defending themselves from environmental threats.

6. Enneagram Type six: The Loyalist

Committed, Anxious, Suspicious

Sixes are worst-case scenario thinkers, meaning they are always prepared for the worst. They can foresee potential issues and quickly find a solution. Sixes prefer to live in a safe-zone because they are anxious about the "what ifs" of life, leaving them wanting for the joy that's available to risk-takers.

Basic Fear: Being unsupported

Basic Desire: To be secure

Core Motivations: Sixes are the most loyal friends, so they want to feel supported in return.

7. Enneagram Type SEven: The Enthusiast

Spontaneous, Scattered, Excited

Type Sevens are the life of the party! They are outgoing, spontaneous, and adventurous. Their constant need for the next-big-thing makes them afraid of commitment, often preventing them from finishing tasks, meeting goals, or keeping real connections with people. At worst, they are impulsive, undisciplined, and impatient.

Basic Fear: Pain

Basic Desire: To be satisfied

Core Motivations: Sevens want to live a free, happy, worthwhile life that keeps them excited and preoccupied from experiencing pain.

8. Enneagram Type Eight: The Challenger

Confident, Confrontational, Decisive

Type Eights are bold, authoritative, and go-getters. They bring energy and zest to tasks and meetings. However, they can come off aggressive and domineering. Eights like to be in control of their environment (and people), making them intimidating. They typically have big tempers, but at their best, Eights become heroic and improve people's lives.

Basic Fear: Being controlled

Basic Desire: To protect

Core Motivations: Eights want to be self-reliant, important, and in control, proving their strength and independence.

9. Enneagram Type nine: The Peacemaker

Easygoing, Agreeable, Pushover

Type Nine's are harmonious and easy-going, but avoid conflicts at-all-costs. Their need for peace makes them complacent and silent when they should speak up for themselves or others. Nines want to skate through life without any bumps in the road. They can struggle with laziness, but their gift to the world is healing conflicts and creating unity.

Basic Fear: Separation

Basic Desire: Peace of mind

Core Motivations: Nines want to create harmonious environments that bring people together and diffuse relational tension.

How Do I Find My Enneagram Type?

1. Read an Enneagram Book

If you're interested in reading more on the Enneagram, but new to the topic, I highly recommend The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. For leaders, I recommend The 9 Types of Leadership: Mastering the Art of People in the 21st Century Workplace by Beatrice Chestnut.

2. Take an Online Test

• RHETI by The Enneagram Institute ($12).

• Eclectic Energies Enneagram test (Free).

3. Do Some Research

Download the ****Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Finding Your Enneagram Type for Entrepreneurs by Kadie from Drop Cap Design and use it to identify which of the numbers you resonate most with.

Note: It's probably the number that makes your stomach turn a bit because you feel like someone read your personal diary.

Another option is to go to the Enneagram Institute and read through all of the numbers in detail.

4. Review & Reflect

Once you feel like you've identified your Enneagram Type, sit with it for awhile. Study that number and use it as a lens to look back on past experiences. Take note of how you behave, feel, and see the world on a day to day basis. Ask yourself, do my actions line up with that number's traits?

No Enneagram Type is Better Than Another

Finally, please understand that there is NO "winning" number on the Enneagram. No single Enneagram number is better than another. We all have differing desires, fears, strengths, and weaknesses that make us unique. So, whatever your number is, feel empowered that you are dedicating yourself to self-actualizing.

Ready to apply what you've learned and identify your business's personality and brand archetype? Contact Selah Creative Co. to schedule a 120-minute brand strategy session today!