Understanding different personalities’ basic motivations and fundamental emotions can help you relate to others.
Everybody has their own fears and desires. Although we might appear different, in reality, we all seek the same things: acceptance, understanding, and support.
Knowing what drives people of people can help you empathize and relate to them.
Take our Free Enneagram Test now to figure out what drives you and learn more about your type descriptions!
The Nine Enneagram personality types describe individual behavior tendencies and motivations more than any other personality framework.
Although each type has its own unique characteristics, each is also different.
For example, each type can have secondary types (also known as “wings”) that are more flexible and allow for more significant variation in stress levels and maturity.
The Enneagram Types can be a valuable tool to help you with personal development, counseling, and building meaningful relationships.
Take our Free Personality Test (enneagram) to further your growth and see more of our Enneagram resources!
Type Ones are motivated to seek morality and reform. Type Ones are positive, motivated people with a passion for helping others. This personality type will make great social workers, judges, and lawyers.
To be honorable and good.
Immorality and unethicality
Type ones value honesty, punctuality, and being taken seriously. Be positive and open when communicating with type one. This will allow them to share their thoughts and ideas.
A Type One with a Two or Nine wing shows Type One's main characteristics and shares some traits with the type Two or Nine.
Type Twos usually look for love and affection from other people. They are hard-working and emotional thinkers. They make great teachers, counselors, leaders in non-profit organizations, and nurses.
To be loved fully
Unworthy of love
Twos require encouragement and attention. So, find ways to offer support while also thanking them for all they have done.
A Type Two with a One or Three wing shows the most common characteristics of being Type Two and shares some with type One and Three.
Type Threes are driven to succeed and seek out affirmation from others. They are adaptable and charismatic but prefer to stick to a plan of action. They are great as analysts, consultants, marketers, and politicians.
To be important and worthy.
Insignificance and Ineffectiveness
Type threes are more open to honest, straightforward communication. Help them feel valued by giving them tasks or specific goals.
A type Three with a Two or Four Wing shows the main characteristics of this type and shares some traits with the type Four or Two.
Type Fours strive for individuality and authenticity, and they are open to learning from others. Type Fours are sensitive, expressive souls who love art and have a passion for it all. They are great actors, writers, artists, and designers.
Authenticity
No personal identity
Fours require emotional understanding and recognition for their identity. Encourage their creativity and give them the needed space and time to recharge.
A Type four with a Three or Five wing shows the main characteristics of this type and shares some traits with the Three or Five types.
Type Fives are motivated to feel useful and valuable. Type Fives prefer to be real and are great deep-thinkers. They are great scientists, engineers, and scholars.
To be helpful and valuable.
Incompetence or being unskilled
Fives require a lot of time for themselves. Take the time to learn from them, communicate your thoughts clearly, and ask specific questions.
A Type Five with a Six or Four wing shows the main characteristics of this type but also shares some traits with the type Six or Four.
Type Sixes are looking for safety and consistency in their lives. Type Sixes are worth the trust, and they make good decisions. They are excellent as consultants, bankers, professors, and nurses.
Security and Stability
Losing security and support
Sixes should first feel comfortable and safe before expressing themselves and be supportive, direct, and grateful for their rational decision-making.
A Type Six with a Five or Seven wing shows the main characteristics of this type and shares some traits with the Five and Seven types.
Type Sevens desire to live life to its fullest and experience all that the world has to give them. They are spontaneous, outgoing, and passionate about action. They are great writers, photographers, travel agents, and designers.
To be happy and fulfilled
Lack of Opportunity or Opportunity Deprivation
Sevens value positive and open-minded attitudes. You can build a relationship with them by listening to their thoughts and ideas and making sure you understand their unique ideas.
A Type Seven with a Six or Eight wing shows the main characteristics of this type and shares some traits with the type Six or Eight.
Type Eights desire to feel in control of their destiny and fate. Type Eights are strong and focused leaders who can make quick, decisive decisions. They are excellent as sales professionals, lawyers, advisors, and directors.
To be protected, free, and in control
Lose control or be hurt
Eights want to communicate with others directly; Be forward, logical, strong, and confident when sharing your thoughts and ideas.
A Type Eight with a Seven or Nine Wing shows most of the characteristics of this type but also shares some with the type Seven or Nine.
Type Nines want to feel at ease, secure, and comfortable with themselves and their inner world. They can be flexible and cooperative teammates and consider different perspectives. They excel as counselors and diplomats, as well religious workers.
To live in peace and stability
Separated from the rest of the world
Nines are more comfortable with peaceful interactions. Please encourage them to share their thoughts, listen attentively, offer support, and give feedback.
Type Nine with an Eight or One Wing mainly shows the characteristics of a type Nine but shares some with the One or Eight types.
