Facebook Twitter Instagram
SIGN IN

MY OWN TERMS

Enneagram Type 4

Enneagram Type 4: The Creative

The enneagram 4 is sensitive, creative, and enjoy expressing their emotions. Compared to other enneagram types, a 4 is one of the most authentic and creative.

Type fours enjoy the journey of self discovery. Their identity means a lot to them, and they find it exciting to discover who they are. A 4 covets having a deep sense of who they are, and being able to share that authentically with the world.

Fours come off as introverted in group settings, however they deeply value their one on one relationships.

What Are Enneagram 1 Personality Traits?

Basic Fear

An enneagram 4 has a basic fear of being unimportant and not leaving their mark on the world.

Unhealthy fours come in two forms. In one form, they feel unique in the sense that they’re an outcast that nobody gets. The other form is they feel like they have a unique skill or trait that is so special no one else can understand them.

Unhealthy fours work hard to distinguish themselves from everyone else.

Basic Desire

An enneagram 4 has a basic desire to have their own idea and way of expressing themselves. Because of their core desire to be unique, they may struggle to find an identity that is authentic.

A type four may feel misunderstood if nobody recognizes their skills as unique.

Rather than develop their own feelings and traits, some fours may pick up on different personality traits of their friends so they seem more authentic.

To Summarize:

  • Want their own identity/self image.
  • Desire to leave a legacy behind.
  • Fear being insignificant.
  • Want to be artsy and creative.
  • Reserved in group settings.

What Are The Strengths Of An Enneagram 1?

When placed in a setting of various backgrounds- whether it be a diversity of beliefs or upbringings, a personality types’ weaknesses and strengths will be intensified.

An Enneagram 1 Personality Type Shows The Following Strengths:

  • Can connect deeply with their own emotions.
  • Understanding of others’ feelings.
  • Self aware of where they should grow.
  • They have imaginative, personal creativity.
  • Authentic.

Enneagram 1 Weaknesses

An Enneagram 1 Personality Type Shows The Following Weaknesses:

  • Withdrawing to process painful experiences.
  • Focus on what they don’t have.
  • Self absorbed, focused on themselves.
  • Difficulty dealing with hardships.
  • Can be seen as overly dramatic.

Growth Opportunities For An Enneagram 1

An Enneagram 1 Personality Type Shows The Following Weaknesses:

  • Withdrawing to process painful experiences.
  • Focus on what they don’t have.
  • Self absorbed, focused on themselves.
  • Difficulty dealing with hardships.
  • Can be seen as overly dramatic.

Work Life With An Enneagram 1

When Communicating With An Enneagram 1:

  • Don’t be too logical and express your feelings.
  • Appreciate their emotionally intense nature.

Enneagram 1 In Meetings:

  • Be positive.
  • Encourage 4s to share their ideas.

Emailing An Enneagram 1:

  • Keep emails to a minimum.
  • Don’t try to be super authentic or use too much self expression.

Sharing Feedback With An Enneagram 1:

  • Be sensitive when sharing negative feedback.
  • Help a 4 see areas of needed improvement as opportunity, not negatives.

Conflict Resolution With An Enneagram 1:

  • Own up and share your feelings.
  • Empathize with them, but not completely so that they can maintain their individuality.

What Motivates An Enneagram 1

Each Enneagram will have different motivators, since they are all driven by different value systems. Enneagram 4 personality is motivated by creativity and identity.

Here Are Some Examples:

  • Establishing connections or relationships.
  • Personal time to connect with their inner self.
  • Using art forms to express their emotions.
  • Feeling understood and accepted for who they are.

What Are The Stressors For An Enneagram 1?

Every Enneagram responds to stress differently and will have different triggers.

An Enneagram 4 will be stressed by:
  • Meaningless chit chat.
  • Large groups of people they do not know.
  • Feeling like they have no creativity.
  • Arguments.

A fours awareness of their own darker nature can make it easier at times for them to processor stressors and negativity.

Enneagram 1 In The Workplace

Enneagram type fours thrive in work environments that encourage them to be their true, individualized selves. Type fours are happy when they are able to express themselves creatively and bond with their coworkers.

Energizers For An Enneagram 4 In The Workplace:
  • Someone asking them to share how they’re doing.
  • Their superior takes time to get to know them.
  • Being surrounded by kind and open-minded peers.
  • Having direct reports that get their vision.
Things That Drain An Enneagram 4 In The Workplace:
  • When there’s no opportunity to be creative.
  • Get criticized by their boss.
  • Peers who are critical or withdrawn.
  • Having direct reports that do not respect them or take them seriously.

The enneagram type 4 is emotionally expressive and very creative. They’re authentic and intelligent, and will encourage those around them to connect with their own inner world.

As long as an Idealist is allowed to follow their moral passions and feel respected, they will thrive in their workplace.

Jobs That Best Suit An Enneagram 1

  • Actor
  • Personal Trainer
  • Hair Stylist
  • Writer
  • Photographer
  • Designer
  • Artist
  • Dance Instructor

Enneagram 1 In A Relationship (Professional)

An enneagram type four feel most inspired when working along side people who are even tempered. Fours inspire those around them to come up with creative ideas and solutions.

If an enneagram 4 has to work along side other type fours, they can focus on bonding over their unique and creative passions.

An Enneagram 4 Will Work Best With People Who:

  • Ask them about themselves.
  • Acknowledge that they’re a unique individual.
  • Show appreciation for their creativity.
An Enneagram 4 Might Clash With Coworkers When They:
  • Receive negative feedback.
  • Pull away when stressed.
  • Are too focused on themselves.

Enneagram 1 In A Relationship (Romantic)

An enneagram type 4 can be an emotionally in tune and romantic when their partner connects with them deeply.

Fours need to be careful that they are not setting unrealistic expectations for their partners.

In A Romantic Relationship, An Enneagram 4 Brings These Strengths To The Table:
  • Attention to the relationship.
  • Openly shares emotions.
  • Is in tune with areas they need to grow.
In A Romantic Relationship, An Enneagram 4 May Have Difficulty:
  • Having realistic expectations.
  • Having a balanced mood.
  • Separating their feelings from disagreements.

Who Are Some Famous Enneagram Type 1's ?

Taylor Swift
Frida Kahlo
Edgar Allen Poe
Gene Wilder

Conclusion

An enneagram 4’s core motivations are to be expressive, unique, and have their own identity. Healthy fours will use their creativity for self expression.

Fours fear being forgotten or unable to leave their mark on the world. 4s fear that their unique abilities might be the only thing of value that they have to offer.

Unhealthy fours tend to be self destructive in their attempts to further differentiate themselves from others. In doing this, they can further damage their self esteem and alienate themselves from the community.

If you want to work well with a four, respect and acknowledge their uniqueness. Fours are proud of their authenticity, and like when others appear to accept them for it. With fours, the keys to a good work relationship are the following: establish a bond, ask about them, and be sensitive when discussing criticisms.

My Own Terms

My Own Terms is a company founded by Joshua T. Osborne to help people take back control of their lives and live life on Their Own Terms.

Want More?

Check out our Enneagram Test for an in-depth guide to get you started on your new life journey.

FEATURED COLLECTIONS
Related Posts
Navigation
Social
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Join Our Mailing List
© 2022 My Own Terms. All Rights Reserved.