Understanding your Enneagram Personality - Part II. (MC-5)
In the second part of this blog article, I am providing supplemental information about the usefulness and criticism of the Enneagram model. In addition, I will reveal the results of my own Enneagram test taken a few weeks ago. We’re going to have fun together!
Understanding your Enneagram Personality
Before I begin, however, I’d like to share with you another 5-star review of my book.
Enneagram's Usefulness
The Enneagram is a system of nine personality types combining traditional wisdom with modern psychology. This makes it a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and the people in our lives. It has three major applications:
1. Personal and spiritual growth.
2. Successful relationships at home and work.
3. Leadership development, team building, and communication skills for business.
Enneagram supplies the knowledge to:
Increase your personal and professional effectiveness.
Increase your self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Understand your natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
Build successful relationships at home and work.
Support your strengths, identify your blind spots, and manage emotional reactivity.
Develop your inner life.
To benefit from the many capabilities offered by the Enneagram model, you must do two things. First, become familiar with it; better still, go as deep as you can into it. Second, take a free-Enneagram personality test. You will be surprised how many new things you learn about yourself!
From the many websites that offer Enneagram information and free testing, I like two: www.truity.com. and www.enneagraminstitute.com.
Criticism of the Enneagram model
According to www.en.wikipedia.org, the Enneagram model has received criticism from both the academic community as well as from religious circles. Many scientists call it a “pseudoscience, subject to wide interpretations and difficult to validate scientifically.” This is despite the fact that many reputable personality psychologists have endorsed it.
In the area of faith, particularly Catholicism, the Enneagram model is being condemned for introducing “ambiguity in the doctrine and the life of the Cristian faith.” However, in may other faiths, the Enneagram is regarded as the only useful tool bridging the gap between scientific psychology and spirituality. If it does a good job or not, you will be the judge!
Partial results of my Enneagram test
A few weeks ago, I took the Enneagram personality test at www.truity.com. Was I surprised by its results? Yes and no. Let’s look at what I got.
In descending order of dominance, my three predominant personality types appear to be:
Type 1: The Reformer
Type 3: The Achiever
Type 2: The Helper
These are excerpts from my report:
Type 1: The Reformer.
Reformers are realistic, conscientious, and principled. They strive to live up to their high ideals.
How to get along with me:
Take your share of responsibilities, so I don’t end up doing all the work.
Acknowledge my achievements.
Gently encourage me to lighten up and to laugh at myself.
What I like about being a One
Being self-disciplined and able to accomplish a great deal.
Having high standards of ethics, not compromising myself.
Being the best I can be and bringing the best in other people.
What’s hard about being a One
Feeling burdened by too much responsibility.
Thinking that what I do is never good enough.
Being tense, anxious, and taking things too seriously.
Type 3: The Achiever.
Achievers are energetic, optimistic, self-assured, and goal-oriented.
How to get along with me:
Leave me alone when I’m doing my work.
Don’t burden me with negative emotions.
Tell me you like being around me.
What I like about being a Three
Providing well for my family.
Staying informed, knowing what’s going on.
Being able to motivate people.
What’s hard about being a Three
Having to put up with inefficiency and incompetence.
The fear of not being – or of not being seen as – successful.
Comparing myself to people who do things better.
Type 2: The Helper.
Helpers are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people’s needs.
How to get along with me:
Tell me that you appreciate me.
Share fun times with me.
Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.
What I like about being a Two
Being able to relate easily to people and make friends.
Being generous, caring, and warm.
Being enthusiastic and fun-loving and having a good sense of humor.
What’s hard about being a Two
Not being able to say no.
Feeling drained from overdoing for others.
Criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should.
What do you say, dear friends? Is this really me? Waiting for your comments...
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Useful links: www.enneagraminstitute.com www.truity.com