The Ultimate Guide on Enneagram Subtypes: Beginner-Friendly
If you’ve ever tried a personality test or looked it up online, you may have come across the Enneagram personality test. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything that you need to know about Enneagram subtypes.
From its history to how it works, to different Enneagram personality types, you’ll get to know all those and more in this article. Hence, without any further ado, let’s jump straight into the article and learn what’s Enneagram all about.
Before anything else,
What exactly is Enneagram?
In a nutshell, Enneagram (or the Enneagram of Personality) is a personality system that helps you find your true personality type based on individual fears, motivations and internal dynamics.
This system has nine different personality types – Perfectionist, Giver, Performer, Romantic, Observer, Loyal Skeptic, Epicure, Protector and Mediator. Out of these nine personalities, the system generates one primary personality type for you based on your choices.
History of Enneagram:
The exact origin of Enneagram is still unknown. But there is a rich history behind this personality system. In some context, the origin of Enneagram dates back to the Babylon times around 4,500 years ago. On the other hand, some philosophers believe that the Enneagram of Personality system has its origin in ancient Greek philosophy about 2,500 years ago.
Regardless of that, today the Enneagram Personality system is widely used in both spirituality and business management contexts. In both these applications, people are of the mindset that the Enneagram Personality test can further help in self-understanding, self-awareness and self-development.
What is Enneagram Subtype?
The Enneagram Subtype is all about how we express the three basic instincts of life in our day-to-day lives influenced by our Enneagram personality type. Now, you may ask, what are the three basic instincts? They are:
- Self-preservation – how we respond to perceived needs and threats.
- One-to-one – relates to personal relationships, friendship, etc.
- Social – relating to our ability to form social bonds or socialize with others.
Every individual has these three basic instincts within us. However, there is one particular instinct that is primary and dominates the other two.
As a result, we are able to easily identify the primary instinct. With that said, we tend to use this instinct more often than the others. If you’re still unaware of your instinctual patterns, the Enneagram Personality test can help you find the answer.
The main question is how does knowing one’s instinctual pattern benefit an individual ?
In short, it can help us live a more balanced life. By being aware of your Enneagram subtype and the subtypes of those closest to you, this can allow you to create a more cordial relationship with one another.
Additionally, it may also help you prevent conflicts with another person whose thinking or way they live their life differs from you.
Different Types of Enneagram Subtypes:
Altogether, there are 27 Enneagram subtypes (out of which anyone could be your primary subtype).
Let’s take a brief look at the different subtypes of the nine Enneagram personalities. Please note that these descriptions are short and focuses on their main abilities or traits.
Enneagram 1 Subtypes (Perfectionist):
Self-preservation (Pioneer) – often very anxious or worried about even the smallest details, wants to take things under control, has a high sense of responsibility.
Social (Social Reformer) – friendly, high self-control, always abides by the social norms, and usually criticizes those who may act in an adverse or wrong manner.
One-to-one (Evangelist) – feels entitled to reform the society or people, more likely to express frustration when others resist their efforts, may also experience jealousy towards others.
Enneagram 2 Subtypes (Giver):
Self-preservation (Caregiver) – able to form warm and cordial relationships with others and focuses on supporting and nurturing other people, fears rejection from people.
Social (Ambassador) – they enjoy the limelight, focuses more on building allies.
One-to-one (Lover) – focuses on building strong and intimate relationships with selective people using their talents and seductive abilities.
Enneagram 3 Subtypes (Performer)
Self-preservation (Company Person) – productive, efficient and reliable, focuses on doing the right thing.
Social (Influencer) – highly competitive, enjoys being in the limelight and influencing others.
One-to-one (Charmer) – focuses more on appearing attractive and charming to others, likes to compete for affection and attention.
Enneagram 4 Subtypes (Romantic)
Self-preservation (Creative Individualist) – empathic and can deal with pain and suffering… wants to be recognized as a strong individual.
Social (Commentator) – often acts as the truth-teller in a group, finds comfort in suffering and likes expressing it to other people.
One-to-one (Dramatic) – competitive, demanding, and vocal about one’s own feelings and needs.
Enneagram 5 Subtypes (Observer)
Self-preservation (Defender)- often introverted and guards their privacy and personal space.
Social (Teacher)- has a hunger for wisdom and knowledge.
One-to-one (Secret Agent)- may depend on a significant other to make them feel alive and vibrant which may lead them to put their partner’s loyalty on test.
Enneagram 6 Subtypes (Loyal Skeptic)
Self-preservation (Family Loyalist)- warm, friendly and affectionate with others and may often hesitate to share their point of view.
Social (Social Custodian)- dutiful, rational and prefers to stand up for others who may be considered weaker (e.g. those that may be scared or are unwilling to stand up for themselves).
One-to-one (Soldier) – may come off as intimidating, bold and assertive.
Enneagram 7 Subtypes (Epicure)
Self-preservation (Gourmand)- great in networking, loves all the good things in life and may often end up having problems with over-eating and over-stimulation.
Social (Utopian Visionary)- generous, willing to sacrifice one’s needs for others, and expects appreciation for their good deeds.
One-to-one (Adventurer)- extremely enthusiastic and optimistic about life, loves new ideas, adventures and meeting new people.
Enneagram 8 Subtypes (Protector)
Self-preservation (Survivalist)- confident, powerful, productive and effectively tackles the most challenging situations.
Social (Squad Leader)- stays away from injustice, uses their power to cater to the needs of others, loyal and protects their loved ones.
One-to-one (Chief)- quite rebellious, does not care about breaking the rules, may use power or force to control others.
Enneagram 9 Subtypes (Mediator)
Self-preservation (Collector) – focuses on one’s well-being and loves activities such as reading, eating, sleeping, etc., enjoys alone-time and peace.
Social (Benefactor) – makes sacrifices for others’ needs and focuses more on keeping other people happy.
One-to-one (Seeker)- does not like to be alone, feels more secure and happy when in the company of other people.
Conclusion:
This is one of the most widely-used personality tests with an aim to develop self-awareness and self-development.
There are many books on Enneagram Personality tests and the subtypes associated with the system.
There’s no best subtype.. there’s only the subtype that fits who you are and this is a personality system that can help you dive deeper into more completely and holistically understanding your personality and you.