Recognising the structure and bias of each number in the Enneagram enables us to build strategies for objectivity and as a result improves our decision making.
Each Enneagram type (or number) has a deep need that determines their habitual reaction to the world, shapes the way they think, and determines the range of behaviours they choose from. This need also gives each number a focus of attention that triggers the subconscious neurological cascades which in turn lead to our use of conditioned defense mechanisms in an attempt to ensure that these perceived needs are being met. Often, however, when employing the defense mechanism, we are not making the best behavioural choices available to us nor are we fully present in the now.
If, however, we are able to recognise our habitual responses, different responses can be chosen freeing us from our subjective bias, bringing balance. This in turn leads to greater self-mastery and presence.
For the Ennea type 1 this particular need is a need for perfection, the bias is to be and have perfection therefore their thinking leads to type 1’s placing events/people or things into boxes of right or wrong. If the Ennea 1 is then deprived of the ability to do this (as is often the case, as life has many grey areas) it creates stress and tension and negative automatic response such as harsh criticism of others or self.
A positive practical exercise for Ennea 1’s is to practice acceptance - Recognising that sometimes 80% is perfect enough. This doesn’t mean that they have to settle for the status quo. Just to recognise that in a particular instance 80% is enough, it is the perfection that is available in that situation, within the allowed time. This practice can be particularly liberating for the 1’s who generally tend to work relentlessly in the quest for their personal picture of perfection.
Type 2’s strive for connection with other people and the bias is to focus on the needs of others, this however can create codependency and can lead to a lack of boundaries in 2’s who can go far beyond their initial level of commitment to secure that connection. When deprived of this connection the 2 can revert to negative conditioned behaviour, creating stress and tension as a result of feelings of rejection.
A positive practical exercise for the 2 is one of developing “true†empathy – not to project their own needs or to make the assumption that they know better what the other person needs, but to truly engage and ask what level of assistance the other person wants. This can be liberating for the 2’s who can work themselves into a state of compassion fatigue in their relentless pursuit of providing for others whilst seeking that personal connection.
Type 3 strives to be outstanding and successful and as a result they end up “doing†all the time –stepping into a project, task or race even when not necessary. They are constantly focused on gaining recognition from others, often leaving their own true objectives out of the picture.
A positive practical exercise for 3’s is to understand and continually question what their true purpose is, and to understand why they are doing what they are doing. This can be quite liberating for the 3’s as they bring their soul intent and full integrity into the world in a more authentic manner as opposed to the pursuit of project after project for the sake of recognition.
Type 4 strives to be unique – seeking to understand and relate to self and others from a unique perspective. They often focus on what is missing, fantasising about a future where full acceptance is paramount. Romanticising as such.
A positive practical exercise for 4’s is to try and identify when they are busy with a comparison of self to the norm – not then “forcing†the unique perspective and thereby paradoxically falling into a set pattern of behaviour. This is liberating for the 4 as it allows them to let go of negative behaviour and evaluation, and possibly even deep bouts of unhappiness.
Type 5 strives to be detached and create an emotional buffer between themselves and the world. Concentrating more on the collection of and even hoarding of knowledge, their focus of attention is often on potential intrusion.
A positive practical exercise for the 5’s is to engage more strategically with the world, buying themselves time as such and thereby having the ability to step back and think. A 5 can also be encouraged to consciously engage with body activities, giving balance to the thinking patterns.
Type 6 strives to be secure, to stay safe and to be prepared for any events that may go wrong – this can create pessimism and risk aversion in their behaviour. Their focus of attention is all about scanning for potential hazards.
A positive practical exercise for the 6 is to get into the habit of keeping track of their successes – reminding themselves that there is a high probability of success the next time round as well.
The 7 strives to be excited – and in this avoidance of negativity in the short term, they create more stress and possible problems in the long term. Their focus of attention is escape or the creation of additional options.
A positive practical exercise for the 7 is to “stretch time of paying attention†doing or creating enjoyable events and then staying in the moment – stretching the time of focus as long as possible.
The 8 strives to have power; being in control. Their focus of attention is on who has the power and whether that person will be fair, are they to be trusted in protecting the vulnerability of all?
A positive practical exercise for the 8 is to try to redefine their perception of power – understanding real power comes from compassion. Also by increasing their self-discipline, avoiding challenging the “power†in the room as opposed to moving towards this high energy source.
The 9 strives to be peaceful, avoiding conflict and continually devaluing of self. The focus of attention is on other peoples’ agendas, thoughts and opinions, often abandoning the self altogether, a type of merging as such.
A positive practical exercise for the 9 is to stop self-deprecating language to state as fact their own accomplishments. To review their own position thereby including their personal perspective.
© Debbie Engelbrecht
This article is a personal interpretation of two presentations delivered by Mario Sikora and Helen Palmer at the recent 2016 Global Enneagram Summit. Debbie is the CEO of Staff Training and an accredited Enneagram coach. Staff Training use the Enneagram in both emotional intelligence and leadership training workshops.