Tuned Into Others Feelingsoverly Accommodating

“Enneagram Styles.” Ginger Lapid-Bogda. Bringing Out the Best in Yourself at Work: How to Use the Enneagram System for Success.

TwosGiving

My greatest strength is being sensitive to other people’s needs—sometimes with people I do not even know. It is as if I have an invisible antenna that can read other people’s needs, often before they do. I like to think of myself as a warmhearted, friendly, and generous person. Good relationships are important to me; I resist helping others, even though I may be overwhelmed or in need of help myself. I may then feel taken for granted or unappreciated for my efforts and can become emotional or insistent.

CaringIndirect

Tuned into others’ feelingsOverly accommodating

Do I intuitively know what someone else needs but have a hard time articulating my own needs, even to myself?

ThreesPerform

I am most motivated by a need for success, achievement, and being the best. Generally, I have done well with whatever I have set as a goal. I strongly identify with work, and I believe that a person’s value is largely based on what he or she accomplishes. Because I am so busy, I often set aside feelings or self-reflection so I can get everything done. I can get frustrated with people who do not use my time well or who do not step up to the task. Although I am a competitor, I can also be a good team player (although I often head up the team!).

ConfidentCompetitive

Results-orientedWorkaholic

Do I do all the things I do so that others will value and respect me?

FoursMood

I am a sensitive person who finds richness and meaning in authentic relationships with others. Because I enjoy symbolic aesthetic expression, I may be drawn to the arts in various forms. My artistic sense is for the sophisticated and unique. I often feel that other people do not understand me; I can react strongly to this with anger or sadness. I am happiest when I feel special and deeply connected. I am also willing to experience the sadder parts of life; in fact, melancholy has a wistful quality for me. Often, I find the ordinary boring and the distant or unavailable appealing.

CreativeIntense

ExpressiveSelf-conscious

When I feel something very strongly, do I hold onto my emotions intensely for long periods of time, often replaying my thoughts, feelings, and sensations?

FivesKnowledge

I see myself as an analytical person who thrives on time alone to recharge my energy. I enjoy observing situations rather than being in the middle of them, and I do not like too many demands being placed on me. I like to reflect on my experiences when I am by myself so I can enjoy, understand, and sometimes relive them. Because I have such an active mental life, I am never bored when I am alone. I would like to live a simple, uncomplicated life and be as self-sufficient as possible.

AnalyticalDetached

ObjectiveUnassertive

When a situation gets emotional or intense, am I able to easily disconnect from my feelings of the moment and then reconnect later at a time and place of my choice?

SixesDoubt

One of my greatest strengths is my sharp, incisive mind, which goes into high gear when I imagine something is threatening my security or safety. My inquisitive mind also allows me access to keen insights or intuition. Trusting others is a central issue for me, and I often scan my environment to determine whether a danger may be forthcoming. Suspicious of authority, I am also committed and loyal to organizations to which I belong. I may either avoid danger or approach it head-on, and I am usually active in supporting underdog causes.

LoyalWorrying

ResponsibleHyper vigilant

Do I constantly worry, thinking about what could go wrong and trying to plan so these negative possibilities will not occur?

SevensOptions

I am an optimistic person who enjoys coming up with new and interesting things to do. I have a very active mind that quickly moves back and forth between different ideas. I like to get a global picture of how all these ideas fit together, and I get excited when I can connect concepts that initially do not appear to be related. I like to work on things that interest me, and I have a lot of energy to devote to them. I have a hard time sticking with unrewarding or repetitive tasks. If something gets me down, I prefer to shift my attention to more pleasant things. Having multiple options is important for me; otherwise, I feel boxed in.

SpontaneousUnfocused

Synthesizing mindRebellious

Do I continuously seek new and stimulating people, ideas, or events to keep life exciting and moving forward?

EightsChallenge

I place a high value on being strong, honest, and dependable, and I approach issues of importance in a straightforward way. I like strength and directness in others, and I can usually tell when someone is not telling me the truth or is being devious. I will protect innocent people, especially when an injustice has been done, yet I have trouble tolerating weakness in others. If I do not agree with those in authority or if no one is taking charge, I will step in and take control. It is hard not to display my feelings when I’m angry, and I am usually ready to stick up for friends and family.

DirectControlling

AssertiveExcessive

Do I have a strong exterior, one that is sometimes intimidating to others (intentionally or unintentionally), that hides a less visible but vulnerable interior?

NinesHarmony

Because I can usually see and appreciate all points of view, I am good at helping people resolve their differences. This ability to grasp the advantages of all sides makes me nonjudgmental but may make me appear indecisive. I do not like conflict, and it takes a lot for me to show my anger directly. I enjoy engaging in a number of activities, and I sometimes get so completely involved in an activity that I may forget about something else I am supposed to be doing. Easygoing and likable, I seek a comfortable, harmonious, and accepting life.

AffablePuts things off

AcceptingAvoids conflict

Do I automatically blend with other people’s positive energy, but get quite distressed when I am around negativity, anger, and conflict?

OnesDiligence

With high internal expectations for behavior, I hold myself and others accountable to meet these important standards. It is easy for me to see what is wrong or incorrect in a situation, as well as to see how things can be improved. I may come across as overly demanding or critical, but it is simply hard for me not to have things done the right way. I take great satisfaction in assuming responsibility, and I enjoy a refined, aesthetic sense of perfection. When I say I will do something, I make sure it is done properly. When others act unfairly or irresponsibly, I get resentful, although I try not to show it.

HardworkingJudging

DisciplinedInflexible

Do I have a voice or message in my head, like a tape recorder, that continually criticizes me for what I do wrong?