What is the Enneagram?

Summary

In this video, Samantha Mackay, lead trainer at Triti, introduces the Enneagram, a personality system used in psychology, business, and self-help. She explains how the Enneagram categorizes people into nine personality types based on core motivations and fears, offering valuable insights into self-discovery, personal growth, and relationships. By understanding your type, you can improve decision-making, career choices, and relationships, all while becoming more empathetic to others. The Enneagram celebrates individuality, aiming to help each person unlock their unique potential and become the best version of themselves.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Enneagram is a personality system used to understand core motivations, fears, and behaviors.
• 😀 It identifies nine distinct personality types, each with unique traits influenced by individual experiences.
• 😀 The Enneagram helps improve self-awareness, empathy, and personal growth by uncovering hidden motivations.
• 😀 The origins of the Enneagram are uncertain, but it has ancient roots, with modern teachers expanding on the system in the 20th century.
• 😀 The word 'Enneagram' comes from Greek, meaning 'nine' (enia) and 'drawing' (gram), represented by a nine-pointed diagram.
• 😀 The Enneagram groups the nine types into three centers: head (thinking), heart (feeling), and body (instinctive) types.
• 😀 Each center has three types that share a common emotional theme that influences behaviors.
• 😀 In times of strength or stress, individuals may exhibit traits of other types, highlighting the system's dynamic nature.
• 😀 The Enneagram can help individuals make better life decisions, improve relationships, and choose fulfilling careers.
• 😀 The goal of the Enneagram is not to become someone else, but to understand and become the best version of your true self.

Q & A

What is the Enneagram system?

The Enneagram is a personality system used to categorize individuals into one of nine personality types based on their core motivations and fears. It is widely applied in psychology, business, and self-help to help people understand themselves and grow.

How does the Enneagram help with self-discovery?

The Enneagram helps individuals uncover their core fears and motivations, shedding light on how these factors influence their behaviors, relationships, career choices, and responses to stress. By understanding these aspects, individuals can achieve personal growth and become more fulfilled.

What are the three centers in the Enneagram system?

The Enneagram divides the nine types into three centers: head, heart, and body. These centers represent thinking, feeling, and instinctive types, respectively, each sharing a common emotional theme that influences their behavior.

What does the word 'Enneagram' mean?

The word 'Enneagram' comes from Greek, where 'ennia' means 'nine' and 'gram' means 'drawing.' It refers to the nine-pointed circular diagram that represents the system.

What is the historical origin of the Enneagram?

The exact origins of the Enneagram are unclear, but it has ancient roots dating back around 4,000 years. In the mid-20th century, teachers like George Gurdjieff helped popularize the system and bring it to the attention of modern psychologists.

How does the Enneagram help in relationships?

The Enneagram allows individuals to understand how they naturally perceive the world and respond to others. By recognizing these differences, individuals can develop empathy and improve their communication, leading to healthier relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

Can the Enneagram be applied in the workplace?

Yes, the Enneagram is used in business settings to enhance communication, teamwork, and leadership. By understanding the different personality types, people can work more effectively together and make better career decisions.

What is the goal of understanding your Enneagram type?

The goal is to better understand your authentic self, including your strengths, challenges, and core motivations. By embracing your type, you can work towards becoming the best version of yourself, without trying to mimic others.

What is meant by 'acting like other types in times of strength or stress'?

This concept refers to how individuals may adopt behaviors or traits from other types during times of emotional or physical strength or stress. For example, a person might display characteristics of a different type when feeling secure or under pressure.

How can the Enneagram enhance personal happiness and growth?

By gaining insight into your core motivations, fears, and behaviors, the Enneagram helps you make informed life choices that align with your true self. This self-awareness fosters personal happiness, growth, and the ability to navigate relationships and career paths more effectively.