Enneastar
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Enneastar sets the Enneagram types in a new order

Enneagram Types

Enneastar is based on the Enneagram, but rearranges the 9 types – inspired by the Bible. This makes the 2‑Minute Test possible.

On this page differences to the Ennea­gram are explained. Then the 9 Enneagram types introduce themselves. Their interaction we explain in the Enneastar concept.

Enneastar puts the Enneagram types in a new order.

Differences in order and growth target

This graph shows differences between the Ennea­gram (with security points / stress points) and Enneastar (with new symbol, new order and new growth target).

Enneagram

Enneastar assigns to each type one quality of God's character. Enneastar is inspired by the Bible, where the Fruit of the Spirit enumerates nine divine qualities in the following order: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, temperance (or self-control). (Galatians 5:22‑23)

Enneastar develops the Enneagram further by aligning the nine types to this biblical order. The discovery that this new order makes an amazing sense is the core and starting point of the Enneastar concept.

Enneastar merges the Enneagram types with the nine team roles of R. Meredith Belbin and thus focuses even more on your own role in teams.

As a symbol, Enneastar uses the nine‑pointed star of the monk Ramon Llull (1232‑1316). Other symbols were later derived from this (originally Christian) symbol, probably also the Enneagram (graphic above left).

2-Minute Test – Explore yourself

Enneagram Types Introduce Themselves

The type descriptions of Enneastar correspond to those of the Enneagram. The table shows the 9 Enneagram types (sometimes also called Enneatypes) in the order of Enneastar. The type names serve as links to the following descriptions, in which each type introduces itself right away – along with its strengths and weaknesses. Read and feel the motivation and energy of each Enneagram type!

Helper – Enneagram Type 2

Helper – Enneagram Type 2

Giver, nurse, charmer; generous, helpful, appreciative, supportive, energetic, lively, expressive, willing, persistent

The Helper is the number Two in the Enneagram. Enneastar assigns this type to Love – the first quality of the Fruit of the Spirit (Bible).

"My attention is directed to the wishes and needs of others. Will I be needed? attentive and available, mutuality. In the team, I take the lead in the team building process.

Relationships are a person's most important resource and determine life. That is why I am also involved in the social sphere. I like to help very much and am an interested listener.

I am devoted and cordial. I radiate a maternal/fatherly love and am the best friend of many people. I always have some well-intentioned advice ready. I am the heart of any group and recognize/promote the potential of my teammates. I like to get to know new people and with my natural charm and interest I build large networks of relationships.

I suffer from the fact that it is difficult for me to avoid the needs of my fellow human beings. I have trouble saying no. Often, I feel somewhat exploited because of this. Nevertheless, I love to be used as an irreplaceable help in need, even if it is very exhausting sometimes."

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Optimist – Enneagram Type 7

Optimist – Enneagram Type 7

Enthusiast, epicure, adventurer, versatile, generalist, visionary, planner; positive, inventive, imaginative, energetic, optimistic, love of life, discover fascinating possibilities, inspiring

The Optimist is the number Seven in the Enneagram. Enneastar assigns this type to Joy – the second quality of the Fruit of the Spirit (Bible).

"My attention is focused on interesting, pleasant, positive ideas, options, projects and every new beginning. In a team, I take the liberty of finding resources outside the team as well.

I am optimistic and enjoy life. My diary is over­flowing with beautiful plans, projects and ideas. There are so many new and exciting things to discover! That's why I always have a lot to tell. I see some­thing good in every­thing – also in bad and difficult things.

I bring joy and good mood to a group. I am very sociable and enter­prising. I am fascinated by every new beginning. I have a quick grasp of things and I am imaginatively networking a wide variety of information.

I suffer from the fact that I often don't finish the plans I have tracked down in favour of new ideas – and therefore hurry ahead with my own goals. However, I like to suppress this fact by my ability to whitewash. I have a tendency towards superficiality."

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Skeptic – Enneagram Type 6

Skeptic – Enneagram Type 6

Loyal, caring, comrade-in-arms, questioner; thoughtful, warm, trusting after getting to know each other, sharp perception, honest, humorous

The Skeptic is the number Six in the Enneagram. Enneastar assigns this type to Peace – the third quality of the Fruit of the Spirit (Bible).

"My attention is focused on (unspoken) expectations of others. What can go wrong or be dangerous? To whom can I entrust what? In a team, I take responsibility to ensure that the team is on the right track.

I am prudent, careful, sometimes a little anxious. Life is full of dangers. I also want to live up to unspoken expectations and seek the best for my family and company. I often suspect that I could be exploited. Yes, you always have to be on guard to recognize possible threats and dangers in time.

I like to move in groups. You can rely on me because I know what's right. I have an excellent instinct for expectations and dangers. I am also prepared to take on unpleasant tasks that others avoid.

I suffer from being put under pressure by (unspoken) expectations. However, if they do not come, I also feel bad, because then I am obviously not needed. I often complain that my fellow human beings do not respond sufficiently to my own expectations."

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Perfectionist – Enneagram Type 1

Perfectionist – Enneagram Type 1

Reformer, teacher, do-gooder; effort, right action, honest, clear, careful, responsible, diligent, idealistic, high standards, independent, devoted

The Perfectionist is the number One in the Enneagram. Enneastar assigns this type to Patience – the fourth quality of the Fruit of the Spirit (Bible).

"My attention is focused on right and wrong, what can be improved, what must be. In a team, I take the lead in the finishing touches of a product.

I try – and take the necessary time – to make everything correct. I want to ensure that I have the best possible point of view in every situation – even in the smallest details of everyday life. This can also be seen in my language. I am simply convinced that everybody has to do things right. I am conservative, down-to-earth and correct.

I am a responsible human being with strong convictions and polite distance. I have an eagle eye for details. Whatever I do, I do it right down to the last detail, which is also reflected in my detailed communication style.

I suffer from stress because I pay full attention also to unimportant (everyday) tasks. I expect the same from my fellow human beings, which leads to unpleasant discussions again and again. I put myself under pressure with my own task lists, which I have to work through myself."

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Individualist – Enneagram Type 4

Individualist – Enneagram Type 4

Artist, creative idealist; sensitive, empathetic, creative possibilities, intense, appreciation of the unique, special perspective, passionate, idealistic

The Individualist is the number Four in the Enneagram. Enneastar assigns this type to Kindness – the fifth quality of the Fruit of the Spirit (Bible).

"My attention is focused on what is attractive in the future, what is missing. Desire, connectedness. Will I be rejected? In a team, I take the liberty of contributing unconventional ideas as an unconventional thinker.

(I know that I attract attention with my clothes and hair.) I can be totally happy about new friendships. I then lean quite far out of the window and give everything. Pure empathy! But – how I am disappointed again and again! Then I withdraw myself again.

I am sensitive and empathic. I am an artist and a lateral thinker. I express my uniqueness creatively and well thought out down to the last detail. Feelings are important to me. I live few, but intensive relationships.

I suffer from relationship stress because of my hypersensitivity. In addition, my energy balance is severely disturbed by my emotional exertion at work, at the expense of my private life. Some experience me as moody."

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Observer – Enneagram Type 5

Observer – Enneagram Type 5

Thinker, researcher, analyst; eager to learn, superior, respectful, secrets are safe, appreciation of simplicity, reliable, ascetic

The Observer is the number Five in the Enneagram. Enneastar assigns this type to Goodness – the sixth quality of the Fruit of the Spirit (Bible).

"My attention is focused on rational solutions, knowledge, facts, analyses – and on expectations, that others have of me. In a team, I assume responsibility by contributing my professional competence.

I renounce words and feelings. I respect thets of personality and want my own to be respected. I give space to people by withdrawing. What do I like to do best? Reading, researching, observing, collecting. I am an idealist when it comes to knowledge.

I am objective, thrifty and unbiased. I am less committed to a team than to sober expertise and professional competence. I can delve into and bury myself in a topic. I am a keen observer and a good listener.

I suffer from (inner) loneliness and long for deep and empathetic relationships. At the same time, demarcation and predictability are very important to me, which makes relationships difficult. Unforeseen challenges that require spontaneous action stress me."

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Doer – Enneagram Type 3

Doer – Enneagram Type 3

Dynamic, initiator, determined, successful, achiever; efficient, goal- and solution-oriented, strong leader, enthusiastic, ambitious, encouraging, competent

"The Doer is the number Three in the Enneagram. Enneastar assigns this type to Faithfulness – the seventh quality of the Fruit of the Spirit (Bible).

My attention is focused on achieving goals, efficient solutions; How can I be the best? In a team, I take the lead in tracking new projects.

My fidelity to my projects and my different life roles is enormous. I juggle several projects at the same time. I am successful and a Doer. If I am not successful, I stop the project.

I have an intuitive instinct for how to lead a project to success. My competence and dynamism are impressive. I trust in the Pareto principle: With 20% effort I reach 80% of the desired result.

I suffer from the underestimated friction energy that my various projects bring with them. This brings me to the brink of burnout again and again. I long for depth and authenticity. Both are missing out on my success image and status thinking."

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Fighter – Enneagram Type 8

Fighter – Enneagram Type 8

Challenger, leader type, protector; strong, determined, assertive, protects others, righteous, truthful, clear, direct

The Fighter is the number Eight in the Enneagram. Enneastar assigns this type to Gentleness – the eighth quality of the Fruit of the Spirit (Bible).

"My attention is directed to power and control, (in)justice, protection, all or nothing, what is true. In a team, I take the liberty of taking on a pioneering role.

I don't beat around the bush for long but say what's going on. I have a hard shell but a soft core. Those who stand in my way must arm themselves. I want to be in control. I'm very gentle with weaker people who can't help themselves. But I despise presumptuous authority figures.

I face the challenges of my time. I am a born leader who stands up for his subordinates. I have an intuitive nose for the essence of a human being. I love physical closeness and communicate warmly, openly and very directly.

I suffer from the stress of constant picking with other top dogs and the tendency towards radical (inner) demarcation even from people I actually love (partners, children), but from whom I am frustrated or disappointed. With my direct nature I often overdrive my fellow human beings."

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Mediator – Enneagram Type 9

Mediator – Enneagram Type 9

Peace lover, peacemaker, team worker; view for others, calm, adaptability, supportive, receptive, seldom judgmental

The Mediator is the number Nine in the Enneagram. Enneastar assigns this type to Temperance (or self-control) – the ninth quality of the Fruit of the Spirit (Bible).

"My attention is focused on others (their plans, desires and viewpoints) and anything that distracts me. Preservation of harmony. In the team, I take responsibility to ensure that the team is doing well as a group.

I get along with everyone. That's important to me. Therefore, I intuitively provide reconciliatory and balancing tones in the group. I do not push myself into the foreground. I want my peace and no stress. Often, I just don't know what I want. Yes, I know much better what I don't want.

I am sociable and rarely judgmental. I often renounce my own interests in favor of others. I have a relaxing coziness with which I have a calming and stabilizing effect on my environment even in stressful situations.

I suffer from my lack of initiative and self management and the associated sins of omission. Because I shy away from responsibility, I often make my happiness dependent on others and thus easily fall into a victim role."

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Evaluate Test

Transfer the result of the 2‑Minute Test into a star chart (radar chart). This will reveal your own strengths/weaknesses profile. Free of charge.

Star Chart for the 2‑Minute Test

Instructions

2-Minute Test – Explore yourself

Enneastar Concept

(The following explanation refers to the graph below).

Enneastar helps to examine the dynamics of a team and to reflect on one's own team behavior.

Enneastar assigns the 9 Enneagram types to 3 impulse groups.

The combination of team behavior and impulse groups enables the 2-Minute Test, which provides with only 8 questions surprisingly good results.

Enneastar Typology

Image Caption
The 9 types are aligned with the 9 character traits of the biblical spiritual fruit and are related to their neighbors (also called wings) by common characteristics.

The superscript numbers after the type names will help Enneagram experts, since the Enneagram identifies the types mainly with numbers.

The following graphics elaborate on this concept:

 

9 Team Roles

Successful teams are usually heterogeneous teams. If you pay attention to careful addition, you can optimise one success factor. This graphic shows the Enneastar types as a synergy of the Enneagram and the Belbin Team Roles Theory.

Enneastar merges the Enneagram with Belbin Team Roles Theory and the Bible

The desired Types or Team Roles will hardly be available at all times. Therefore, it is helpful if we are willing to engage not only with our main type, but develop the ability to move out to our secondary type – for the sake of the team's balance. However, the more we move away from our main type, the more energy teamwork will cost us.

 

9 Root Sins

Enneastar starts from the biblical Fruit of the Spirit with its 9 characteristics (center of picture). It is the target and starting point of the concept. In the descriptions of the Enneagram types, however, the Root Sins of the Enneagram also play a role. These represent the opposite of the respective characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit.

Enneastar with Root Sins of the Enneagram

Reflecting on Root Sins is a historically important factor for the fascination of the Enneagram.

 

Learning From Each Other

Striving for divine ideal (Fruit of the Spirit) does not exclude learning from each other. In the Enneagram, this is sought through the security points, in Enneastar a "counterclockwise movement" is recommended (graphic below).

Enneastar – Learn from each other