Guide
A structured, practical overview of the Enneagram - what it is, how it works, and how to use it for grounded, sustainable growth.
The Enneagram is a psychological self-observation framework that maps nine recurring patterns of attention, emotion, and defense. While the Enneagram symbol has older geometric and philosophical roots, the personality framework was developed in the mid-20th century by Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo, and refined by Helen Palmer, Don Riso, and Russ Hudson.
The word "Enneagram" comes from the Greek words ennea (nine) and grammos (drawing), representing a nine-pointed geometric figure that maps out the nine patterns and their interconnections.
Rather than categorizing who you are, the Enneagram helps you observe habitual patterns - the recurring why behind your actions, revealing automatic strategies that you can learn to work with consciously.
Each pattern reflects a recurring strategy, motivation, and set of tendencies. While you may Recognise aspects of multiple patterns in yourself, one typically feels most consistent with your habitual approach since early life. Hold your hypothesis lightly and observe evidence over time.
Principled, purposeful, self-controlled, and perfectionistic
Core Motivation
To be good, balanced, and have integrity
Generous, demonstrative, people-pleasing, and possessive
Core Motivation
To be loved, needed, and appreciated
Success-oriented, adaptable, driven, and image-conscious
Core Motivation
To be valuable, successful, and admired
Expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed, and temperamental
Core Motivation
To be unique, authentic, and understood
Perceptive, innovative, secretive, and isolated
Core Motivation
To be capable, competent, and knowledgeable
Engaging, responsible, anxious, and suspicious
Core Motivation
To be secure, supported, and certain
Spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive, and scattered
Core Motivation
To be satisfied, stimulated, and happy
Self-confident, decisive, willful, and confrontational
Core Motivation
To be strong, independent, and in control
Receptive, reassuring, complacent, and resigned
Core Motivation
To have inner peace, harmony, and avoid conflict
Your wing is one of the two types adjacent to your core type on the Enneagram circle. It adds flavor and complexity to your personality, explaining why two people of the same type can seem quite different.
Learn about WingsThe nine types are organized into three centers: Body (8, 9, 1), Heart (2, 3, 4), and Head (5, 6, 7). Your center reveals how you perceive and process the world.
Explore the CentersThe three instincts - Self-Preservation, Social, and Sexual - add another layer of variation. Your dominant instinct shapes how your type's energy manifests in daily life.
Start with a comprehensive assessment to identify your likely type. Our AI-powered assessment provides detailed insights into your personality patterns and motivations.
Take the AssessmentExplore detailed descriptions of each type. Look for the type whose core motivation and fear patterns resonate most deeply with your inner experience - not just your behavior.
Browse All TypesThe Enneagram isn't just about understanding yourself - it's a powerful tool for transformation and practical application in every area of life.
Use the Enneagram to identify blind spots, break unconscious patterns, and develop greater self-awareness.
Explore Growth StrategiesUnderstand relationship dynamics, improve communication, and build deeper connections with others.
Explore CompatibilityDiscover ideal career paths, improve leadership skills, and enhance team dynamics in professional settings.
Explore Career GuidanceThe Enneagram is a reflective framework for self-understanding and personal development. It is not a diagnostic instrument and should never be used for clinical, employment, or exclusionary decisions.
Assessment results provide working hypotheses for self-observation, not fixed labels or definitive classifications. Approach your type with curiosity, observe patterns over time, and revise your understanding as you learn more about yourself.
Take the free 54‑question assessment and unlock deeper insights into your personality, motivations, and relationships.