There are some who believe that the Enneagram was first used in ancient Egypt. However, the assessment used today is based on the work of Oscar Ichazo in the 1950s and Claudio Naranjo in the 1970s when it became more popular in the United States.
What You Will Learn
The Enneagram is broken into nine different types that are focused on emotional motivations and fears.
The nine types are divided into three groups that are based on which “intelligence” dominates the way they interpret and respond to the world. Each is described below:
- Head – Types 5, 6, and 7 leverage their mind and intellectual intelligence.
- Heart – Types 2, 3, and 4 leverage their feelings and emotional intelligence.
- Intuition – Types 8, 9, and 1 leverage their gut and instinctual intelligence.
They are also broken into three additional groups based on harmony and their approach to the world. A good description of these groups can be found here. Below is an overview:
- Pragmatists – Types 3, 5, and 9 look to blend in and align with others in the world.
- Relationists – Types 2, 5, and 8 strive to move energy in all relationships.
- Idealists – Types 1, 4, and 7 hold a vision of the way the world could be.
Taking the Assessment
This assessment takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. There are around 100 statements with a five-point scale from accurate to inaccurate description of you.
You can take the assessment for $12 at the Enneagram Institute here or a free version with Truity.
My Story
I’ve taken the Enneagram several times over the years and seem to get different results each time. Others are really drawn to the Enneagram, but I haven’t personally connected with it yet.
What I did find interesting as I researched this post was the two groupings of three above. My results have been in the 1/4/7 lanes. These are all considered idealists. So, maybe I approach life as an idealist, but have fluctuated between head, heart, and intuition at different points in my life.
Your Turn
Have you taken the Enneagram?
What insights did it provide?
Would you recommend the assessment to others?