What is the Enneagram?

The Enneagram has been described as a GPS of wisdom and a tool for compassion. The Enneagram can improve interpersonal skills and communication and is also used as a personal growth tool to better understand yourself and others in your life. 

The Enneagram model is a circle surrounded by numbers 1 through 9. Each number represents a personality type. Each of the personality types are connected by lines that show directions of growth and stress. The numbers are also divided into three sections or triads that help to describe your emotions. Keep reading to learn about each of these!

TYPES
While it is common to think that you have many different personality traits, the Enneagram framework says that individuals tend to have one that is much stronger or more dominant. Your dominant personality type is filled in with a lighter green color on your Cloverleaf Dashboard. Below is a list of the 9 personality traits identified in the Enneagram model: 

The Reformer - Honest, Reliable, Productive, Principled, Idealistic, Fair, Orderly, Detailed, Perfectionistic, Self-disciplined
The Helper - Helpful, Caring, Generous, Adaptable, Insightful, Enthusiastic, Demonstrative, Supportive, Self-Sacrificial, In Tune with Others
The Achiever - Success-Oriented, Driven, Efficient, Optimistic, Pragmatic, Confident, Adaptable, Energetic, Focused, Competitive
The Originalist - Expressive, Authentic, Warm, Compassionate, Introspective, Intense, Creative, Intuitive, Supportive, Refined
The Sage - Intellectual, Perceptive, Independent, Analytical, Innovative, Persevering, Sensitive, Wise, Objective, Self-Contained
The Loyalist - Loyal, Cautious, Likable, Caring, Warm, Hard-Worker, Witty, Practical, Helpful, Responsible
The Enthusiast - Enthusiastic, Fun-loving, Scattered, Spontaneous, Imaginative, Productive, Quick, Confident, Charming, Curious
The Challenger - Self-Confident, Bold, Direct, Decisive, Loyal, Confrontational, Energetic, Protective, Strategic, Impatient
The Peacemaker - Agreeable, Easygoing, Generous, Patient, Receptive, Diplomatic, Open-minded, Empathetic, Indecisive

WINGS
On either side of each number is a wing. Typically, individuals have one wing that is stronger than the other. To become better balanced, like a bird, you should have both wings working at the same capacity. On your Cloverleaf Dashboard, the strong wing is filled in with a dark green color. 

DIRECTIONS OF GROWTH AND STRESS
Stemming from each number are two lines that represent how you act in different scenarios. Look at the image below for an example. When under a great deal of stress, a 2 may act more like an 8 and when undergoing growth, a 2 may act more like a 4. This can be seen on your Cloverleaf Dashboard; the stress is colored yellow and growth is colored purple. 

TRIADS
Splitting the enneagram in thirds consisting of 8-9-1, 2-3-4, 5-6-7, allows you to see the centers of intelligence or triads of gut, heart, and head. These triads describe your go-to emotion. When the going gets tough, often 8s, 9s, or 1s tend to go with their gut, 2s, 3s, and 4s, tend to go with their heart and 5s, 6s, and 7s tend to go with their head.