What can an enneagram say about you?

The personality types performed

Considering the Sufi practice of never recording the enneagram but passing it on through an oral teaching tradition, it seemed entirely appropriate to be an audience member watching a group of “actors as healers and social transformers” depict on stage each of the nine enneagram personality fixations.3

1. The Perfectionist

First, the Type 1 character struts onto the stage: The Perfectionist. He’s an authoritarian, self-righteous priest who continually criticises his congregation for everything they do, telling them in no uncertain terms they simply aren’t good enough. He gives a rather stiff sermon on the apparent lapse of the ethical and moral standards of his congregation, all the while diligently checking the cleanliness of the chapel. He declares he expects them to live up to the high ethical and moral standards exemplified by the Church, yet in private he reads pornography and regularly sees an S&M mistress.

It’s easy for Ones to see what is wrong with things and they are always looking for ways to improve any situation or person. They pride themselves on being responsible and doing things “the right way”. There is one way of doing things — their way — and they become resentful when this is not adhered to.

Ones put their work first and suppress other desires “in order to get the job done” but often end up breaking their own rules just to relieve the buildup of psychic pressure. They suppress their desires as necessary to get the work done.

Healthy Ones can be crusading moral heroes, principled teachers and organised, effective activists.

2. The Giver

Next, the Type 2 personality enters the stage: The Giver. She’s a very caring, sharing nurse who pauses to straighten people’s pillows, smooths the brows of audience members and offers everyone a lollypop. She is all-loving and all-giving, endearing herself to everyone by trying to guess their needs while she herself appears to have none. She loves being at everyone’s beck and call because it makes her feel wanted and loved.

Twos are very sensitive to other people’s feelings. They are hyper-vigilantly tuned to what others need, even when they don’t know them. They are caretakers who are good at meeting others’ needs but not their own. At worst, they are people pleasers and enablers. They find it difficult to say no.

Relationship is their highest priority because they want and need love. They try to maintain that by being indispensable, overly helpful and caring — sometimes to the point of being meddlesome. This can lead to them becoming manipulative and controlling of others. They often project the “good girl” image and get upset when not appreciated or taken into account.

Healthy Twos are genuinely caring, supportive and altruistic. They are the special friend.

3. The Performer

Suddenly, we’re blasted with Simply the Best by Tina Turner and jumping on stage with the energy of someone who has just won gold at the Olympic Games is the Type 3 personality: The Performer. This guy is a workshop leader in personal development and positive thinking and is power-dressed in a swanky suit, grinning from ear to ear. He is the best! The first. A winner. He’s a high achiever and status seeker. Recognition is of the utmost importance to him.

Threes think their value is based on what they achieve. Thus, they are high achievers, always have hectic schedules and are often over-committed. They find it hard to sit and do nothing. They easily become impatient with those who don’t use their time well. They like to be on top and they like to compete. They put their feelings on hold to achieve their goals.

Healthy Threes are great communicators, good promoters and motivators. They make good team leaders and role models, achieving their goals without losing touch with their heart centre. They get a lot done and are often successful at most things they touch.