Do you see your essence in this list:
- The Reformer
- The Helper
- The Achiever
- The Individualist
- The Investigator
- The Loyalist
- The Enthusiast
- The Challenger
- The Peacemaker
A rare few may be able to immediately recognize themselves. But most of us need a little help. Here is an easy way to “Learn what you are and be such.” – Pindar
QUEST: Quick Enneagram Sorting Test (© 2003, The Enneagram Institute (Don Riso and Russ Hudson))
Select only one of A or B or C in Group I that sounds the most like you. Do the same with X or Y or Z in Group II:
GROUP I
- A. I have tended to be fairly independent and assertive: I’ve felt that life works best when I meet it head-on. I set my own goals, get involved, and want to make things happen. I don’t like sitting around—I want to achieve something big and have an impact. I don’t necessarily seek confrontations, but I don’t let people push me around, either. Most of the time, I know what I want, and I go for it. I tend to work hard and to play hard.
- B. I have tended to be quiet and am used to being on my own. I usually don’t draw much attention to myself socially, and it’s generally unusual for me to assert myself all that forcefully. I don’t feel comfortable taking the lead or being as competitive as others. Many would probably say that I’m something of a dreamer—a lot of my excitement goes on in my imagination. I can be quite content without feeling I have to be active all the time.
- C. I have tended to be extremely responsible and dedicated. I feel terrible if I don’t keep my commitments and do what’s expected of me. I want people to know that I’m there for them and that I’ll do what I believe is best for them. I’ve often made great personal sacrifices for the sake of others, whether they know it or not. I often don’t take adequate care of myself—I do the work that needs to be done and relax (and do what I want) if there’s time left.
GROUP II
- X. I am a person who usually maintains a positive outlook and feels that things will work out for the best. I can usually find something to be enthusiastic about and different ways to occupy myself. I like being around people and helping others be happy—I enjoy sharing my own well-being with them. (I don’t always feel great, but I generally try not to show it!) However, keeping a positive frame of mind has sometimes meant that I’ve put off dealing with my own problems for too long.
- Y. I am a person who has strong feelings about things—most people can tell when I’m upset about something. I can be guarded with people, but I’m more sensitive than I let on. I want to know where I stand with others and who and what I can count on—it’s pretty clear to most people where they stand with me. When I’m upset about something, I want others to respond and to get as worked up as I am. I know the rules, but I don’t want people telling me what to do. I want to decide for myself.
- Z. I am a person who is self-controlled and logical—I don’t like revealing my feelings or getting bogged down in them. I am efficient—even perfectionistic—about my work, and prefer working on my own. If there are problems or personal conflicts, I try not to let my feelings influence my actions. Some say I’m too cool and detached, but I don’t want my private reactions to distract me from what’s really important. I’m glad that I usually don’t show my reactions when others “get to me.”
Find the pair of letters you chose:
AX Type 7 The Enthusiast: Upbeat, accomplished, impulsive
AY Type 8 The Challenger: Self-confident, decisive, domineering
AZ Type 3 The Achiever: Adaptable, ambitious, image-conscious
BX Type 9 The Peacemaker: Receptive, reassuring, complacent
BY Type 4 The Individualist: Intuitive, aesthetic, self-absorbed
BZ Type 5 The Investigator: Perceptive, innovative, detached
CX Type 2 The Helper: Caring, generous, possessive
CY Type 6 The Loyalist: Engaging, responsible, defensive
CZ Type 1 The Reformer: Rational, principled, self-controlled