If you have ever had an interest in self development, self help, learning how to take steps for self improvement, then in my opinion, the Enneagram is a must. I’ve taken many personality profile tests over the years for various employment positions; most of which utilize the popular “Myers-Briggs” Type Indicator. Although I’ve enjoyed taking those tests and learning the snippets of information they give about myself, I have never taken one that gave so much detail in regards to how I operate and why. Why I do what I do, say things how I say them, or and most importantly, how I am perceived by other people.

This isn’t the end all be all “cure” for every personality trait, good or bad, that you possess; but the Enneagram, if used correctly, will point you in the right direction.

 

Each of the 9 type indicators have positive and negative traits. The positive traits are the ways in which you will enhance and grow your relationship with others. The negative traits are ways in which you will cause conflict, strife, angst, in yourself and the people around you. The goal is obviously to expand your natural strengths and grow in a level of maturity in your negative traits. This can sometimes prove a difficult task. Especially if your negative traits are rooted in something your mind is unwilling to accept as a negative; or you are simply unwilling to make the effort required to change.

 

Ultimately, the depth in which you take the study of the Enneagram is up to you. The information is up to you to employ or dismiss. The following pages are simply a tip of the knowledge available. You should absolutely seek out more informative methods and means of study. This is simply designed as a precursor; and introduction if you will, of what the Enneagram is, what it can do, and offer insight into the vast wealth of knowledge about yourself and others should you decide to pursue it.

Online there is a website for “The Enneagram Institute”; a link of it will be provided below. On that site you will be able to read a more in depth analysis of how the Enneagram works, take the test, and it is from that site that I have gleaned most of my information.

The Enneagram is a model of the human psyche which is understood and thought of as a typology of nine human personality types. The origins of which are believed to have come from Egypt; but are however, under dispute. Contemporary Enneagram claims are principally derived from the teachings of Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo. There are differing schools of thought in regards to how each of the personality type relate among Enneagram teachers. Therefore, the understanding and practical applications of the test must be taken with skepticism and critical thinking.

 

The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI) is an Enneagram Psychometric test which was developed in 1993 by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson. This is also the version that is used by “The Enneagram Institute”. The latest version (RHETI v2.5 ) consist of 144 forced statements. Meaning that you have 144 questions with only two statements to choose from for each question. “Forced” meaning, you HAVE to pick one statement for each question. You can’t leave it blank. If you are unsure or undecided of which statement best suits you on any given question; then you are to simply pick the statement that closest matches how you feel or would respond to each question.

Follow the completion of the test, your “score” will consist of numbers, some large, some small, in all 9 categories. The category that contains your highest number will indicate your dominant personality type. The category with your second highest number will be considered your secondary dominant personality type. Its not uncommon for someone to have two or three highest numbers in multiple categories. Ideally, the numbers in each category would all contain the same numeric value, showing balance between personality types. Just remember, your highest number, is, in fact, your dominant personality type. And once those types are determined, it’s important for you to study the corresponding descriptions and lesson plans in order to grow and develop some maturity in your specific personality type.

 

There is no “Good” or “Bad” personality type. Or one that is better than the other. If the test is done correctly, there should be numbers in each of the nine categories. Which means that we all share some of the same or similar personality traits. The key is to learn about those traits and learn to develop the positive traits that are in our specific dominant personality type. To be better people and to engage better with other people.

As with any attempt to unlock the “secrets” to human behavior, there are many people who use the process of the Enneagram to develop a means of spiritual “enlightenment”. I actually came across one teacher that implied the Enneagram was “proof” we had come from another planet and the Enneagram was a way for us to re-connect with our transcendent selves.

 

That interesting analysis led me to discover an author by the name of, “Richard Rohr” and a minister by the name of “Andreas Ebert”, who together have written a book that gives a Christian Perspective to the Enneagram. I’ve listed the link to it below. What they have managed to do is break down each personality type in a way that exposes the “root” of our sins; and offers us provisions to overcome them. Along with scriptures cited that we can use for personal study guides. I found this to be excellent. If personal development and personal growth is an effort that leads to anything; it is my personal opinion, that the destination should be the discovery of Christ and His plan for our life. Only through Christ can any real “change” or “growth” take place. So by humbling ourselves to Him and employing the tools He provides, we can live as He intended us to live, and be the people we were intended to be.

Yes, it takes work. Yes, we’ll be required to get out of our comfort zones and change. But change IS good. Jesus promised to love us where we were at; but He has no intention of leaving us there. So the prospect of change is a given. Its going to happen. And that’s a good thing. So, embrace it.

“But when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” – 1 Corinthians 13:10-12

 

Copyright©2019 Jacob C. Larson All Rights Reserved

Watch the video introduction to the Enneagram, that includes my personal thoughts on it here:

https://youtu.be/rvnZXJReWDo

Buy the book, “The Enneagram, a Christian perspective” here:
https://www.amazon.com/Enneagram-Christian-Perspective-Richard-Rohr/dp/0824519507/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JJGC2Z2SFICG&keywords=the+enneagram+a+christian+perspective+richard+rohr&qid=1554831942&s=gateway&sprefix=enneagram+a+christian+%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riso%E2%80%93Hudson_Enneagram_Type_Indicator

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enneagram_of_Personality

Gain access to the Enneagram test and study literature here: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/

For a “Free Sample” of the test go here:
http://coralvilleumc.org/uploads/pdf/RHETI_SamplerHC.pdf