Enneagram

July 03, 2003

Category: Recommendation

The other day, a co-churchgoer called me a “5.” Huh? When I inquired as to what a “5” was, he told me about the Enneagram point system. What’s that? Come to find out, it’s a personality test—like Myers Briggs.

From one point of view, the Enneagram can be seen as a set of nine distinct personality types, with each number on the Enneagram denoting one type. It is common to find a little of yourself in all nine of the types, although one of them should stand out as being closest to yourself. This is your basic personality type.

I like personality tests. I like information that helps me understand myself and how I relate to others. I’ve taken several of these types of tests including DISC, Myers Briggs, and Kolbe, among other various asundry online versions. Maybe my desire to take these tests explains partly who I am.

Upon perusal of the Ennegram website I found (there are several), I think my friend’s prediction was fairly accurate when I found the following statement under point number 5, “Investigator.”

Key Motivations: Want to possess knowledge, to understand the environment, to have everything figured out as a way of defending the self from threats from the environment.

That’s me for sure! They have a short, free version of the test I think I’ll take, but I want to take the full version of the test. It’s only $10.

Have you ever taken this test? What’s your experience with personality tests?

Posted by pablohart on July 03, 2003 02:26 PM

Comments

i took this test for a class in college called Interpersonal Communication. i dont' recall which number i was, but do remember enjoying the process and results. it was fun and a little more in-depth than myersbriggs. if i have time tomorrow, i'll take that free version. thanks for posting it. sorry heidi and i didn't make it to the pizza night at your house. that woulda been fun. peace.

Posted by Nate at July 6, 2003 11:17 PM

I tied for type 1 and 4 with 5 close behind. Like most personality/spiritual gifts tests I take - I found the best option to be missing.

The only thing this test really tells me is that I'm not an 8. ;-)

Posted by John at July 9, 2003 2:40 PM

I too am a personality test-aholic. I beleive I've taken everyone in the book...
I tried the free version and it told me what I already knew - I'm a three with both 7 and 8 running close behind. OK, I'm one of the weird Type A people who is really sure of themselves, really like to work and be busy all the time. The good news is that I'm really trying hard(prayerfully) to focus this energy and confidence on doing the Lord's work!

Posted by Karen at August 6, 2003 3:43 PM

okay, i just now took the quick test and found that my results are indeed NOT an investigator, but a loyalist. i do think this description describes me pretty well:

Type Six - The Loyalist
The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working,responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent "troubleshooters," theyforesee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive,evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining aboutit. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiantand rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt andsuspicion. At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.

Posted by pablohart at September 16, 2003 6:05 PM

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