The psycho-logical
Enneagram
I learnt about the Enneagram in 1990.
Since then, it has been one of my most important professional pillars.
I consider it to be the most differentiated and best developed psychological model for managing employees and teams, in personnel selection and development, in coaching, in dealing with customers, in supporting our life partners, in bringing up our children and in accepting ourselves in a loving and productive way. In all my years as a psychologist, I have never come across a more useful model.
Enneagram is a Greek word meaning ‘nine signs’. The symbol is used to represent 9 different personality patterns that describe 9 very different filters of perception, thinking and feeling that people use to sort and shape their world on a deep level. The Enneagram is a unique tool developed with the help of thousands of interviews based on ancient philosophical roots.
With the help of this model, it is possible in a unique way to recognise one's own limiting perspectives, to broaden them and to understand oneself and other people quickly and well.
Normal ego statements of the individual personality islands
1 - 9
Each island population has developed its own view of the world through its temperament and experiences. All islanders on the same island share this basic pattern, even if their behaviour in daily life appears to differ. It is filtered through the same individual basic values and convictions and makes up their personality.
The following statements represent the 9 basic positions of the islanders.
Island 1
Stomach type
‘I know how things should be, or at least I endeavour to do so. Even the little things are important, so don't let things get out of hand. My attention is therefore magically drawn to what is not yet in order. Even in myself. I make an effort to learn something new every day. And I like to teach others. Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates that. I work hard and expect the same from others. I cut myself off from fun and enjoyment until I have completed my duties. But the list is so long. And there is so much to improve. Frustration often makes me impatient and I'm quick to get angry. But anger is not a good counsellor, so I try to suppress it.’
Island 2
Heart type
‘I like to be helpful and I know exactly what another person needs to feel better or be successful. I always see the good qualities in other people first. I am quite emotional and often sympathise with others. But I can also be happy for them. Of course it's nice when I get a ‘thank you’ for my support. But that's not why I do it. I'm good at organising and I enjoy being with people. I am enthusiastic and can therefore motivate other people well.’
Island 3
Heart type
‘Achieving something is very important to me. I work efficiently and with a focus on success. I don't have or cause problems unless someone prevents me from moving forward. Marketing comes naturally to me, so to speak, and clattering is part of the trade. When I'm the centre of attention, I soak up the attention of others, it gives me energy. And I love that! I quickly grasp what needs to be done and am always busy, even in my free time. I enjoy my to-do list, it gives me guidance on how to use my energy most efficiently. I don't have time for bad moods, long headaches are not my style. I work hard and am constantly learning, but it's important to me that I look relaxed from the outside. Because a positive charisma is half the battle. Failure depresses me. Success is simply fun.’
Island 4
Heart type
‘I'm more sensitive than other people and don't take life lightly. I realised early on that I'm different from other people and I stand by that. People are often so superficial that they bore me. I am demanding when I compare myself with others and I don't always do well. Then I feel insecure and sad. But I prefer to live intensely, even if it hurts. Because in return, I experience with all my senses when I feel accepted and the other person opens their heart. I express my changing moods, I don't cover anything up. I'm always on the lookout for authentic feelings that I can really trust. There are many ups and downs. Emotional stability is not a trademark of creative people. I'm just a special person. My contribution to this life should be worth putting my energy into. That also applies to my work, otherwise I just survive with jobs.’
Island 5
Head type
‘I like to observe, think about things and find out what's really going on. The more I know, the better. I have to be able to go into depth. I need my time for that. And I don't let others determine that. I have my needs well under control, I don't need much. If others want something from me, of course I do it, but then they should leave me alone again. I'll get in touch if there's something to report. Although I find encounters as such exciting, people somehow exhaust me in the long run. I seem cool, but I don't even realise it. I'm very focussed during this phase of taking in information. Afterwards, I review everything. I can be very objective and analytical. I think impartiality is important, I don't like talking on and on because it steals time.’
Island 6
Head type
‘Just don't make any mistakes, then nothing can happen to you. You feel safe when you have all eventualities under control and know what others expect. Clear goals and rules make it easier to work together. It's like in sport. Hesitation arises when you are still unsure whether everything has been considered and experience shows that you can't rely 100% on other people, can you? Caution means foresight, others are often so careless. I just always want to be well prepared. But sometimes I get fed up with all the thinking and act spontaneously. Because I'm actually an optimist. Praise makes me suspicious, because it's usually criticism in disguise. It takes time to trust someone.’
Island 7
Head type
‘I'm fast and creative. Above all, meeting interesting people allows me to hit top form. I feel best when it's about something new and I can develop projects or new approaches. At that moment, I can imagine anything and my enthusiasm infects everyone around me. However, I am impatient when others behave in a small-minded way and don't see the big picture. Then I'm the only idealist in the wide open, the one crying in the wilderness. The important thing is to keep developing and not get stuck in routines. Even if that hurts sometimes. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Being controlled by so-called authorities is not my thing. I am independent in my judgement and love my freedom. When I'm angry, I get very perfectionist because I know what wonderful opportunities are carelessly discarded because people submit to stupid rules and restrictions.’
Island 8
Stomach type
‘I won't let others intimidate or manipulate me! Under no circumstances do I want to give control over myself to someone I can't trust blindly. And who can I trust? It used to be easier because I knew less about everything. Experience has shown that there are the fewest problems when I'm in charge. I'm not afraid of an argument. Where there's wood, there are chips. People generally make their own problems by being gullible, half-hearted or wimps, or by misjudging the balance of power. I have a sensitive sense of justice. I fight for what I believe is right, even for the weak, and will take on an entire power structure if necessary to enforce my position.’
Island 9
Stomach type
‘If something doesn't feel good, I still need time to form my opinion. Because I have high standards for my position and my actions. I want my statements to have substance. I don't allow myself to be rushed. That's why I like expert knowledge. Once I have formed my opinion, my counterpart has to come up with very good counterarguments. After all, I've thought them through well enough. And you don't have to shove them down everyone's throats. So much time is wasted on pointless discussions. Others are welcome to think differently. I don't have to proselytise and disrespectfully flatten others. I detest self-promoters. I probably have an elephant's memory for dealing with myself. I myself am very compassionate and helpful and am not so good at saying NO directly and offending someone. I am a ‘climate person’ and like things to be peaceful and objective. Injustice makes me angry, but you don't have to tell me that directly. I often seem like a rock in the surf, but there's a lot going on inside.’