Typology

Often when we approach the Enneagram we tend to think that everybody can fit neatly into one category. But the Enneagram is more like a color wheel than it is a set of boxes around a circle. There are shades as you go around the spectrum.  Each of us is different than the people around us.  So, the more we come to know ourselves, to accept our own uniqueness and brokenness, the more we can begin t...

How does your Enneagram type affect your decision making?  Each Enneagram type has different motivations and makes decisions in different ways.  So, when faced with making a decision, sometimes we need to go against the grain of how we normally do things in order to figure out what is the next right thing. In today's episode, author Emily P. Freeman joins Ian to offer recommendations on decision m...

What are you addicted to? I don't believe there is one person on this planet who isn't addicted to something.  And when I say addiction, I don't necessarily mean addiction to substances.  Addiction is a compulsion to continue doing something despite harmful consequences.  And if we look at addiction through the lens of the Enneagram, we can view the passion of each Enneagram type as an addiction. ...

The Enneagram is a transformational tool for self-awareness and self-knowledge.  It helps uncover the most unconscious parts of who we are.  But how? Once you identify your Enneagram type, what's the next step?  On today's episode of Typology, Ian shares his top 25 Enneagram resources for discovering the why behind what you do and taking the next steps toward becoming your authentic self.

How do we use the Enneagram to honor our differences? First, we have to be willing to look at our own story and bravely explore our own dark side.  One of the beauties of the Enneagram is that it helps us become more self-aware, to own our dark side, and to begin to live with more compassion and appreciation for difference.  When we truly understand the Enneagram we see that one type is not better...

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "What if the story I tell myself and others about who I am and who I'm becoming isn't true?"  As children, we all construct stories, or narratives, to help make sense of our environment. These childhood interpretations set in motion the patterns of behavior that shape our personality…or how we show up for life.  But, when you can understand the false story ar...

Last week, Scott and Ian talked about how the Enneagram can help you in the workplace. This week, they continue the conversation highlighting the way the Enneagram feeds emotional intelligence, fosters empathy and compassion, increases productivity, and ultimately leads to better bottom line results and a happier place to work. About Scott Allender: Scott is a seasoned executive with expertise in...

How can the Enneagram help you in the workplace?  How does knowing a person's personality style help you in leadership development? In today's episode, Scott Allender, Senior Vice President of Talent Strategy & Development at Warner Music Group, shares how he has used the Enneagram in team building and leadership development. He explains how the Enneagram helps provide insight into how the differe...

In Part 2 of our conversation with singer/songwriter Amy Grant, we continue to explore stances to hone in on whether or not she's actually an Enneagram Nine. Discussing the differences between types in the gut triad and how they each relate to anger and focusing on a few key instinctual responses helps Amy find her type. Listen through to the end as Amy shares a special song with us before her int...

The Enneagram is by far the most effective tool for deepening self-knowledge, sharpening self-awareness, and improving relationships. It helps to identify your unique personality and guides you toward living as your authentic self.  But what if you're stuck and haven't yet figured out your type? Today's guest, singer/songwriter Amy Grant struggled to find her type too.  So, we tackled the struggle...

In order to make sense or find meaning in our lives in early childhood, we develop narratives that sort of explain our life experiences. We often choose specific incidents that we string together into the plot we now live.  But, have you ever stopped to ask yourself if the story you are living is true? In today's episode with singer/songwriter Ryan Stevenson, we really tackle the concept of owning...

In order to truly use the Enneagram to better understand our own personality, it is important to have an understanding of, not just the unconscious motivations, but also the impact that subtypes and wings have on each type. In part two of our conversation with CNN Political Analyst, Kirsten Powers, we dive into the role subtypes and wings play in determining your type. In this episode, you'll disc...

Let's face it…there's a deep complexity to the Enneagram.  Yes, for some, it is extremely easy to nail down their type.  But for others…well, it's more complicated.  Why?  First, everyone exhibits behaviors that look like a particular type.  And to make it even more difficult, there are an infinite number of expressions of each type, some of which will look nothing like you on the exterior, but ar...

In today's episode, Enneagram Four and author of "Get Weird: Discover the Surprising Secret to Making a Difference," CJ Casciotta joins us to talk about becoming more comfortable in your own unique self and how using your innate ability to be creative can lead to success in your personal and professional life.   Each of us has our own version of "weird" that is calling to be brought forth into the...

Enneagram Ones, or the Perfectionists, often have an idealized view of how things should be and constantly strive to improve themselves, others, and the world.  With a strong desire to do the right thing and not make mistakes, Ones tend to control feelings that they deem inappropriate to the point that it is difficult for them to access or express negative emotions, such as anger, fear, or even an...

This week we're taking a break to spend time with our families over the holidays and hope you are doing the same.  Enjoy this replay of one of our most downloaded episodes. Annie F. Downs, discusses how she stopped running from pain and is learning to share more of her true self through her own path to transformation.   

This week Ian continues the conversation with pastor, author, and leader at Church of the City, Darren Whitehead, as he discusses where he gets stuck as an Enneagram 3, why he learned to say no, and how he measures success through spiritual growth rather than statistics. About Darren Whitehead In 2013 with a small team, Darren and Brandy Whitehead founded  Church of the City . They had a vision to...

Enneagram Threes, when not self-aware, are plagued with comparison. They compare themselves to other people who seem to be more successful and feel some sense of shame about that. On the flip side, when they look at people who aren't as successful, they can feel a sense of pride. Because unhealthy Threes believe their value comes exclusively from their performance or achievements, they tend to pus...

On this episode, Ian and Anthony drink WAY too much egg nog and start calling unsuspecting (former) friends to ask for the perfect gift for their type!

Not only is the Enneagram a great tool for gaining self-knowledge, but it is also a gateway for building strong relationships. When you understand that your way of seeing the world is not the only way to see the world, it creates room for compassion and appreciation toward others. The Enneagram teaches us how to communicate, and in turn, strengthens our relationships with family, friends, and co-w...

Whether there's a three in your life or you are a three yourself, you're probably aware that threes are not naturally self-reflective. They tend to be externally focused rather than internally focused. The big message that threes receive growing up is that it's not okay to have your own feelings and identity, so they expend a lot of energy creating, projecting and maintaining a false image in orde...

Eights are motivated by a powerful need to be strong and, when unhealthy, can have a hard time lowering their guard in fear of appearing weak or vulnerable.  Healthy Eights understand that there is strength and power in vulnerability. Yes, it takes courage to risk vulnerability. But if Eights want to love and be loved they will have to risk opening their heart and revealing their innermost feeling...

Last week, StoryBrand's Don Miller joined Ian to discuss the importance of directing your own story. Tune in today as the conversation turns toward understanding how each Enneagram type tends to lead and how that can impact the broader culture of a workplace.   About Don Miller: Donald Miller is the CEO of StoryBrand, and every year he helps more than 3,000 business leaders clarify their brand mes...

The Enneagram is not just meant to help people understand themselves and then do nothing about it. Rather it is a tool for fostering deep, inner work. In order to make lasting changes in your life, you need to know the story and themes that run beneath the surface. The Enneagram reveals what story you are programmed with and how a self-limiting narrative drives a lot of thoughts, actions, and beha...

One of the gifts of the Enneagram -- the wisdom that we can gain from it -- is self-knowledge. No matter your Enneagram type, self-knowledge can help you dis-identify with those aspects of your personality that put you in an unhealthy place of habitual reactivity.  And once you start to observe those unhealthy aspects, and dive into your work, you'll no longer be ruled by your personality. Our gue...