The Heart Center
With a primary emotional issue of sadness or distress, heart types are concerned about affection and esteem, drawing their value and worth from the response received from others.
Type 2
Strengths – Caring, helpful, supportive, relationship-oriented, optimistic, generous, nurturing, advice-giving
Challenges – Prideful, intrusive, unable to say no, indirect regarding needs, over-accommodating
Motivation – To receive affirmation by meeting the needs of others
Focus of Attention – Other people’s needs
Type 3
Strengths – Industrious, goal-focused, success-oriented, efficient, confident, enthusiastic, ambitious, caring through doing
Challenges – Impatient, inattentive to feelings, competitive, rushed, self-promoting, driven, over-extended
Motivation – To receive recognition for accomplishments
Focus of Attention – Tasks to do
Type 4
Strengths – Idealistic, deeply-feeling, sensitive, empathetic, intense, feel special and unique, creative, authentic, expressive
Challenges – Dramatic, moody, self-conscious, unsatisfied, self-absorbed
Motivation – To continue the longing; meaning making
Focus of Attention – What’s missing
The Head Center
With a primary emotional issue of fear, head types are concerned about safety and security, gathering information in order to mitigate uncertainty or potential loss.
Type 5
Strengths – Self-sufficient, undemanding, knowledgeable, inquisitive, objective, analytical, systematic
Challenges – Withholding, detached, non-sharing, remote, miserly with feelings, overly-private
Motivation – To protect energy & resources
Focus of Attention – Intrusion, Knowledge
Type 6
Strengths – Trustworthy, loyal, responsible, dutiful, collaborative, analytical, persevering
Challenges – Doubtful, skeptical, uncertain, worrying, vigilant, overly-cautious, unceasing questioning
Motivation – To be safe by anticipating possible harm
Focus of Attention – Worst case scenario
Type 7
Strengths – Optimistic, upbeat, charming, exuberant, spontaneous, versatile, joyful, pleasure-seeking, quick-thinking, adventurous, open-minded
Challenges – Pain-avoidant, inconsiderate, unfocused, uncommitted, authority-rejecting, self-serving
Motivation – To be stimulated, to feel pleasure
Focus of Attention – Pleasant options
The Body Center
With a primary emotional issue of anger, body types are concerned about power and control, devoting themselves to fairness that often results in self-forgetting.
Type 8
Strengths – Justice-seeking, direct, strong, declarative, assertive, self-reliant, confident, protective of others, take-charge attitude
Challenges – Heavy-handed, intimidating, excessive, demanding, impatient, dominating, impulsive, intense
Motivation – To protect self and others from vulnerability; to have an impact
Focus of Attention – Power and control
Type 9
Strengths – Adaptable, harmony-seeking, pleasing, comfortable, accepting, humble, easy-going, inclusive, caring, steady
Challenges – Conflict-avoidant, resistant, self-forgetting, stubborn, indecisive
Motivation – To keep the peace by seeking harmony and avoiding conflict
Focus of Attention – Other people’s agendas
Type 1
Strengths – Conscientious, responsible, improvement-oriented, consistent, precise, detail-oriented, committed to fairness
Challenges – Critical, inflexible, opinionated, judgmental, resentful, self-judging
Motivation – To reform and improve
Focus of Attention – Error, mistakes
For more in depth information about the Enneagram, visit the Resources page.
