Are you curious to learn more about yourself? Are you looking for insight on how to better understand yourself and others? If so, then Enneagram types according to Russ Hudson is something that might pique your interest. In this blog post, we will explore the nine personality types based on the Enneagram system of personality development. So let’s get started!
Introduction to the Enneagram
The Enneagram is an ancient personality system that has been used for centuries to understand the complexities of human behavior. Developed by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson, the Enneagram is a nine-point system that divides personalities into nine distinct types. Each type is associated with a set of core motivations and characteristics, which can be used to gain a deeper understanding of an individual’s behavior and why they act in certain ways. By learning more about the Enneagram, you can gain insight into yourself and others. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships or simply learn more about yourself, the Enneagram can provide valuable insight.
Overview of the 9 Types of the Enneagram
The Enneagram is a model of personality centered on nine different types. According to most Enneagram theories, each of the nine types has a characteristic fear, basic desire and an associated virtue. Russ Hudson has identified the nine types as The Reformer, The Helper, The Achiever, The Individualist, The Investigator, The Loyalist, The Enthusiast, The Challenger and The Peacemaker. Each type has its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses, and understanding these can help in differentiating between the types. By exploring the different types of the Enneagram, one can gain a greater understanding of themselves and others.
Type 1: The Reformer
Type 1: The Reformer is a personality type in the Enneagram model of personality. Ones are principled and purposeful, driven to make the world a better place. They tend to be highly organized and self-controlled, as well as perfectionistic in their pursuit of excellence. They expect others to adhere to the same values and rules. They are often idealistic and have a moral compass that guides their decisions. While their focus on order can be seen as rigid at times, it’s motivated by their desire to create a better world.
Type 2: The Helper
Type 2, The Helper, is known for its empathy, sincerity, and warm-heartedness. People with this type are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing. They often enjoy children and take up work in helping or service professions. They do not take kindly to criticism, but strive to make other people happy and appreciated. They are also known for their sentimentality, flattery, and people-pleasing behavior. As one of the most caring and compassionate types in the Enneagram, Type 2s are highly valued in any social setting.
Type 3: The Achiever
Type Three of the Enneagram is known as The Achiever. These ambitious individuals strive to succeed in whatever they set their minds to, and they are highly determined to reach their goals. Threes are self-assured and attractive, with an energy that makes them great at getting things done. Threes have a strong sense of ambition and competence, and they are driven by the need to feel valuable and worthwhile. As a result, they often focus on achieving success and efficiency in order to feel appreciated. Threes are great problem-solvers, and they can usually be counted on to come up with creative solutions. They are also excellent communicators, making them well suited for career success.
Type 4: The Individualist
Type 4: The Individualist is an emotionally honest and creative type, who is self-aware and sensitive. They are often introspective and moody, but also have the capacity for great understanding and empathy. Those who identify with this type value their uniqueness, and strive to express themselves in a genuine, personal way. They have a deep appreciation of beauty and emotion, and are often very intuitive. While it can be difficult for them to trust others, they have the potential to create meaningful connections and relationships.
Type 5: The Investigator
Type 5: The Investigator is the fifth type of the Enneagram, according to Don Riso and Russ Hudson. People of this type are alert, insightful, and curious, with the ability to focus on developing complex ideas and skills. They are independent and inventive, but also fear that they don’t have enough inner strength to face life. As a result, they tend to withdraw and observe from a distance, searching for understanding and knowledge. Type 5 is often called “The Observer” or “The Investigator” for their analytical mindset and deep understanding of their environment.
Type 6: The Loyalist
Type 6, the Loyalist, is one of the nine Enneagram types according to Russ Hudson. Individuals of this type are warm, playful, open, loyal, supportive, honest and fair. They can put on a tough act when threatened and are suspicious in certain situations. When healthy and living in healthy levels, Loyalists are witty, committed, prepared, responsible and trouble-shooters who are supportive of their friends and beliefs. Loyalists have a deep need for security and often feel as though there is nothing quite steady enough to hold onto. They are also known to be highly intuitive and have a great capacity for problem-solving.
Type 7: The Enthusiast
Type Seven is the most energetic, relaxed, and enthusiastic of the nine Enneagram Types. They are known for their quick wit, humor, and childlike self. They are adventurous, imaginative, spontaneous, and positive. On the downside, they can be insensitive to others’ needs. Type Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. They have a playful and high-spirited nature that allows them to make the most of their many talents. With their enthusiasm and practicality, Type Sevens can make anything happen—but they must remember to be aware of the impact their actions have on those around them.
Type 8: The Challenger
Type 8 of the Enneagram is known as The Challenger. People with this personality type are assertive, self-confident, and strong-willed. They are protective, resourceful, and known for their straight-talking and decisive nature. Though they may possess a strong ego and be domineering, Eights are also known for their energy and enthusiasm. They are practical, tough-minded individuals who often strive to be in control of their own lives and the lives of those around them. Eights are loyal to their beliefs, and will not back down from a challenge.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
Type 9: The Peacemaker is the most devoted to the quest for inner and outer peace. As Don Riso and Russ Hudson describe in their book Personality Types, Nines are natural mediators who strive to keep things harmonious, even when there is tension or conflict. They have a strong desire to maintain inner stability, and they often go out of their way to ensure that everyone around them is comfortable. Nines are driven by a fear of loss and separation, but their superego message is usually positive: they believe they are good or okay. As a result, they often find themselves in roles that involve helping, healing, and nurturing others.
Quick test to know your type
For those looking to quickly identify their Enneagram type, the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI) provides the most reliable and accurate way to do so. The RHETI® version 2.5 is a scientifically validated test that has been used by over 5 million people to discover their personality types. It consists of 144 questions that aim to analyze a person’s motivations, fears, and other personality traits in order to accurately identify their Enneagram type. With this test, one can quickly and easily discover their Enneagram type with greater accuracy than any other test available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Enneagram personality types provide an invaluable tool for self-discovery and personal growth. By taking the quick test to know your type, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and your motivations. With a deeper understanding of the nine Enneagram Types according to Russ Hudson, you can develop meaningful relationships, make better decisions, and live a life that is more true to your authentic self.
PS.
Whether you’ve recently developed a strong curiosity about the Enneagram… or you already have a basic understanding of the Enneagram types and their qualities… for your own inner work or for your work with others in your healing profession…
… we’ve developed an in-depth Foundations of The Enneagram course designed to help you deeply understand the fundamentals in order to confidently embark on a journey of deeper and deeper inner work. As you gently shift and up-level your consciousness, you contribute to a life-and-world-changing movement toward a new and just reality — for all.
The Shift Network is excited to announce a 9-module Foundations Of The Enneagram on-demand course — taught by Russ Hudson, one of the foremost Enneagram teachers in the world, and Jessica Dibb, an Integrative Breathwork trainer and one of the great innovators in the Enneagram field.
I’m thrilled to invite you to attend a free one-hour event, where Russ and Jessica will introduce you to the most important elements of living an Enneagram-informed life. They’ll be sharing with you what you can expect and how truly understanding the Enneagram can radically transform you and those around you, in ways that may astound you!
You can register here for Awakening Into Higher Consciousness by Living an Enneagram-Informed Life: An Introduction to the Foundations of the Enneagram.
In this 60-minute free online event, you’ll:
- Be guided through an opening presence practice
- Discover what it means to live an Enneagram-informed life
- Be presented with the true wisdom, purpose, and depth of the Enneagram
- Explore the three centers and the path to awakening
- Hear the call for a commitment to change and evolve through the extensive excavation work of the Enneagram
You’ll emerge with the capacity to become present, grounded and centered. To become the compassionate witness of your personality, behaviors and responses. You’ll cultivate the courage, confidence, and curiosity to look and work deeply within yourself as a lifelong way of being.
When you walk away from this inspirational hour with Russ and Jessica, you’ll likely have a whole new willingness to look more deeply and then deeper still into the depths of your being — the depths of your soul — both through intensive wisdom teachings… and by staying present, moment by moment, as you experience practices and processes designed to help you find your authentic self, again and again.
