There are three versions of each Enneagram type called subtypes: self-preserving subtype, social subtype and one-to-one subtype. Subtypes are formed when the emotional patterns or habits of our type, also called the type’s passion or vice, intersect and combine with one of the three basic human instincts, the instinct that is most activated within us: self-preservation instinct, social instinct or one-to-one instinct. We may have more than one activated instinct, so we could relate to two or even all three subtypes for our type.

Each instinct has specific focal areas. Individuals with that activated instinct, once it combines with the emotional pattern of our type, may move toward that instinctual area, away from that arena, or have ambivalence about that area. A way of understanding this is that the instincts by themselves are simply human and natural. However, when the activated instinct(s) combines with our type-based emotional pattern, the instinct then becomes distorted and, thus, less able to satisfy our natural needs in that instinctual area.

Here you can read about the passion or emotional habit of the type, a name for and a description of that subtype as it combines the emotional habit with that instinct, followed by one specific development idea that is particularly useful to people of that subtype. Please remember that we may have more than one active subtype, so the development activities for the additional subtype are also good for your development.

NINES

Emotional pattern of LAZINESS

Avoiding conflict by numbing themselves and not paying attention to their own inner responses, thus disabling them from knowing what they think, want and the right action to take

Self-preservation Nine subtypes

Self-Preservation Nine subtypes (“appetite”) use the comfort of routine, rhythmic, and pleasant activities to not pay attention to themselves.

Self-preservation Nine subtype development

Notice the subtle clues, particularly the physical and somatic ones, to your deep anger, energy and vitality; relax your need for comfort and move toward action.

One way to relax your need for comfort and move toward action:

Identify the physical behaviors that you engage in regularly that you find comforting, such as rocking back and forth physically, nodding your head on a regular basis, eating for comfort, and sleeping when you are distressed. Once you know what these are, every time you are just about to do one of them, ask yourself instead what you are feeling and spend time exploring you emotions.

Social Nine subtypes

Social Nine subtypes (“participation”) work extremely hard on behalf of a group, organization, or cause as a way to belong and as a way of not focusing on themselves.

Social Nine subtype development

Notice how you dive into work or activities as a way of belonging to groups; slow down and honor your feelings, needs and desires.

One way to slow down and honor your feelings, needs and desires:

Notice that when you work so hard on behalf of a group, that you actually merge with the group and activity and lose your inner sense of self. Practice keeping a clear boundary around your sense of self at the same time as you engage in activities on behalf of the group. One thing that helps is to do this: every time you take a breath, come back to your sense of self as a whole and embodied person. Breathe into yourself, don’t just breathe so you can continue merging with the group or activity.

One-to-One Nine subtypes

One-to-One Nine subtypes (“fusion/union”) join, merge or fuse with important individuals as a way of not paying attention to their own thoughts, feelings, needs, and deep desires.

One-to-One Nine subtype development

Notice how you vacate yourself  – lose your sense of self – by merging with special others; focus on who you are and express yourself.

One way to focus on who you are and express yourself:

Here’s a question to consider: Are you confusing merging with love? When we love someone, there are times when we merge with them and they merge with us. But real love also allows both parties to separate or be autonomous so that merging is a temporary experience between two whole human beings. Create a solid sense of your physical boundary, where you end and where another person starts.

These activities are excerpts from the new additions to the soon-available 3rd edition of The Enneagram Development Guide, with over 60 development activities for each Enneagram type.

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

The post Subtype Development Activities | Type 9 appeared first on The Enneagram in Business.

There are three versions of each Enneagram type called subtypes: self-preserving subtype, social subtype and one-to-one subtype. Subtypes are formed when the emotional patterns or habits of our type, also called the type’s passion or vice, intersect and combine with one of the three basic human instincts, the instinct that is most activated within us: self-preservation instinct, social instinct or one-to-one instinct. We may have more than one activated instinct, so we could relate to two or even all three subtypes for our type.

Each instinct has specific focal areas. Individuals with that activated instinct, once it combines with the emotional pattern of our type, may move toward that instinctual area, away from that arena, or have ambivalence about that area. A way of understanding this is that the instincts by themselves are simply human and natural. However, when the activated instinct(s) combines with our type-based emotional pattern, the instinct then becomes distorted and, thus, less able to satisfy our natural needs in that instinctual area.

Here you can read about the passion or emotional habit of the type, a name for and a description of that subtype as it combines the emotional habit with that instinct, followed by one specific development idea that is particularly useful to people of that subtype. Please remember that we may have more than one active subtype, so the development activities for the additional subtype are also good for your development.

EIGHTS

Emotional pattern of LUST

Denying anxiety, sadness and vulnerability by engaging in a variety of self-satisfying behaviors and doing so in an excessive way

Self-preservation Eight subtypes

Self-Preservation Eights subtypes (“survival”) get what they think they need for survival, become highly frustrated, intolerant, and angry when the fulfillment of their needs are thwarted, are attuned to power and influence dynamics, and tend be quieter than the other two subtypes of Eight.

Self-preservation Eight subtype development

Notice your need to be strong, self-reliant and strategic; learn to strategize less and verbalize your needs and rely on others more.

One way to strategize less and verbalize your needs and rely on others more:

Consider this idea: Assess the kinds of physical stimulation you crave the most. What are they? How often do they occur? What factors, internal or external, activate them? Next, every time you are about to pursue the particular kinds of physical stimulation you crave, pause and ask yourself what you are really feeling.

Social Eight subtypes

Social Eight subtypes (“solidarity” ) vigorously protect others from unjust and unfair authorities and systems and challenge social norms, while also seeking power, influence, and pleasure.

Social Eight subtype development

Notice your need to be strong and to protect others; allow yourself to need and be supported by others.

One way to allow yourself to need and be supported by others:

Do you let others do things for you, support you, and get close to you? Can you share your sorrows and pain with others as well as your doubts and uncertainties? Your protectiveness may help you feel connected to others, but this is not real closeness or a substitute for true intimacy. Share more and you’ll feel more deeply connected to yourself and others.

One-to-One Eight subtypes

One-to-One Eight subtypes (“possession”) are rebellious, provocative, emotional, intense, and passionate, draw others to them and derive their power and influence from being at the center of events and the lives of others. 

One-to-One Eight subtype development

Notice your need to provoke, to be potent, to possess the ones you love and to be at the center of and control everything if you can; manage your intensity and be both more present and pure.

One way to manage your intensity and be more present and pure:

Do you want all of something or someone you love or care about. This is what the word “possession” means. Although you may not think of your desires as possessive, those on the receiving end often do. To have more balanced and spacious relationships, relax your needs and actions when you start to want to have all of something or someone. Breathe and tell yourself this: “Let me give my desires and the other person more freedom and space.”

These activities are excerpts from the new additions to the soon-available 3rd edition of The Enneagram Development Guide, with over 60 development activities for each Enneagram type.

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

The post Subtype Development Activities | Type 8 appeared first on The Enneagram in Business.

There are three versions of each Enneagram type called subtypes: self-preserving subtype, social subtype and one-to-one subtype. Subtypes are formed when the emotional patterns or habits of our type, also called the type’s passion or vice, intersect and combine with one of the three basic human instincts, the instinct that is most activated within us: self-preservation instinct, social instinct or one-to-one instinct. We may have more than one activated instinct, so we could relate to two or even all three subtypes for our type.

Each instinct has specific focal areas. Individuals with that activated instinct, once it combines with the emotional pattern of our type, may move toward that instinctual area, away from that arena, or have ambivalence about that area. A way of understanding this is that the instincts by themselves are simply human and natural. However, when the activated instinct(s) combines with our type-based emotional pattern, the instinct then becomes distorted and, thus, less able to satisfy our natural needs in that instinctual area.

Here you can read about the passion or emotional habit of the type, a name for and a description of that subtype as it combines the emotional habit with that instinct, followed by one specific development idea that is particularly useful to people of that subtype. Please remember that we may have more than one active subtype, so the development activities for the additional subtype are also good for your development.

SEVENS

Emotional pattern of GLUTTONY

The insatiable thirst for new and constant stimulation via exciting people, ideas and experiences, thus enabling the avoidance of experiencing painful emotions, difficult situations and any sense of being limited or constrained

Self-preservation Seven subtypes

Self-Preservation Seven subtypes (“keepers of the castle”) create close networks of family, friends, and colleagues to keep themselves feeling stimulated and secure, as well as to generate new and interesting opportunities to pursue.

Self-preservation Seven subtype development

Notice how new opportunities and physical pleasure or satisfaction are so important to you; explore your anxiety and pain that lie underneath.

One way to explore your anxiety and pain that lie underneath:

Consider this idea: Assess the kinds of physical stimulation you crave the most. What are they? How often do they occur? What factors, internal or external, activate them? Next, every time you are about to pursue the particular kinds of physical stimulation you crave, pause and ask yourself what you are really feeling.

Social Seven subtypes

Social Seven subtypes (“sacrifice”) sacrifice their own needs for satisfaction and stimulation, at least temporarily, in service of the group or an important ideal by postponing their gratification, but they also want explicit recognition for their sacrifice and get their needs met shortly after their sacrifice.

Social Seven subtype development

Notice how you want to be acknowledged for your sacrifice and goodness; explore the feelings below your explanations and rationales for your sacrifice.

One way to explore the feelings below your explanations and rationales for your sacrifice:

Consider how important being explicitly thanked for your sacrifice really is to you. What happens when you don’t get this acknowledgment? What feelings arise in you? Explore these feelings and what lies beneath them. For example, if you get angry or resentful, why? If you feel anxious and fearful or perhaps sad and disappointed, what is underneath these emotions?

One-to-One Seven subtypes

One-to-One Seven subtypes (“suggestibility/fascination”) need to see the stark reality of the world in the most positive ways, as if they are using rose-colored glasses to embellish reality so they can live in a super-optimistic, dream-like state, and this is particularly true when it comes to relationships.

One-to-One Seven subtype development

Notice how you live in an idealized and embellished version of reality; ground yourself in unfiltered reality.

One way to ground yourself in unfiltered reality:

Have you ever been called or thought of yourself as naïve? Perhaps you are not naïve in all ways, but you may be in some ways. In particular, are you innocent and naïve because you primarily perceive the positive aspects of a situation without taking into consideration what might be neutral or even negative? Without perceiving reality as it is in its entirety, you may be suggestible or easily drawn to people, things and ideas that may not be good for you. Think of the ways in which you may be naïve or easily swayed. As you reflect on situations, what did you not let yourself see that was actually there? Understanding this can be helpful in your development and also save you from some of the big disappointments you may have already experienced.

These activities are excerpts from the new additions to the soon-available 3rd edition of The Enneagram Development Guide, with over 60 development activities for each Enneagram type.

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

The post Subtype Development Activities | Type 7 appeared first on The Enneagram in Business.

There are three versions of each Enneagram type called subtypes: self-preserving subtype, social subtype and one-to-one subtype. Subtypes are formed when the emotional patterns or habits of our type, also called the type’s passion or vice, intersect and combine with one of the three basic human instincts, the instinct that is most activated within us: self-preservation instinct, social instinct or one-to-one instinct. We may have more than one activated instinct, so we could relate to two or even all three subtypes for our type.

Each instinct has specific focal areas. Individuals with that activated instinct, once it combines with the emotional pattern of our type, may move toward that instinctual area, away from that arena, or have ambivalence about that area. A way of understanding this is that the instincts by themselves are simply human and natural. However, when the activated instinct(s) combines with our type-based emotional pattern, the instinct then becomes distorted and, thus, less able to satisfy our natural needs in that instinctual area.

Here you can read about the passion or emotional habit of the type, a name for and a description of that subtype as it combines the emotional habit with that instinct, followed by one specific development idea that is particularly useful to people of that subtype. Please remember that we may have more than one active subtype, so the development activities for the additional subtype are also good for your development.

SIXES

Emotional pattern of FEAR

Fearing that something bad or negative will happen and doubting that others are trustworthy or that they and you are capable of meeting the challenges that arise

Self-preservation Six subtypes

Self-Preservation Six subtypes (“fear”) have an intense need to feel protected from danger, often utilizing the family, a surrogate family or support groups to provide this, and they use their friendliness thinking no harm will come to them if they a warm toward others and also believe there is safety by being friendly to others and part of a group.

Self-preservation Six subtype development

Notice how often you question everything and act overly warm toward others as a way to feel safe; learn to relax your self-doubt and the need to ingratiate yourself.

One way to relax your self-doubt and the need to ingratiate yourself:

Consider this idea: You use your self-doubt to feel safe, making sure you have considered multiple pathways so you choose the route with the least probable negative outcomes. However, your continuous doubt actually makes you feel less certain and safe. It’s paradoxical.

Social Six subtypes

Social Six subtypes (“duty” ) focus on rules, regulations, and prescribed ways of behaving within their social environment in order to keep their behavior acceptable and to not get chastised or punished by authority figures.

Social Six subtype development

Notice how you rely on rules and compliant relationships with authorities in order to feel safe; learn to relax your reliance on rules, your compliant relationships with authority figures, and your overly strong sense of duty to groups to which you belong.

One way to relax your reliance on rules, your compliant relationships with authority figures, and your overly strong sense of duty to groups to which you belong:

Think about all the authority figures you’ve had in your life and how you related to them. Often you’ll discover that you have been extremely compliant in these relationships to deal with your fears and potentially secure your safety. Has this worked for you in the past? Explore your fears and what you may be giving up as a result of your compliance.

One-to-One Six subtypes

One-to-One Six subtypes (“strength/beauty”) deny their own anxieties by pushing against their fear, appearing bold, confident, charismatic, and sometimes fierce or fearless. This subtype of Six is often referred to as a counter-fear or counter-phobic Six because they try to prove, often unconsciously, that they have no fear.

One-to-One Six subtype development

Notice how you rely on “shows of strength” and being compelling and charismatic as a way for you to feel safe; learn to let go of your armor in whatever form it appears.

One way to let go of your armor in whatever form it appears:

The most important thing you can do is to slow down your response when you move so quickly to action. With little if no pause between the stimulus and your response, you are likely unaware that fear is driving you. So slow down, push pause and explore how you are feeling and what is occurring within you. The pause button is a great ally in your development.

These activities are excerpts from the new additions to the soon-available 3rd edition of The Enneagram Development Guide, with over 60 development activities for each Enneagram type.

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

The post Subtype Development Activities | Type 6 appeared first on The Enneagram in Business.

There are three versions of each Enneagram type called subtypes: self-preserving subtype, social subtype and one-to-one subtype. Subtypes are formed when the emotional patterns or habits of our type, also called the type’s passion or vice, intersect and combine with one of the three basic human instincts, the instinct that is most activated within us: self-preservation instinct, social instinct or one-to-one instinct. We may have more than one activated instinct, so we could relate to two or even all three subtypes for our type.

Each instinct has specific focal areas. Individuals with that activated instinct, once it combines with the emotional pattern of our type, may move toward that instinctual area, away from that arena, or have ambivalence about that area. A way of understanding this is that the instincts by themselves are simply human and natural. However, when the activated instinct(s) combines with our type-based emotional pattern, the instinct then becomes distorted and, thus, less able to satisfy our natural needs in that instinctual area.

Here you can read about the passion or emotional habit of the type, a name for and a description of that subtype as it combines the emotional habit with that instinct, followed by one specific development idea that is particularly useful to people of that subtype. Please remember that we may have more than one active subtype, so the development activities for the additional subtype are also good for your development.

FIVES

Emotional pattern of Avarice

The intense drive to acquire information, knowledge and wisdom and to avoid intrusion and loss of energy, but also to guard and preserve the resources they think they might need

Self-preservation Five subtypes

Self-Preservation Five subtypes (“castle”) are highly concerned with being intruded upon and being overextended physically and energetically and for this reason, minimize their direct involvement with others at the same time as they hoard their scarce resources.

Self-preservation Five subtype development

Notice how you retract, hide and create strong and non-penetrable boundaries, thus limiting your contact with others; engage more in the outside world.

One way to engage more in the outside world:

When you go to a meeting or even a social event, instead of arriving just on time, go 5-10 minutes early and engage with others in a less structured way. Experience what happens.

Social Five subtypes

Social Five subtypes (“totem” ) find, develop and guard or hoard their strong connections with people and groups who share their super-ideals and values, but become disengaged from these groups if they discover they are not fully aligned with these higher-order beliefs.

Social Five subtype development

Notice how your quest for connection through knowledge and ideas allows you to connect with some people, particularly in groups, but also limits your contact with many others; engage more with people in a variety of ways.

One way to engage more with people in a variety of ways:

Are there people you meet who aren’t connected to groups that share your higher-order values, even if these individuals share values in common with you? Identify these people and initiate a gentle suggestion to spend more time together for tea, coffee, a walk or a run. This can help you expand the people with whom you engage and go beyond the pattern of finding your connection in others primarily through groups.

One-to-One Five subtypes

One-to-One Five subtypes (“confidence”) search for a strong, deep connection with one other person whom they trust and can share confidences or private information with, then guard for themselves the other person and this special relationship.

One-to-One Five subtype development

Notice how your high expectations and testing of others limit your relationships; take the risk of sharing your real feelings with more people.

One way to take the risk of sharing your real feelings with more people:

Make a list of your requirements for those with whom you are interested in and willing to have a special relationship – in other words, those with whom you have enough confidence in and are thus willing to share your private or confidential thoughts and feelings. Ask yourself this: Why do I have such a list; What is its purpose? What do I gain from having this list and how does adhering to it limit me and the possible relationships I could have?

These activities are excerpts from the new additions to the soon-available 3rd edition of The Enneagram Development Guide, with over 60 development activities for each Enneagram type.

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

The post Subtype Development Activities | Type 5 appeared first on The Enneagram in Business.

There are three versions of each Enneagram type called subtypes: self-preserving subtype, social subtype and one-to-one subtype. Subtypes are formed when the emotional patterns or habits of our type, also called the type’s passion or vice, intersect and combine with one of the three basic human instincts, the instinct that is most activated within us: self-preservation instinct, social instinct or one-to-one instinct. We may have more than one activated instinct, so we could relate to two or even all three subtypes for our type.

Each instinct has specific focal areas. Individuals with that activated instinct, once it combines with the emotional pattern of our type, may move toward that instinctual area, away from that arena, or have ambivalence about that area. A way of understanding this is that the instincts by themselves are simply human and natural. However, when the activated instinct(s) combines with our type-based emotional pattern, the instinct then becomes distorted and, thus, less able to satisfy our natural needs in that instinctual area.

Here you can read about the passion or emotional habit of the type, a name for and a description of that subtype as it combines the emotional habit with that instinct, followed by one specific development idea that is particularly useful to people of that subtype. Please remember that we may have more than one active subtype, so the development activities for the additional subtype are also good for your development.

FOURS

Emotional pattern of ENVY

Consciously and unconsciously comparing yourself to others to determine how you measure up and why you don’t feel good enough, then feeling deficient, superior, or both and also suffering from these comparisons

Self-preservation Four subtypes

Self-Preservation Four subtypes (“reckless/dauntless”) bear their suffering in silence to prove that they are good enough by virtue of enduring pain and also engage in nonstop activity or even reckless behavior as a way to feel excited and energized.

Self-preservation Four subtype development

Notice how you feel you have to go through life and suffer on your own; embrace more fun and let more people in.

One way to embrace more fun and let more people in:

Share more of your feelings, particularly those that are painful. The less stoical you are, the more people can see and feel you.

Social Four subtypes

Social Four subtypes (“shame”) focus on their deficiencies and on earning understanding and appreciation for their suffering, particularly from the groups to which they belong.

Social Four subtype development

Notice how and when you feel inadequate and inferior; relax your negative self-judgments and take action.

One way to relax your negative self-judgments and take action:

Can you give up your continuous suffering? Ask yourself these questions and answer them: What if I could give up suffering or at least minimize it? How would I feel without the suffering? Who would I be?

One-to-One Four subtypes

One-to-One Four subtypes (“competition”) express their needs and feelings outwardly and are highly competitive in order to gain attention, to be heard, to be acknowledged, and to feel understood.

One-to-One Four subtype development

Notice your competitiveness and the “transporting” of your suffering to others; pursue what’s underneath your feelings, particularly when you feel competitive.

One way to pursue what’s underneath your feelings, particularly when you feel competitive:

Do you dress or act in a way that calls attention to yourself? Be honest about this. Then explore what lies underneath your need for attention. Why the need or craving for attention? Explore your feelings about this.

These activities are excerpts from the new additions to the soon-available 3rd edition of The Enneagram Development Guide, with over 60 development activities for each Enneagram type.

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

The post Subtype Development Activities | Type 4 appeared first on The Enneagram in Business.

There are three versions of each Enneagram type called subtypes: self-preserving subtype, social subtype and one-to-one subtype. Subtypes are formed when the emotional patterns or habits of our type, also called the type’s passion or vice, intersect and combine with one of the three basic human instincts, the instinct that is most activated within us: self-preservation instinct, social instinct or one-to-one instinct. We may have more than one activated instinct, so we could relate to two or even all three subtypes for our type.

Each instinct has specific focal areas. Individuals with that activated instinct, once it combines with the emotional pattern of our type, may move toward that instinctual area, away from that arena, or have ambivalence about that area. A way of understanding this is that the instincts by themselves are simply human and natural. However, when the activated instinct(s) combines with our type-based emotional pattern, the instinct then becomes distorted and, thus, less able to satisfy our natural needs in that instinctual area.

Here you can read about the passion or emotional habit of the type, a name for and a description of that subtype as it combines the emotional habit with that instinct, followed by one specific development idea that is particularly useful to people of that subtype. Please remember that we may have more than one active subtype, so the development activities for the additional subtype are also good for your development.

THREES

Emotional pattern of DECEIT

Needing to appear successful to gain the admiration and respect of others and avoiding failure by hiding parts of yourself and believing that your image is your true self

Self-preservation Three subtypes

Self-Preservation Three subtypes (“security”) want to be seen as a good or ideal person who is self-reliant, autonomous, hardworking, and have an image of having no image and being authentic.

Self-preservation Three subtype development

Notice how you move fast, like to create structure as a way to feel more certain or secure, and allow yourself little time for your feelings and desires to emerge; find deeper connection with yourself and others.

One way to find deeper connection with yourself and others:

Ask yourself the following question at least once a day: Am I sharing more of a deeper and real self with others rather than only engaging in activities with them?

Social Three subtypes

Social Three subtypes (“prestige”) want to be seen as successful and admirable in the context of specific social groups and like being around other successful people because they believe this proximity reinforces their own positive image and status.

Social Three subtype development

Notice how you like to impress others and also emulate successful people; reveal more of your true self and follow what you really want, not what you think you should want because it confers social status.

One way to reveal more of your true self and follow what you really want, not what you think you should want because it confers social status:

Notice when you try to fit in with prestigious social groups and what you have to do (and have to give up) to be accepted.

One-to-One Three subtypes

One-to-One Three subtypes (“masculinity/femininity”) try to draw important individuals to them by appearing highly attractive and successful and also make great efforts to help these others achieve success as if these accomplishments reflect positively on their own importance.

One-to-One Three subtype development

Notice how you live for and through your partners by appealing to and supporting them; learn to support yourself better.

One way to support yourself better:

When you offer various kinds of support to others in your life such as time, encouragement, resources and more, stop and ask yourself: Why am I doing this? What would happen if I gave that kind of support to myself? Are these the people I really want in my life? Do they support my inner sense of being and self-acceptance or do I want them in my life to affirm something about myself?

These activities are excerpts from the new additions to the soon-available 3rd edition of The Enneagram Development Guide, with over 60 development activities for each Enneagram type.

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

The post Subtype Development Activities | Type 3 appeared first on The Enneagram in Business.

There are three versions of each Enneagram type called subtypes: self-preserving subtype, social subtype and one-to-one subtype. Subtypes are formed when the emotional patterns or habits of our type, also called the type’s passion or vice, intersect and combine with one of the three basic human instincts, the instinct that is most activated within us: self-preservation instinct, social instinct or one-to-one instinct. We may have more than one activated instinct, so we could relate to two or even all three subtypes for our type.

Each instinct has specific focal areas. Individuals with that activated instinct, once it combines with the emotional pattern of our type, may move toward that instinctual area, away from that arena, or have ambivalence about that area. A way of understanding this is that the instincts by themselves are simply human and natural. However, when the activated instinct(s) combines with our type-based emotional pattern, the instinct then becomes distorted and, thus, less able to satisfy our natural needs in that instinctual area.

Here you can read about the passion or emotional habit of the type, a name for and a description of that subtype as it combines the emotional habit with that instinct, followed by one specific development idea that is particularly useful to people of that subtype. Please remember that we may have more than one active subtype, so the development activities for the additional subtype are also good for your development.

TWOS

Emotional pattern of PRIDE

Having one’s self-worth and importance integrally linked with how others respond, feeling inflated when there is a positive response and feeling deflated with a negative reaction.

Self-Preservation Two subtypes

Self-Preservation Two subtypes (“me-first/ privilege”) deny their own needs for protection, try to attract others to protect them by both being appealing and appearing to be innocent and blameless, even childlike, and are ambivalent about closeness and trusting others.

Self-Preservation Two subtype development

Notice how your fear and ambivalence in relationships hurts intimacy; develop more resilience, personal power, and capacity for intimacy.

One way to work on resilience, personal power, and intimacy:

Make a list of the ways you keep yourself small, younger than you are, more childlike. Once you do this, write down what you actually gain from doing this. Then make a list of the ways in which this behavior causes problems for you or no longer serves you. Reflect on these lists in terms for what you really want from your life right now.

 Social Two subtypes

Social Two subtypes (“ambition” ) focus on helping groups more than individuals, are more intellectually oriented, and more comfortable being in visibly powerful positions than other Twos, which is a result of their desire to stand above the group but without appearing they are doing so.

Social Two subtype development

Notice how your need for power and admiration has a strategic intent that hinders closeness with others; focus on your own feelings and needs.

One way to focus on your own feelings and needs:

When you are thinking about taking a central role or making a commitment to a group that will demand a great deal of your time and energy, ask yourself why you are really thinking about doing this.  Don’t settle for an answer that describes your commitment to a cause or a group purpose. Instead, ask why you are doing this for yourself.

 One-to-One Two subtypes

One-to-One Two subtypes (“aggression/seduction”) are oriented to individual relationships and meeting the needs of important people and partners, attracting these others as a way to both feel important and hoping and expecting that these individuals will satisfy their needs in exchange.

One-to-One Two subtype development

Notice how you pursue intense and energetic relations with others in order to get them to meet your needs; find ways of satisfying your own needs.

One way to better satisfy your own needs:

Branch out and create more relationships in your life of varying intensities so you become far less reliant on only a few people to engage with, do things with, and converse with. This will reduce the intensity levels you expect in your relationships as well as the mutual dependency that arises when you engage only with a select set of people.

These activities are excerpts from the new additions to the soon-available 3^rd edition of The Enneagram Development Guide, with over 60 development activities for each Enneagram type.

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

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There are three versions of each Enneagram type called subtypes: self-preserving subtype, social subtype and one-to-one subtype. Subtypes are formed when the emotional patterns or habits of our type, also called the type’s passion or vice, intersect and combine with one of the three basic human instincts, the instinct that is most activated within us: self-preservation instinct, social instinct or one-to-one instinct. We may have more than one activated instinct, so we could relate to two or even all three subtypes for our type.

Each instinct has specific focal areas. Individuals with that activated instinct, once it combines with the emotional pattern of our type, may move toward that instinctual area, away from that arena, or have ambivalence about that area. A way of understanding this is that the instincts by themselves are simply human and natural. However, when the activated instinct(s) combines with our type-based emotional pattern, the instinct then becomes distorted and, thus, less able to satisfy our natural needs in that instinctual area.

Here you can read about the passion or emotional habit of the type, a name for and a description of that subtype as it combines the emotional habit with that instinct, followed by one specific development idea that is particularly useful to people of that subtype. Please remember that we may have more than one active subtype, so the development activities for the additional subtype are also good for your development.

ONES

Emotional pattern of ANGER

The chronic dissatisfaction with self, others, life and work that are not as they should be.

Self-Preservation One subtypes

Self-Preservation One subtypes (“anxiety”) focus on getting everything structured, controlled, precise, and organized correctly, and experience anxiety, worry, and irritation when they think this may not happen.

Self-Preservation One subtype development

Notice the true or deeper sources of your anger, anxiety and thoughts about imperfection and control; relax more.

One way to relax more:

Breathe in a rhythmic and relaxed way, making sure to breathe throughout your body and not just into your upper chest and head. Practice this multiple times per day.

Social One subtypes

Social One subtypes (“non-adaptability” ) perceive themselves as role models of the right way of behaving and believe they set the standard for how others should be; they lead and influence by example, focusing their efforts on critiquing social institutions as a way to perfect them.

Social One subtype development

Notice your need to be right and perfect in the world; learn that your worth doesn’t depend on your being a near-perfect role model.

One way to work on not identifying your self-worth with your being a near-perfect role model:

Make a list of all the ways you put pressure on yourself to be so good and near-perfect. As you review this list, ask yourself this question: “Is what I do to be a role model worth the price of the pressure I put on myself?”

One-to-One One subtypes

One-to-One One subtypes (“zeal” ) have an intense need to perfect others, particularly those who matter to them and to perfect society in general, perceiving critiquing and reforming others as both their right and responsibility.

One-to-One One subtype development

Notice your need to improve and reform others; focus less on critiquing others and more on your own self-acceptance.

One way to focus less on critiquing others and more on your own self-acceptance:

Recognize that while you think you are being helpful when you tell someone something about themselves that could be better or improved, they are more likely to feel criticized by you. When you are about to say something that critiques someone else, pause and ask yourself: “Is my comment really going to be helpful? How might my comment harm this relationship?”

These activities are excerpts from the new additions to the soon-available 3^rd edition of The Enneagram Development Guide, with over 60 development activities for each Enneagram type.

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

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Over the last few weeks, I’ve had multiple opportunities to learn and relearn very important things from clients. This blog gives me the opportunity to describe and share these, in hopes that some of what you’ll read may be useful to you in your own personal and professional work.

Learning/re-learning # 1

Accurate type identification is essential with coaching clients

One of my coaching clients, a senior manager, thought she was an Enneagram Eight, with the specific coaching issue being that her “boss” had told her she “did not read a room well” and needed to work on her interpersonal skills. After our conversation, and it didn’t take long, it became clear she was not an Eight, but a Six. In her Sixness, as she would describe it, she’s also a combination 1-1 and social subtype. Here’s why this matters so much.

What her “boss” identified as her having interpersonal problems and not being able to “read a room” was not true. It was his overgeneralized response to their interactions. In fact, her interpersonal skills were quite good and her ability to read a room was even better. The core issue was she did not get along with her “boss” because she perceived him as deceptive and abusive. Although this might bother anyone, it was especially triggering to her as a Six. She would react aggressively without a pause, speak on behalf of the team (even when not asked to do so) in team meetings, and all of this got her in trouble with her boss. These issues and reactions are type Six, not type Eight, and were much easier to deal with once she understood her type Six triggers and subsequent responses. It was also a relief for her to recognize that her interpersonal skills were actually quite good, as this is also how she perceived herself. It’s hard to work on issues in terms of type when there isn’t really an issue or when the issues are not accurately identified and understood.

Learning/re-learning # 2

Teaching subtypes accurately is not that difficult

We can make teaching subtypes hard by explaining too much all at once, our not understanding the subtypes accurately, and making them more complex than they really are. But the big issue I’ve seen over and over was brought to light once again during my recent Singapore Team Transformations program. In this group of nearly 40 people, about 80% thought they knew their subtypes and for 50% of these participants, their subtype identification turned out to be wrong. The remaining participants did not know much about subtypes, and they were easier to teach. In about one hour, everyone understood their subtype(s) accurately except for one person who was really quite new to self-awareness. I taught the subtypes using our training tool, the 27 Enneagram Subtypes, which has graphical icons and short descriptions of each subtype.

During this process, I relearned that one of the biggest obstacles to understanding and identifying subtypes accurately is this: the conflation of instincts with subtypes. Instincts and subtypes are not the same, yet many people get taught or think that they are identical. The three instincts – self-preservation, social and one-to-one (aka sexual or intimacy) – are the three basic human instincts that we all have. Ideally, we get our real needs met in each of those areas.

The 9 passions, one that goes with each type, are the emotional habits or engines of each type, but they are also not the subtype. However, when one or more instincts that are active (agitated) in a person combine or intersect with the passion of that type, the three different subtypes emerge. Understood this way, the passion-instinct intersection distorts the instinct so that the person is no longer in touch with their real needs in that instinctual area.

It is so important to clearly delineate instincts from subtypes and to also not refer to the subtypes as instincts, which some people do as a form of shorthand – equating subtypes with instincts. However, doing so obscures the ability of people to truly understand the meaning of subtypes.

Learning/re-learning # 3

We can use just about anything for our growth

Whether it is cleaning (or not cleaning) the house, deciding what and where to eat, or responding to something that occurs in our environment that feels like a big deal to us, type always emerges. But do we notice this and do we use it for our own development?

Here is an example from a colleague who was four days from launching her first book. A type Three, she was even more focused on planning than most and just as excited as anyone would be. Four days before the book launch, Facebook took down all of her accounts, including Instagram, with no warning, no explanation, and no information about when these would be reinstated. Plans were thwarted indefinitely, a seeming disaster for any new book author, but especially for a Three with goals and plans.

Of course, she tried to problem-solve the situation, but to no avail. What did she do instead? Instead of focusing on her thwarted plans, she used the experience to explore her strong attachment to them and what she could learn about herself to relax them more. What were the messages about her ego structure? What in her response did not serve her in this situation? How could she use the time she had allocated to her book launch for other purposes: her own development, other creative projects she was eager to start, and more? As she said, “I learned not to get ahead of my skis, but to sit on top of them, centered and balanced.”  Hurray!

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

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