The Influence of Wings: Overview

Viewed as a closed, nine-sided shape, the Enneagram has nine points, each representing one of the nine core personalities.  The points on either side of a core personality function as its wings.

My perspective on Enneagram wings is rooted in the idea that the wings hold the key to understanding the infinitely individual personalities out in the world.  The fact that there are an unlimited number of ways that each core type can interact with each of its two wings accounts for the full extent of personalities on the human spectrum.

Generally, the relationship between a wing and its core is either circumstantial or pervasive.  In other words, a wing can either wait for certain circumstances to ‘activate’ it, or it can be an ever-present force in the personality.  If the wing’s influence is circumstantial, there are many different types of circumstances that can act as trigger.  And even when the influence is pervasive, the wing can take many different forms that translate into human individuality.

This next series of posts will discuss some of the distinct ways that each, core type can be influenced by its wings. 

What’s the Difference? Distinguishing Type 9 from types 2, 6 and 7

This post discusses type 9

Core Motivation: feel accepted;                                           

Action Goal: find places and ways to belong

Both 9 and 2 types can come across as very acquiescent to the will of others.  The difference shows up when we look at the context of the acquiescence. Type 9 people are comfortable accepting directives from whatever personal or professional circle they are encountering at a given moment.  In contrast, type 2 people generally find a long-term personal or professional context or specific relationship which becomes the focus of their committed selflessness.

For both 9 and 6 types, it is very important to feel included.  The difference shows up when we look at the reaction to not feeling included. In contrast, when type 9 people feel excluded from a group, they will tend to show no external reaction, often making themselves even more ‘invisible.’  In contrast, type 6 people are likely to react with anxiety and behaviors that may exhibit an obsessive or compulsive tendency.  

Both 9 and 7 types are generally easy-going in social contexts.  The difference shows up when we look at general lifestyle.  Type 9 people seek a sense of belonging as a doorway to happiness.  In contrast, type 7 people seek to fill their lives with thrills and excitement on a perpetual basis.  

Generally, type 9 people are literal people who look to the outside world for clues about who they are.

What’s the Difference? Distinguishing Type 8 from types 1, 3 and 5

This post discusses type 8

Core Motivation: feel powerful;                                            

Action Goal: take charge of people & circumstances

There are circumstances when type 8 people can seem to fit the description for type 1, 3 or 5.  Below are some pointers that clarify what sets type 7 people apart from each of the other types.  

Both 8 and 1 types can come across as inflexible and controlling.  The difference shows up when we look at communication style.  Type 8 people tend towards intimidating language aimed at pressuring the other person into compliance.  In contrast, type 1 people will tend to back up their position using formal arguments.

Both 8 and 3 types actively pursue the lead position within a group.  The difference shows up when we look at their respective approaches to taking the lead.  Type 8 people use any power at their disposal to force others out of the way.  In contrast, type 3 people engage in diplomatic relationship building with those who can help them reach the top.  

Both 8 and 5 types act in ways that frequently alienate other people.  The difference shows up when we look at how the alienation factor functions within each type’s social dynamics.  Type 8 people are often unaware of the extent to which they alienate others.  They focus much energy on exerting any power at their disposal to position themselves for leadership, strongly resistant to understanding why anyone would not welcome and appreciate their efforts to provide strong leadership.  In contrast, type 5 people tend to be aware (even proud) of their alienation, and often use it to affirm a sense of indignance that others do not possess their understanding of life’s truths.

Generally, type 8 people are ambitious individuals who are comfortable using force to reach their objectives.

What’s the Difference? Distinguishing Type 7 from types 4 and 9

This post discusses type 7

Core Motivation: feel the high;                                              

Action Goal: Seek out where thrill can be had in each moment

There are circumstances when type 7 people can seem to fit the description for type 4 or 9.  Below are some pointers that clarify what sets type 7 people apart from each of the other types.  

Both 7 and 4 types live life with a strong intuitive sense of what feels right or not right.  The difference shows up when we look at the general categories of what feels right to each type.   Type 7 people prioritize the thrill of the moment, supporting their intuitive attraction to extreme sports and other experiences that provide opportunity for intense sensory stimulation.  In contrast, type 4 people prioritize deep emotional experience and expression, supporting their intuitive attraction to the Arts and spiritual pursuits.  

Both 7 and 9 types are generally easy-going in social contexts.  The difference shows up when we look at general lifestyle.  Type 7 people seek to fill their lives with thrills and excitement on a perpetual basis.  In contrast, type 9 people seek a sense of belonging as a doorway to happiness.

Generally, type 7 individuals have a ‘live and let live’ attitude that is clear to see in most all their relationships.  They aim to live life to the fullest, and are much more comfortable with pushing their physical limits than they might be with pushing psychological or emotional limits.

What’s the Difference? Distinguishing Type 6 from types 1, 2, 4 and 9

This post discusses type 6

Core Motivation: feel seen;                                                           

Action Goal: be everywhere at once

There are circumstances when type 6 people can seem to fit the description for type 1, 2, 4 or 9.  Below are some pointers that clarify what sets type 6 people apart from each of the other types.  

Both 6 and 1 types can find themselves stuck in a state of anxiety.  The difference shows up when we look at the reaction to feeling anxious.  Type 6 people react by becoming more frenetic and dramatic in their multitasking.  In contrast, type 1 people react by seeking and holding onto order and predictability.

Both 6 and 2 types actively pursue ways to understand and fill the individual needs of people around them.  The difference shows up when we look at how the givers want their actions to be perceived.  Type 6 people want their actions to be seen as expressions of connectedness and mutual trust in the relationship.  In contrast, type 2 people want their actions to be seen as selfless acts of thoughtfull kindness.  

Both 6 and 4 types are emotionally sensitive.  The difference shows up when we look at the kinds of relationships where that sensitivity appears.   Type 6 people bring their emotional sensitivity to every interaction they have, whether or not it is in the context of an emotionally intimate relationship.  In contrast, type 4 people invest most of their emotional energy into the few most intimate relationships they have.  And, their emotional sensitivity is reserved for those relationships.

For both 6 and 9 types, it is very important to feel included.  The difference shows up when we look at the reaction to not feeling included.  Type 6 people are likely to react with anxiety and behaviors that may exhibit an obsessive or compulsive tendency.  In contrast, when type 9 people feel excluded from a group, they will tend to show no external reaction, often making themselves even more ‘invisible.’

Generally, type 6 individuals are intense and social people whose lives and relationships are filled with drama.

What’s the Difference? Distinguishing Type 5 from types 1 and 8

This post discusses type 5

Core Motivation: feel important;

Action Goal: reveal what is important and true

There are circumstances when type 5 people can seem to fit the description for type 1 or type 8.  Below are some pointers that clarify what sets type 5 people apart from each of the other types.  

Both 5 and 1 types can appear opinionated and rigidly confident in their perspectives.  The difference shows up when we look at process by which those opinions and perspectives are formed.  Type 5 people rely on their own, individual analysis of data collected from personal experience and observation. In contrast, type 1 people rely on formally recognized information from established, industry data sources.  

Both 5 and 8 types act in ways that frequently alienate other people.  The difference shows up when we look at how the alienation factor functions within each type’s social dynamics.  Type 5 people tend to be aware (even proud) of their alienation, and often use it to affirm a sense of indignance that others do not possess their understanding of life’s truths.  In contrast, type 8 people are often unaware of the extent to which they alienate others.  Type 8’s focus much energy on exerting any power that have to position themselves for leadership, strongly resistant to understanding why anyone would not welcome and appreciate their efforts.

Overall, type 5 individuals are self-reliant people who would rather spend time pursuing what interests them than socializing.  They are generally very cerebral individuals who think about everything far more than most people.

What’s the Difference? Distinguishing Type 4 from types 6 and 7

This post discusses type 4

Core Motivation: feel understood;

Action Goal: communicate honestly or not at all

There are circumstances when type 4 people can seem to fit the description for type 6 or type 7.  Below are some pointers that clarify what sets type 4 people apart from each of the other types.  

Both 4 and 6 types are emotionally sensitive.  The difference shows up when we look at the kinds of relationships where that sensitivity appears.  Type 4 people invest most of their emotional energy into the few most intimate relationships they have.  And, their emotional sensitivity is reserved for those relationships.  In contrast, type 6 people bring their emotional sensitivity to every interaction they have, whether or not it is in the context of an emotionally intimate relationship.

Both 4 and 7 types live life with a strong intuitive sense of what feels right or not right.  The difference shows up when we look at the general categories of what feels right to each type.  Type 4 people prioritize deep emotional experience and expression, supporting their intuitive attraction to the Arts and spiritual pursuits.  In contrast, type 7 people prioritize the thrill of the moment, supporting their intuitive attraction to extreme sports and other experiences that provide opportunity for intense sensory stimulation.

Overall, type 4 individuals are deeply focused on their internal life.  They often surprise those around them with their ability to not notice events or communication they would consider mundane.