BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS
We know that every Type naturally shows up with certain recognizable behaviors, but interestingly, three of the Types show up with very similar behaviors. This is what can sometimes confuse people and enable misidentification of one Type with another. Even when displaying strikingly similar behavior, the ultimate reason behind the behavior is completely different for each of the three Types that resemble the pattern.
This understanding is what sets the Enneagram apart from Myers-Briggs, DISC, and the popular personality typologies that have become so successful in the corporate world. Believe it or not, two people can easily show up the same according to Myers-Briggs and be vastly different Enneagram Types. The motivations are so unique beneath the surface. The Enneagram brings things down to the core level of motivation, which is invaluable.
That said, behavior is still fascinating and important as evidenced by the rise of these behavioral-driven typologies. With the lens of the Enneagram, we see three distinct triads of Types form around three distinct behavioral patterns – The Go-Getters, the Dutifuls, and the Withdrawns…
GO-GETTERS
As a Go-Getter Type, I come across as strong and love to make things happen while I’m very intense for people to handle
Type 3 I’m determined to achieve my goals because otherwise I’ll be branded a failure in my own mind at any given moment, and therefore I’m super-driven and dynamic out in the world, but I can’t ever get off the treadmill and I’m deeply embarrassed that I’m not actually sure who I am or what any of this striving really amounts to
Type 7 I’m all for high-octane thrills, I move fast, and am capable when I set my mind to something, but am so quickly splayed, not just in activity, but in life, that it surprises even me
Type 8 I have to show how powerful I am so I try to constantly move mountains, no matter how crazy it drives me or others when I expend that amount of forceful energy
DUTIFULS
As a Dutiful Type, I always measure how much I’m giving versus how much I’m receiving so that I can always come out, in my eyes, on the side of giving, and torment myself to constantly live up to this ideal
Type 1 I must do everything in obedience to a higher order of principles and I’m deeply frustrated that no one I know can live up to these principles, not even me
Type 2 I must give love in order to receive love, but really I just want to give love because I’ve kept it a secret from myself how much I need it in return
Type 6 I must commit in order to ensure security for myself, and committing is so hard because I can’t do everything I commit to and I don’t know what I’m really supposed to be committing to in the first place
WITHDRAWNS
As a Withdrawn Type, I’m shy and thoughtful and extremely prone to being overwhelmed
Type 4 I need space to deeply explore myself separate from the shallow, mainstream world that doesn’t understand me and doesn’t understand period…
Type 5 I need to immerse myself in a world of uninterrupted study which gives the priceless jewel of knowledge and pricelessly shelters me from all the ridiculous people with emotions
Type 9 I need to be left alone to my own comfort zone because there’s too much chaos and conflict in the world out there which forever disturbs my peace
Learn more at one of our Enneagram workshops or get in touch about private Enneagram coaching (Deep Dives)