What Is the Enneagram?

A Practical Introduction for Self-Awareness and Growth

You may have heard of the Enneagram through a podcast, a friend, or a leadership course ... but what is it really?

The Enneagram is a dynamic system that helps us understand our patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaviour. It describes nine core personality types, each with its own strengths, challenges, motivations, fears and inner beliefs.

Unlike many other personality tools, the Enneagram goes beyond surface traits. It invites deep self-reflection and offers a path for real change: in relationships, work, and personal growth.

We each have dominant type patterns that influence our lives and which we can learn to become aware of.. The Enneagram recognises the complexity of being human and is not about putting ourselves in a box. It’s about showing us the box we’re already in and how to grow beyond it.

The 9 Enneagram Types

The 9 Enneagram Types (In Brief)

1. The Reformer – Principled, responsible, seeks improvement and reform

2. The Helper – Caring, supportive, seeks connection and to be needed

3. The Achiever – Ambitious, adaptable, seeks success and admiration

4. The Individualist – Expressive, deep-feeling, seeks individuality and authenticity

5. The Investigator – Analytical, competent, seeks knowledge and privacy

6. The Loyalist – Committed, security-oriented, seeks support and guidance

7. The Enthusiast – Optimistic, future-focused, seeks pleasure and opportunities

8. The Challenger – Strong, direct, intense, seeks to protect and control

9. The Peacemaker – Easygoing, conflict-avoidant, seeks harmony and comfort

   
   

Each type has a unique view of the world. Understanding our type patterns helps us become more self-aware and helps us have more choice in how we react.

What Makes the Enneagram More Than Just a

Personality Test

The Enneagram is not static - “you’re one of these, now live with it!”. It’s a living, breathing tool - a map that shows us not only where we are but also how to grow and embrace our full potential.

• It reveals what unconsciously drives us, not just behaviours

• It highlights blind spots, parts of ourselves that we don’t see

• It offers a growth path, unique to our type patterns

• It deepens empathy, helping us be more compassionate towards ourselves and others

• It bridges personal and professional life, making it a powerful resource for therapy, coaching, leadership, team working and spirituality

Group workshop exploring Enneagram types through the Narrative Tradition

How to Begin Your Enneagram Journey

At Enneagram Training UK, we offer accredited training and immersive experiences based in the Narrative Tradition. Whether you're just curious or ready to dive deeper, we’d love to support your journey.

There’s no single “right” way to start, but we recommend beginning with:

• Exploring the nine types in more detail here

• Come along to one of our regular free online Open Evenings - upcoming events

• Get in touch with us to set up a discovery chat to explore how we can help you start your journey

• Explore our Foundation workshops - our starting point and designed for anyone seeking practical insight and real growth.

About Enneagram Training UK & Ireland

At Enneagram Training UK & Ireland, we offer clear, compassionate and practical Enneagram-based training to support your growth – personally, professionally and spiritually. Whether you're new to the Enneagram or seeking to deepen your understanding, our Narrative-based approach helps you develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience and authentic connection with others. Discover more here.