Last month we offered answers to 9 of the most frequently asked Enneagram questions. Join us for this continuation, with insights about 4 more popular Enneagram FAQs.
Q: It seems like this kind of thing puts people in “boxes” and labels people. Is that true?
A: The Enneagram, like any powerful tool, can be used as a dangerous weapon. (See the Bible, see Spanish Inquisition, the Crusades, all religious genocides everywhere, when people in power used holy books to justify their desire to murder groups of people). But this critique that the Enneagram boxes people in is a real issue. This is a main problem I have with what I’m calling the age of “Enneagram Capitalism”. If you’re starting to sell the Enneagram as a product, then yes. You need neat little packaged boxes and you need orderly labels. You need to define what the product *actually is* in order to boast of its effectiveness and get people to buy your book, listen to your podcast or come to your seminar. Here’s a sign you’ve encountered Enneagram capitalism: It sounds like overuse of stereotypes: “ Lol, all Nines love naps'', or “Fives don’t feel things deeply.” or “Ones are so clean and organized.” or “Nah, you can’t be a Seven, you’re so introverted.” These are dangerous assumptions. Sure, they can make funny anecdotes, especially if you or a friend fits the stereotype you found on Instagram. But when they don’t fit someone, they’re uncomfortable, even hurtful. But more concerning, even if these generalizations DO fit you, these boxes and labels don’t encourage you to look deeper within yourself. You start to love the box, becoming more cozy within it. Or perhaps just as dangerously, you may mistakenly really believe that your friend really must have “mistyped” themselves, when really, dear reader: it is NOT YOUR JOB TO “TYPE” ANYONE. The Enneagram is the most safely and ethically used as a SELF examination tool. Keep your attention on the log in your own eye, etc. Selling a product isn’t conducive to inner spiritual work.
Here’s another real sign you’ve encountered counterfeit Enneagram teaching: the teacher doesn’t show evidence of doing the work themselves. If you’re selling the Enneagram, you don’t want to discuss yourself, or your own vulnerabilities or growth edges! Stay AWAY from online Enneagram teachers or podcast hosts who are not vulnerable about their own personal Enneagram work. The Enneagram is really supposed to drag everyone’s ego, even the teachers’! Some of these teachers I’ve seen just want to tell others who they think you are, with their blindspots leading the way, causing much damage. If an Enneagram teacher isn’t showing signs of “doing their own work”, I don’t bother with them. You should too. Okay thanks for coming to my TED talk.
How do I know what type I am?
Q: Okay, so if a test isn’t ideal, how DO I find out what type I am?
A: Since the Enneagram has been around for much longer than the internet age, or even the age of modern science, it is best done the way it has always been done. As a student, with a knowledgeable teacher. Fr. Richard Rohr used to say to his Enneagram students that they weren’t allowed to teach anyone else about the Enneagram for several years after they’ve done their work. I like this idea, and doing this would help reduce the posers and hacks out there teaching. I would say the second best way to type yourself is a good enneagram book or two. There are some books written by the first teachers in the United States that are very good guides! I’ll list my favorites on the bottom of this page.
Lastly, there are some good podcasts and online tests out there to get you started. Be sure to examine them with a critical eye! As I’ve stated, not all are created equally.
Q: Is the Enneagram scientifically validated?
A: The short answer is no.
The longer answer is that it might be, someday. And I’m aware of several social scientists trying to measure Type, accuracy and predictability of behaviors, etc. But it is a spiritual tool, first and foremost. It does overlap into human behavior and psychology, so I imagine with the popularity of it, the moment people start to scientific studies, we will all know about it. But I don’t use it in academic settings, where validated research would likely be needed in some fields of study. I use it in the personal, gray area work of therapy and spiritual direction.
Q: If I already know my type, what do I do next to go deeper into the Enneagram?
A: Find a good teacher!
Teachers and Enneagram coaches can be certified in different Enneagram traditions (there are many good ones out there), or perhaps they haven’t been. It all depends on how much of the Enneagram they’ve used for their OWN inner growth. Because if they haven't used it for their own growth, how much further can they help YOU grow? We here at Evergreen Counseling are passionate about Enneagram coaching--we have one coach open right now. Check out her bio here. Secondly, another great way to grow more in the Enneagram inner work is to attend a training or a seminar by a reputable teacher. Some teachers are very good, and some are really worth the time and money. Your enneagram coach will know of the good ones out there!
There are MANY enneagram books out there. I’ve read probably 90% of what’s out there, and I enjoy reading the new ones that come out.
These are my top 5 books that I still refer to, after teaching this for 10 years:
My Top Five Favorite Book Recommendations:
Wisdom of the Enneagram, by Riso/Hudson (beginner/intermediate)
Millenneagram, by Hannah Paasch (my favorite fun, beginner book to share with friends)
The Complete Enneagram, by Beatrice Chestnut (intermediate, but still very helpful for self-typing)
Essential Enneagram, by David Daniels (beginner)
The Spiritual Dimension of the Enneagram by Sandra Maitri (intermediate--wonderful philosophy and spirituality in here)