27 Ways of Entering The World (Enneagram Part 5)
We look at how merging the 9 types with the 3 subtypes create 27 different personality expressions.
Lesson Five: How the Instincts (Subtypes) Shape Each Type
At this point, you’ve already learned two of the key building blocks:
The nine Enneagram types.
The three instincts (subtypes): Self-Preservation, Social, and One-to-One.
Now comes the important part: how those two layers combine.
When you overlay the instincts onto the types, you end up with 27 versions of how the types show up in real life.
This is where a lot of the "Oh, that sounds exactly like me" moments tend to happen.
The Same Type Can Look Very Different Based On Instincts
Two people might both be Type Threes, but if one is a Social subtype and the other is Self-Preservation, they may act very differently. This is one of the reasons people sometimes get confused when typing themselves early on.
The instinctual layer explains a lot.
Today’s Work
By now, you probably have one or two types that feel like your likely fit.
Your task today is to explore how the instincts modify those types. To help you, I’m sending you directly to some excellent free resources from my friend and personal Enneagram coach, Deni Tato at Corporate Consciousness.
Deni’s breakdowns show how each instinct expresses itself within each type.
Example: Type One Subtypes (from Deni Tato)
Self-Preservation One — Worry
Represses anger, but it simmers underneath. Manages anxiety by controlling details, planning, and creating rituals that give a sense of control.
Social One — Non-Adaptability
Feels responsible to model correct behavior. Can come off rigid, emotionally distant, and convinced their way is the best way.
One-to-One (Bonding) One — Zeal
Channels energy into improving others. Passionate, intense, and sometimes controlling in their desire to help others “get it right.”
Now it’s your turn.
You can read about all 27 if you want. But today’s goal is to focus on the types you’re already leaning toward. Start with the one or two types you think might fit you, and see what jumps out. Usually, one or two subtype descriptions will make you say: “Oh wow. That’s totally me.” (Need a refresher on the Types? Read my last post here.)
Tomorrow: How to Actually Use This Thing
Tomorrow is the final lesson—and in many ways, it’s the most important. I’ll show you how to apply what you’ve learned to real life for ongoing self-awareness, growth, and healthier patterns.
And, for those you keeping track. Yeah, I tried to do it in five posts. But I needed six. We will wrap up tomorrow.
See you then.
P.S. Reminder: For this series only, my 1:1 Consulting Subscription level is reduced to $99. It includes a Zoom session to discuss your Enneagram and your personal call to adventure. You can upgrade your subscription here.