Ever since I went to a conference last year, I’ve been trying to figure out my Enneagram. I got so many different results, that even Penn took a quiz on my behalf to get to the bottom of it. Still no dice. So we did what we always do when we can find the answer to something. We turned to the internet and brought in expert, Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober, to help us sort this out.
Sidenote: We recorded this podcast on March 11th, right before COVID-19 cases were starting to ramp up. It’s so weird to listen me say that I hope our kids are still in school and Penn thinking that the NCAA will still play in front of an empty crowd. Oh, how things have changed in just 2 short weeks.
What is an Enneagram Anyway?
Ashton describes Enneagrams as an ancient typing tool with 9 types in total. Think of a Myers Briggs personality test, except with Enneagrams you get to understand the motivation around the personality, not just what you project on the outside. (You can take yours here.) These 9 lenses can show you how that person views the world. They are laid out in a geometrical pattern (Penn said like a Lisa Simpson head) with different triads and wings that can accompany your type. For example, people who have Enneagram 8, 9, and 1 react with their gut, while 2, 3, and 4 react with their feelings. The last group Enneagram types 5, 6, and 7 react with their thoughts. Speaking of Enneagram 7—Penn is a RAGING one. You will hear a lot about that.
We walk through all the types on the podcast, and touch on why its important to research each along with your test result. Ashton said rarely is your strongest quiz match that one you really are. (Which is probably why I was such a mess trying to figure out my own.) Her book, The Enneagram for Relationships, is available to order on Amazon if you want to learn more. Do you know your Enneagram? Tell us what you are in the comment or in our Facebook Group!
