Wise Decision-Making, Development by Enneagram Type

enneagram 9 types

Wise Decision-Making, Development by Enneagram Type

The process of making wise decisions is done by utilizing all three of our centers of intelligence. If we can tap into our head, heart, and body fully, in an integrated way, the decision becomes easier and potentially more successful. The head provides data, analysis, and rational planning. The heart looks at the impact on yourself and others. It examines the feelings and values involved in the decision-making process. The body or gut center helps us to act on the steps toward our decisions.

Each of the Enneagram types goes about making decisions differently. For example, a head type (5,6 or 7) may solely look at the rational and logical side of a decision and leave out the heart side, ignoring the impact on others. When we decide to develop ourselves to make wise decisions from all three of our centers each type may need to focus on a different set of tools and activities. Read below about some of these tools that you can use to develop within your type.

Each Enneagram Type’s Decision-Making Development Tools

Type 1 – Reformer/Perfectionist

Seek a perfect world and work hard to improve themselves and the environment. Idealistic and sometimes rigid.

Head Center – Look beyond the facts to find the patterns within so that the theme and patterns can be identified
Heart Center – Deeply consider your own feelings and those of others along with the impact on each of you
Body Center – Use just enough action to be effective and get the result you want to achieve

Type 2 – Helper/Giver

Want to be liked, are focused on relationships, and try to meet the needs of others. Generous and sometimes needy.

Head Center – Look at the objective information and facts more than perceptions
Heart Center – Assess your motivations regarding the need to know exactly what others are thinking and feeling
Body Center – Timing is important to learn for when to take action, when to hold off, and when to do nothing

Type 3 – Achiever/Performer

Adaptable and excel at sensing and meeting the expectations of others. Self-propelled and sometimes vindictive.

Head Center – When attempting efficiency, ensure that the meaning within the data is given a sufficient amount of time and consideration
Heart Center – Share your real feelings and worries, which will help undo the overly confident demeanor which has created an obstacle between you and others
Body Center – Take Useful Action: Hold tight to your values and make sure they are part of each decision

Type 4 – Individualist/Romantic

Has expressive honesty, seeks meaning within their lives, and emphasizes their uniqueness. Intuitive and sometimes moody.

Head Center – Use a logical approach as well as an intuitive approach to find the best result
Heart Center – Assess your perception of other’s feelings to ensure you are not projecting your own emotions onto them
Body Center – Action is the remedy to doubt and a way to move through an emotional reaction rather than it being immobilizing

Type 5 – Investigator/Observer

Knowledge seekers who delve into why things are the way they are, deep thinkers. Clever and sometimes detached.

Head Center – Be careful not to over-strategize. It is not always viable to know everything before executing a plan
Heart Center – Learn to identify your feelings in real-time and increase your understanding of yourself and others
Body Center – Sense what your body and gut are telling you. By trusting your gut, you will be able to make quicker decisions

Type 6 – Questioner/Loyal Skeptic

Will guard the safety of the group by anticipating problems as well as the solution. Loyal and sometimes suspicious.

Head Center – Plan for both positive and negative situations and slow down when you notice you are repeating the same thoughts
Heart Center – Show the same level of compassion to yourself that you show to others, factor yourself into the decision-making process
Body Center – When unsure regarding a decision, practice a physical activity such as going for a walk and ask yourself what your gut is telling you to do

Type 7 – Adventurer/Enthusiast

Positive, charming, and enjoy life, always anticipating the next moment—quick thinking and sometimes scattered.

Head Center – Take time for reflection, insight, and to ensure you have all of the data so that you can decide based on all factors
Heart Center – Contemplate the potential impact on people for all of the options that you consider
Body Center – Gain confidence in your depth and capacity to feel. This will ensure wiser decisions that you can stand up for

Type 8 – Challenger/Protector

Enjoy taking on a challenge, are self-reliant, and can push and push to gain control. Strategic and sometimes demanding.

Head Center – Ask for other’s opinions along with your insights. There may be something that you are missing that could alter your decision
Heart Center – Sense the feelings of others, even those whom you may not respect
Body Center – Be clear and trust your gut, and do not be obstinate, unresponsive, or react too strongly

Type 9 – Peacemaker/Mediator

Like to keep the peace, internally and externally, by retreating into their thoughts for comfort. Easy-going and sometimes stubborn.

Head Center – Respect your insights and be willing to voice them while being careful not to overanalyze a situation, focus on what is most relevant
Heart Center – Share how you feel about each of the different features of a decision early in the conversation
Body Center – Consult your gut when making a decision and then hold steady to what you trust is best

If you would like to learn more about the Enneagram, I offer Enneagram Coaching. Reach out if you would like to find out which Enneagram type you are. Also, if you have any questions, want to learn more, and to see how you can develop yourself utilizing the insightful tool of the Enneagram with the support of a coach.