3 reasons why the Enneagram is the best personality type system around

I don’t think that certain personality typology systems are better than others: they simply focus on different aspects of our personalities. Still, I do have a favorite one: the Enneagram. Here are three reasons why I think the Enneagram is better than other systems for personality typing.

1. What vs. why

Many personality type models, including the MBTI, give you a description of your personality. They tell you how you behave and think. The Enneagram is about motivations: it tells you why you do what you do. And that’s where true understanding and the root of potential change lies.

2. A path for growth

A common criticism on personality type models is that it puts you in a box. But the Enneagram does not stop by describing your personality type. More than anything it is a model of growth and even spirituality, showing you how to become a much better you, even when you (think you) are already completely happy with yourself.

3. Simple yet comprehensive

The Enneagram is relatively simple to grasp quickly as there are only 9 main types. But don’t stop once you know what your main type is: the model has so many more layers and nuances. Just Google search for wings, directions of stress and security, instincts, tritypes, shadows, triads, levels of development… This complexity reflects the large and subtle differences that exist even between persons with same main type.

All of this is not to say that we should only use the Enneagram. All personality type systems focus on different parts of people’s inside and outside characteristics and can therefore complement one another in important ways. If the Enneagram is to teach you anything it is that you shouldn’t limit yourself!