Core values of all Enneagram types (and how to use them to type someone)

Each Enneagram type has certain values and themes that they particularly care about. These can present themselves as causes they are preoccupied with, as more invisible guidelines for their behavior, or simply as subjects they spend a lot of time thinking about, consciously or unconsciously. Below is a list with the core values of all Enneagram types. Below that, we’ll have a look at how you can use these to type yourself or someone else.

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Type 1 core values

• Ethics, morality, righteousness
• Responsibility
• Duty
• Principles
• Honesty
• Humility
• Politeness
• Perfectionism
• Structure, organization
• Tidiness, cleanliness

Type 2 core values

• Love
• Kindness
• Empathy
• Compassion
• Relationships, connection, intimacy
• Service
• Altruism, selflessness, self-sacrifice
• Generosity
• Appreciation
• Thoughtfulness

Type 3 core values

• Achievement, accomplishment, success
• Personal growth
• Potential
• Goal-oriented, results-oriented
• Productivity
• Competency
• Adaptability, flexibility
• Recognition, acknowledgement
• Reputation, prestige
• Respect

Type 4 core values

• Authenticity
• Individuality, uniqueness, non-conformity
• Self-expression
• Originality, creativity
• Emotions, feelings
• Depth, intensity
• Self-awareness
• Beauty, aesthetics
• Romance
• Imagination

Type 5 core values

• Learning
• Knowledge, truth
• Rationality, logic
• Understanding, wisdom, insight
• Self-reliance, independence, autonomy
• Mastery
• Discovery
• Privacy
• Innovation
• Accuracy, precision, quality

Type 6 core values

• Loyalty
• Reliability, trust
• Support
• Community
• Preparedness, planning
• Realistic
• Critical
• Security, safety
• Commitment
• Stability

Type 7 core values

• Happiness
• Freedom, independence
• Joy, fun, pleasure
• Enthusiasm
• Exploration, adventure, stimulation
• Openness, possibilities, future
• Sharing, sociability, friendship
• Optimism
• Spontaneity
• Energy

Type 8 core values

• Autonomy, independence
• Fairness, justice
• Responsibility
• Strength, forcefulness
• Control
• Respect
• Directness, assertiveness
• Challenge
• Boldness, courage
• Protection of self and others

Type 9 core values

• Peace
• Comfort
• Harmony, unity, consensus
• Tranquility, calmness, relaxation
• Kindness, empathy
• Perspectives
• Easygoingness, considerate
• Acceptance
• Stability, consistency
• Safety

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How can I use a type’s core values to type someone?

When conducting a typing session with someone, I often refer to each type’s core values. Not necessarily by name: on the most basic level they are themes to look out for in what a person tends to talk about or where their energy goes to, even in casual conversation.

More directly, I can also simply ask someone what values they consider important in their life, and why. Such open questions allow my conversational partner to influence the direction of the discussion, and the kind of topics they raise can sometimes be even more informational than their opinions about it.

I found that one of the best ways to discover more about someone’s personality type is to ask them about a specific value. Think about:

• What does the term X mean to you?
• What is your relationship to X?
• Is X important in your life?

For example, when I suspect someone is a type 8, I might ask them how important justice and fairness are to them.

Of course, no one will say that they are against justice and fairness. But you have to pay attention to the energy in their response. Look at their facial reaction when you mention the term, notice if their energy picks up, and if they know their answer immediately and have a lot to say. These are signs that indicate the extent to which they identify with that theme as a core value.

So much can be learned from the way in which something is said and from what is not being said.

These lists of values will also be of great help when you are in doubt between two types: ask the person which value they would pick if they had to choose between having value X or value Y. For example, to help determine whether someone is a type Three or a type Seven, you can ask questions like: Would you rather have great achievements but no freedom, or all the freedom to do what you want but no special achievements? And: If you had to choose, would you prefer feeling accomplished and important to others or free of limitations and living an exciting life?

Focusing on values when typing people is beautiful because what it emphasizes is positive. As you invite people to talk about things they deeply care about, it creates an encouraging atmosphere. This also work very well in casual conversation or with people you do not know well enough to ask them about topics that might be more negatively connoted to them.

Need help?

Do you need help figuring out your or someone else’s Enneagram type? Book a typing session!

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The painting at the top of this article is Dolce far niente by John William Godward.