Enneagram Basics #6 – Enneagram Centers of Intelligence

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Written By Terrie Power

June 01, 2023

Enneagram Types

Centers of Intelligence

Today we are ending our series on the Enneagram Basics and Productivity. The Enneagram is one of the tools we use to help people achieve their goals and increase productivity.

This week we are exploring the Centers of Intelligence within the Enneagram.

One of the most important concepts in the Enneagram is the Centers of Intelligence. There are three centers of intelligence, and knowing them can help you better understand yourself and others. Learning about the Centers of Intelligence can also help you narrow down your Enneagram Type.


The three Enneagram Centers of Intelligence are:

The Gut Triad (Instinctive Center): Types 8, 9, and 1

The Heart Triad (Feeling Center): Types 2, 3, and 4

The Head Triad (Thinking Center): Types 5, 6, and 7

Let’s take a closer look at each of these Triads:


The Gut Triad (Instinctive Center)

Types 8, 9, and 1

Emotional Struggle: Anger

Common Desire: Justice

The Gut Triad types are primarily driven by their instincts. These types tend to be practical, grounded, and action-oriented. They may struggle with issues related to control, anger, and aggression.

Type 8s have an instinctive and quick reaction to injustices and strive to protect the innocent from harm. When healthy, they exhibit exceptional intuition and recognize opportunities and potential that others might miss.

Type 9s prioritize peace and harmony. They tend to suppress their anger in order to create space for others to be valued. Healthy Type 9s foster an environment of receptivity, encouragement, and reassurance, creating an atmosphere for others to thrive.

Type 1s often repress their anger and may become critical and judgmental of others. They have a strong aversion to unethical behavior and strive to make fair decisions based on their inner discernment of right and wrong. Healthy Type 1s possess wisdom and conviction.

The Heart Triad (Feeling Center)

Types 2, 3, and 4

Emotional Struggle: Shame

Common Desire: Significant Identity

The Heart Triad types are primarily driven by their feelings. These types tend to be creative, expressive and relationship-focused. They may struggle with issues related to self-image and identity.

Type 2s are keenly sensitive to the emotions of others. They want to be viewed as the most caring, supportive, and selfless individuals. When healthy, Type 2s exhibit an incredible capacity for maintaining positive feelings towards others. They demonstrate this through their acts of compassion and generosity, often going out of their way to support others.

Type 3s aspire to an image of success and accomplishment, often minimizing their emotions to achieve their goals. Healthy Type 3s strongly desire to improve themselves and inspire others. They have a remarkable ability to adapt to any situation. They exhibit a healthy sense of self and maintain a positive outlook.

Type 4s experience emotions deeply and desire to be viewed as unique and special. Healthy Type 4s have a high level of self-awareness. They communicate their emotions effectively and encourage others to do the same.


The Head Triad (Thinking Center)

Types 5, 6, and 7

Emotional Struggle: Anxiety

Common Desire: Security

The Head Triad types are primarily driven by their thoughts and ideas. These types tend to be analytical, curious, and imaginative. They may struggle with issues related to anxiety and fear.

Type 5s may feel anxious about their knowledge and seek security through acquiring information and spending time alone. Healthy Type 5s exhibit a high level of perception and generate innovative solutions to problems.

Type 6s tend to experience anxiety and uncertainty in decision-making. They seek security by understanding all possible outcomes, planning for every contingency, and establishing a reliable support system. Healthy Type 6s exhibit systematic thought processes, anticipate potential problems, and value loyalty and commitment in their relationships.

Type 7s seek security through external experiences to avoid their inner world of anxiety. They tend to be creative and quick thinking and enjoy making connections. When healthy, they are fun to be around.

Understanding the Enneagram Center of Intelligences can be helpful in understanding how individuals approach the world and its challenges. It can also provide insight into effectively working with and supporting people of different types in various settings.

So how can this help you?

By learning more about your Enneagram Type, you can increase self awareness and learn how to achieve what you want in life.

Want to start a business?

Want to improve relationships?

Want to decrease the feeling of overwhelm?

If yes, join me for a free consult call to determine how I can help you

Uniquely Yours,

Terrie

PS

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