This week, learn more about the Enneagram Type Five – the Investigator/Observer. [Remember – the Enneagram is based on motivation, not behavior. This is why it is important to have a holistic understanding of all the types before determining which type you lead with. If you want more information on what the Enneagram is, check out the first post of this series.]
Enneagram Fives are typically known as Observers or Investigators. Their primary motivation is to possess knowledge. Fives are incredibly intelligent and astute students, focused on topics of interest, sometimes to the point of obsession. For a Five, knowledge is the key to survival and alleviates fear.
Often introverted, they guard their personal lives closely. A friend will often find they know about a Five’s knowledge, but nothing about who they are. In good self-awareness, Fives observe from the sidelines and participate, and are open to others with their vast knowledge. They usually do not mind sharing their space and do not find others intrusive. They are great to learn from, and also great listeners, often more interested to know about other people’s lives, rather than sharing about their own. Fives do have a limited capacity for interaction, and once it is spent, they must retreat and recharge.
In shadow, they can come from a place of lack, hoarding knowledge and resources, and keeping interaction with others to a minimum. They isolate both emotionally and physically, guarding themselves from the outside world, a place they do not trust or wish to participate with, fearing either it will suck their energy and minds dry, or that the world will see them as incompetent. When in this dark place, they will not speak up or show emotion, and will remain very guarded.
Somewhere in childhood, Fives likely experienced either too much, or not enough attention during peak developmental years. Their needs were either forced up on them, or unmet. To cope, they withdrew internally, reduced their needs, and pursued intellectual interests, managing what was left of their energy and time.
Fives are members of the Head Center of Intelligence (aka the Head Triad), meaning their responses and decision making comes more through thoughtful processing (as opposed to instinctually [Body] or emotionally [Heart]).They are of the Withdrawing Stance (as opposed to the Dependent or Aggressive stances). In stress, Fives lean into the Seven (Epicure/Enthusiast), and when being reactive, demonstrating lack based behavior, shutting people out, becoming more selfish, isolating, and occasionally condescending to others. However, if in stress a Five is being proactive, they can use Seven’s propensity for action and positivity to propel themselves forward, navigating through the stressful space to come out on top. In support, 5s lean into the 8 (Challenger/Boss), becoming more present, outspoken, and confident, operating from a place of abundance, and taking charge, using their knowledge to help make great things happen. Wings of Fives are either the Four (Romantic/Individualist) or the Six (Loyalist/Questioner). (Note – A Wing is when the primary Type might often display features of one of the two Types (or both) surrounding the primary Type on the Enneagram circle. These two types are referred to as a “wing.”)
Exercising compassion toward a Type Five: Remember – Enneagram Fives are not typically extroverted. They typically have just a few friends, with whom they love deeply. If you are close to a Five, you are incredibly special to them – do not take that for granted and be gentle with their time and energy. Respect their limitations and encourage them to remember to connect with their emotions in the present time, and to come from a place of abundance, not lack. Let them know it is safe to be in the world sharing the wonders they keep close to their hearts, because their knowledge has so much value.
Common occupations of Enneagram Fives include (but are not limited to) analysts, programmers, writers, professors, scholars, teachers, scientists, accountants, mathematicians, engineers, and technicians.
To the Five folks: Your knowledge can make positive change. Do not be afraid to share it. We need your brilliance.
Remember – the beauty of the Enneagram is the universal discovery that “not everyone thinks the way I do!” This is where the seeds of compassion for self and others are planted.
In next week’s The Chic Guide edition, we will explore the Enneagram Type Six, the Loyalist/Questioner.
A special gift for you – inspired by Type Fives:
Here is a Type Five cardio workout, featuring instructor Andi Zaferes of Fit Philosophie, inspired by Enneagram Type Fives but for anyone who loves to move and can work out at a moderately paced level. Thanks to Crunchmaster Crackers and Wise Wellness Guild for sponsoring this special feature!
If you find yourself wanting more information about the Enneagram, consider taking my online introductory course which will give you a more in depth overview, and provide a path to help you discover your type!
Whitney Ellison is a thought leader of the Enneagram and Quantum Energy. Learn more about her by visiting her website, wellisonenterprises.com where you can subscribe to her biweekly newsletter, and following her @wellisonenterprises on Instagram where you can find all of her Enneagram series interviews and other comings and goings.
