This week, learn more about the Enneagram Type Nine – the Peacemaker/Mediator. [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 Nines are typically known as the Mediators or Peacemakers. Their primary motivation is to seek out peace and harmony and avoid conflict. They are likable, diplomatic, friendly and masters of going with the flow. Nines are practical and typically do not crave the spotlight. They are often introverted, or extroverted introverts, preferring close friends to a large group because less people mean less drama, more simplicity. A Type Nine has a great way of seeing all sides of a situation, and remaining in a neutral stance, allowing space for how everyone feels and accepting the way everyone sees things differently. This makes them easy to talk to. They are great listeners – or at least are perceived to be such – because of their quiet, understanding nature. Type Nines have a calming presence and people enjoy being friends with them. They actively strive to avoid conflict, which can create a false sense of peace.
The shadow side of Type Nines comes out in the way they can be slow to act because they are paralyzed in doubt of their own abilities and do not want to cause conflict or engage in existing conflict. Nines can be seen as lazy because they are slow to move if the desired goal is hard to reach (thus disruptive) or requires some conflict or discomfort. This can lead to procrastination, inertia, and/or unproductive action, as opposed to tackling what needs to get done. Thus, Nines can have a hard time getting out of their own way. The danger of this behavior is that they never fully meet their potential. To avoid conflict, they will often merge with others’ direction, stances, and feelings, instead of honoring themselves. Because of this, Nines can deeply harbor anger, but unlike other members of the Body Center of Intelligence, do not externalize it until they are pushed too far, although it does create stubbornness and passive aggression.
As children, Nines may have felt unseen and unheard. Nines often share how in childhood, they were told what to do and how to do it, never being asked for their own ideas or opinions, or having to be responsible for making decisions – often the case for only-children or kids with much older siblings – because they were constantly surrounded by adults. This could have also been due to birth order, busy parents, or just an easy lifestyle where most decisions were made by the authority figures without much regard for the children’s requests. Nine children are often naturals at quietly nurturing, and especially good at seeking out those who need peace the most and comforting them.
Nines are members of the Body Center of Intelligence (aka the Gut Triad), meaning their responses and decision making comes more instinctually or impulsively to them (as opposed to thoughtfully [Head] or emotionally [Heart]). They are of the Withdrawing Stance (as opposed to the Aggressive or Dependent stances). In stress, Nines lean into shadow Six (Loyalist/Questioner), steeped in self-doubt, and borderline paranoia, paralyzed in decision making. If they move into the self-aware side of the Type Six, they are often more social and become active team players in a productive way. In support, Nines lean into Three (the Performer/Achiever) believing in themselves, being decisive and strategically active, and executing beautifully. Wings are either the Type Eight (Challenger/Boss) or the One (Perfectionist/Reformer). (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.”)
Common occupations of Enneagram Nines include (but are not limited to) Counselors, Therapists, Mediators, Diplomats, Architects, Social Workers, Librarians, Veterinarians, non-litigious attorneys, and human resources.
Exercising compassion toward a Type Nine: Enneagram Nines make great friends and loving parents. Support them by helping them feel seen and heard. Ask their opinion, encourage them to be the decision maker on an activity, actively listen when they speak, and let them know that what they say and how they feels matters. Appreciate and make space for their agency and encourage them to do the same.
To the Nine folks: Your voice matters. You matter.
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.
A special gift for you – inspired by Type Nines:
Here is a Type Nine yoga-inspired workout, featuring owner Jennifer Lynn of Fit Philosophie, and inspired by Enneagram Type Nines 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!
Thank you to The Chic Guide for supporting and publishing this 9-week series. I hope you enjoyed this overview of each Enneagram type – it has certainly been a pleasure and privilege to introduce you to this amazing tool.
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! I also offer private 1:1 sessions if you need help figuring out your type or have a specific Enneagram need in mind.
Whitney Ellison is a thought leader of the Enneagram and Quantum Energy. Learn more about her or contact 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.
