This week, learn more about the Enneagram Type One – the Perfectionist/Reformer. [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 Ones are typically known as Perfectionists or Reformers. Type Ones’ primary motivation is to obtain a perceived state of perfection through being good, correct and right. They are honest, dependable and have a lot of common sense. They deeply desire to right things they perceive as wrong, to the point where it becomes impulsive. They do their very best to operate from integrity and are naturals at self-control and discipline. A One is incredibly responsible and knows how to do a job right and do a job well. However, Ones are overly critical of themselves and others. As a matter of fact, Type Ones have the loudest inner critic of all the types on the Enneagram and this can get them into trouble. Often well-intended, feedback from a One can end up feeling more like judgment than help, if unsolicited. This can cause Ones to isolate themselves from deeper relationships, making them feel lonely and unloved/unlovable.
In childhood, the Ones possibly grew up in a strict and rigid environment where everything was extremely disciplined, controlled and there was a certain way things were done, with aggressive leadership and little room for error – a foundation for the loud inner-critic. Alternatively, Ones grew up in an environment of complete chaos, where the only thing they could control was their person, and they so desired for order and correctness, that they became rigid with themselves so that they would not present as a reflection of their chaotic home-life, although they carried and harbored the shame of it internally, which again, led to the loud inner critic.
Ones are members of the Body Center of Intelligence (aka the Gut Triad), meaning their responses and decision making comes more instinctually to them (as opposed to emotionally [Heart] or thoughtfully [Head]). They are of the Dependent stance (as opposed to the Aggressive or Withdrawing stances). In stress, Ones lean into Type Four (Romantic/Individualist) and can become melancholy or depressed, the voice of their inner critic overtaking their minds. In support, Ones lean into Type Seven (the Epicure/Enthusiast) and are more self-accepting, spontaneous, and fun- letting go of the high expectations they set for themselves and others. Wings of Ones are either the Nine (Peacemaker/Mediator) or the Two (Helper/Giver). (Note – A Wing means is that the primary type might often display features of one of the two Types (or both) surrounding the primary type. These two types are referred to as a “wing.”)
Exercising compassion toward a Type One: remember this – their need for order and perfection has everything to do with trying to make the world a better place for everyone and nothing to do with intentionally hurting others. Sometimes they just do not understand that how they articulate this can come off as aggressive, needling, or overly critical. A One is almost always well intended, even if it does not seem that way. As a matter of fact, when people are upset with a Type One, this is extremely out of alignment with the perfected state they so deeply desire. When they are projecting unsolicited help, feedback, or criticism, it is really their inner critic talking. It is so much easier to understand and love a One when you know that they judge/criticize nobody harsher than themselves. Therefore, loving them and showing them compassion will help them show compassion to themselves and quell their inner critic. Ones, just like all of us, just want to be loved and they are deeply driven by trying to make the world a better place. When Ones diffuse their inner critic, they move fluidly in the world, doing well at what they commit to, and not letting imperfections slow them down. They grow stronger in their relationships and are better able to turn down the impulse to correct or give feedback to others without being asked.
Possible occupations of Enneagram Ones include (but are not limited to) Mathematicians, Police Officers, High School Teachers, Counselors, Politicians, Social Workers, Journalists, Analysts, Statisticians, Therapists, Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers or Judges.
To the One folks: You are perfectly imperfect and seen and loved for exactly who you are.
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 Cincy Chic edition, we will explore the Enneagram Type 2, the Helper/Giver.
A special gift for you – inspired by Type Ones:
Here is a Type One daily mantra and Pilates workout my friend Jennifer Lynn of Fit Philosophie and I created that is inspired by Enneagram type Ones but is for anyone who loves to move and is able to workout 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 and coach of the Enneagram and Quantum Energy. Learn more about her by visiting her website, wellisonenterprises.com and following her @wellisonenterprises on Instagram where you can find all of her Enneagram series interviews and other comings and goings.
