Enneagram
A Way of Understanding Ourselves and One Another
The Enneagram is a framework for understanding the patterns that shape the way we see, think, feel and move through the world. It describes nine different patterns of attention and motivation. Each one has its own strengths, sensitivities, assumptions and ways of responding to life.
The Enneagram is about much more than personality. It invites us to look beneath our behaviour and become curious about what is driving it. What are we protecting? What are we reaching for? What do we tend to notice — and what might we miss?
The Enneagram doesn't tell us who we are, it gives us a way to notice ourselves and a roadmap to expanding our perspective.
Nine Ways of Seeing
There are nine Enneagram types, each offering a different way of experiencing and making sense of the world and each driven by a unique inner motivation. No type is better than another, and no type tells the whole story of a person.
The Enneagram system is complex and nuanced and reveals aspects of human motivation that often stay under the surface. It is a system of growth and movement showing us how we have become stuck in patterns that keep us separated from ourselves, from one another, and from the fullness of our human experience.
The work is not about changing who we are. It is about becoming more aware of the patterns that shape us and discovering what becomes possible when we are no longer so bound by them.
Where Did it Come From?
The word Enneagram comes from the Greek words "ennea", meaning nine, and "gram", meaning something written or drawn. The Enneagram symbol is a nine-pointed figure representing the relationship between nine distinct patterns.
The Enneagram as we know it today has been shaped by many traditions and teachers over time. Its development has drawn from ancient philosophical and spiritual traditions, the work of G.I. Gurdjieff, Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo, as well as psychology, contemplative practice and contemporary approaches to human development.
Today, the Enneagram is explored and used in many fields, including psychology, education, spirituality, coaching, relationships and organizational development. What makes it distinctive is that it reaches beyond personality. It is not simply interested in describing who we are, but in helping us understand the patterns that shape how we experience ourselves, one another and the world. It is a study of being human.
Why Does it Matter?
We don't experience life in isolation. Our patterns come with us into our relationships, families, workplaces and communities. They influence how we communicate, respond to conflict, make decisions, lead and understand other people.
Understanding ourselves can change the way we relate to others. And understanding that other people may be experiencing the same moment through a very different lens can create more room for curiosity, compassion and connection.
This is the heart of Enneagram work: self-awareness that changes how we relate to ourselves and others.
So ... What's My Enneagram Number?
Discovering your Enneagram type can unlock strengths, identify challenges, and spotlight growth opportunities. Here are three effective ways to uncover your type:
-
Explore - Read through the descriptions below and notice which one feels most familiar to your experience. Each description links to a page where you can explore that Enneagram type in more depth.
-
Take an Assessment - The online Enneagram Compass™ Test offers a place to explore your patterns methodically, providing individualized results for you to consider.
-
Talk it Out - A professional Typing Interview gives you space to explore your patterns, motivations and experiences with someone who can ask questions and help you apply the learning in real time.
Discovering your Enneagram type opens the door to deeper self-awareness that empowers authentic and effective leadership. Start by exploring the descriptions below:
Torin Proulx, MB, Canada
"Tamara quickly fostered a safe and welcoming environment in which the vulnerability and honesty required for a detailed analysis came easily. The natural and non-judgemental discussions through the Enneagram process offered opportunity for deep self-awareness, and a foundation upon which personal growth and positive transformation could be fostered. I highly recommend this service for anyone seeking profound understanding and personal development through the Enneagram."
Kati Lapp, MB, Canada
"My husband wasn’t a clear number to start and quizzes weren’t cutting it in figuring out his type. Tamara worked with us to figure out his subtype and what motivates him. She is so easy to talk to, non-judgemental, and a natural listener. I highly recommend working with Tamara- you won’t be disappointed!!"
Wendi Park, MB, Canada
"Tamara is exceptional in her comprehensive understanding of the Enneagram. I appreciate the way she connects with others so well. Tamara has a remarkable ability to create a safe and supportive environment where I felt comfortable exploring my own personality type and growth areas. Her insights were always insightful and illuminating, and I found myself gaining valuable self-awareness with each session."