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The Enneagram Type 1: Characteristics and Development Potential of the Reformer

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The Enneagram Type 1: Characteristics and Development Potential of the Reformer

The study of personality is an almost inexhaustible field of work that psychology has been dealing with for many decades. Over time, various models have been developed to divide people into personality types.

One of the best known models is the Enneagramwhich can choose between nine different personality types distinguishes. Today we want to deal with the Enneagram type 1, which is also called "reformer".

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The Enneagram Type 1: What characterizes it?

The nickname "Reformer" already suggests what character traits characterize the Enneagram Type 1. People of this Enneagram Type have a strong sense of justice and want to make the world a better place. The Enneagram type 1 is neat and perfectionistic. Chaotic conditions, whether at work or in private life, are abhorrent to him.

The reformer's attention does not miss a single mistake. This can sometimes make Ones difficult to relax. They are extremely helpful and support other people to regain structure and order. In doing so, they are guided by high moral standards.

Deepest fear

The Enneagram Type 1 fears being inadequate and corrupt deep down.

Core Motivation

The core motivation of the Enneagram Type 1 is to make the world a better place while radiating integrity.

Strengths of the Enneagram Type 1

Enneagram Type 1 is characterized by the following strengths:

  • Ones defend the rights of other people.
  • A's are idealistically and optimistically required.
  • Ones have a keen perception.
  • Ones can integrate beautifully into a community.
  • Ones listen to their own inner voice and represent their personal values.

Weaknesses of the Enneagram Type 1

The Enneagram Type 1 struggles with the following weaknesses:

  • Ones often suffer from pathological Perfectionism.
  • Ones are too critical and impatient with themselves and others.
  • A's often come across as self-righteous.
  • Ones have a hard time accepting views that contradict their own.
Development Tips for the Enneagram Type 1

Development Tips for the Enneagram Type 1

Have you already recognized yourself in the description of the Enneagram Type 1? Then you should take the following development tips to heart.

1. learn to relax

You are not responsible for the whole world. Accepting this may be difficult at first, but it is the only way for you to find inner peace. Sooner or later you will experience that nothing bad happens when you rest.

How important relaxation is for the preservation of physical and mental health is confirmed by the following scientific elaboration.

2. be patient with other people

As an Enneagram Type 1, you are undoubtedly a good teacher who can teach others a lot. However, you should not assume that your "students" have the same level of self-discipline and objectivity as you do. This in no way means that they do not take you seriously or that they have not understood you!

Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, it can take a little longer for people to changes into action. You cannot influence this. Practice patience and trust your fellow human beings more.

3. be more patient with yourself

You are painfully aware not only of other people's mistakes, but also of your own shortcomings. Here you should critically ask yourself whether your constant self-criticism is really effective or whether it is only wearing you down.

Learn to distinguish between helpful and demoralizing self-criticism. The latter is when you get angry about things you can't control.

4. acknowledge your human needs

The pronounced perfectionism not infrequently results in reformers losing their human Needs suppress. The expression of emotions or sexual desires does not correspond to the image that the cool one wants to have of itself.

However, when you let other people get closer to you, you quickly find that no one judges you for your human side. Quite the opposite. Allowing and admitting your emotions makes you more approachable to other people.

5. you are not the measure of all things

The Achilles heel of reformers is clearly their excessive self-righteousness. You have clearly defined for yourself what is right and wrong. The mistake is that you declare your views to be universally valid and cannot accept when someone does not share your ideas. In this case you become angry and choleric.

Learn to accept that your standards are not universal. Do not impose them on others! This only leads to bitter friction, which in the worst case can even harm your health. Ones are prone to stress-related ulcers and high blood pressure.

The link between stress and high blood pressure is scientifically proven.

Enneagram Type 1 Relationships

How does the Enneagram Type 1 behave in relationships?

People of Enneagram Type 1 are independent personalities who do not want to be constricted even within a firm friendship or partnership. Let's take a look at the other Enneagram types with which Ones harmonize - and with which they do not.

Enneagram Type 1 and 1

Two people of the same Enneagram type bring the same strengths and deficits to the relationship. This can be equally attractive and devastating. Two Ones will be respectful and fair to each other. They are two equal partners who act as adults.

Joint ventures and fun tend to play a subordinate role for one-on-one couples. Both partners are focused on driving their projects forward. If both pursue the same goals, they can support each other perfectly and thus develop a dynamic creative force. However, if the views contradict each other, the relationship is doomed to fail.

Enneagram Type 1 and 2

Both Enneagram types are determined and conscientious, which makes them complement each other perfectly. Similar to the 1-1 constellation, 1-2 couples place the duties of work and everyday life before the joyful moments in relationships. However, since both personality types have the same priorities, they do not perceive this fact as a deficit. Common values unite this couple.

Nevertheless, Twos help Ones to discover their softer side and to relax at least occasionally. The One, in turn, gives the Two the feeling of unrestricted Loyalty.

Enneagram Type 1 and 3

Ones and threes are working people. Both partners want the other to be proud of them. Together they inspire each other in this way to peak performance. The connection between Ones and Threes can be described as energetic. Both partners treat each other with appreciation and give the other the necessary space.

Things get tricky when a creeping sense of competition sets in and both want to outdo each other. Threes sometimes tend to manipulatively reinterpret the moral views of One.

Enneagram Type 1 and 4

Fours and ones are united by the great desire to make the world a better place. They can inspire each other and put their ideas into practice together. This applies to issues both inside and outside the relationship. When the emotional Four gets caught up in their feelings, the Ones partner can gently bring them back down to earth.

Despite this, relationship between ones and fours are rather rare and complicated. This is mainly due to their different worldview. In the worst case, both partners lose respect for each other and intentionally hurt each other.

Enneagram Type 1 and 5

Ones and fives both have trouble showing their emotions. Important make decisions them with their heads, not their hearts. Instead of supporting each other emotionally, Ones and Fives prefer to enjoy intellectual exchanges. For this reason, these two Enneagram types are better off in a friendship.

In a couple relationship, Ones and Fives are downright formally polite with each other, which includes the topic of sexuality. If no one dares to make the first move, the romantic relationship remains quite cramped.

Enneagram Type 1 and 6

Ones and Sixes are similar in many ways, which even sometimes leads to confusion between the two Enneagram types. Both are idealistic and perfectionistic in nature. However, since Ones are often more self-assured, they tend to patronize the Six within the relationship. In case of conflict, the One quickly becomes choleric, which further alienates the Six.

In turn, Ones can benefit from the emotional warmth of Sixes, provided they get involved. Sometimes the Six even succeeds in turning the One into the Self-reflection to encourage. Nevertheless, a partnership is not necessarily recommended.

Enneagram Type 1 and 7

Ones and sevens are like two opposite poles - namely completely different. But this can also be attractive. The One can help the Seven to be more purposeful in her plans for the future. The Seven, on the other hand, brings spontaneity and a sense of adventure into the One's life. Such a relationship can be quite happy.

In case of conflict, the One may begin to regard the absent-minded Seven as childish and unreasonable. The Seven quickly tires of the constant criticism and condemns the One as a stubborn perfectionist.

Enneagram Type 1 and 8

Ones and Eights can accomplish great things together: Ones have an accurate picture of absolute truth and justice. The practical-minded Eight has the resources that the One desires in order to carry out its plans. While Ones proceed rationally, Eights pursue their goals with passion. Pragmatism and feeling complement each other.

Romance, however, comes up short in this constellation. Therefore, the connection between eights and ones is more successful if it is of a friendly or business nature.

Enneagram Type 1 and 9

Ones and Nines see through each other. They pursue similar goals and both wish to make a good difference in the world. However, the Nine is more focused on interpersonal issues here. Overall, the Nine is the gentler part within the relationship. Nines long for harmony.

The biggest challenge within the relationship is the contrasting ways in which they deal with conflict. While Ones want to address problems openly, Nines withdraw when trouble threatens.

Which famous personalities correspond to the Enneagram Type 1?

The following famous people can be classified as Enneagram Type 1:

  • Martha Stewart
  • George Harrison
  • Joan Baez
  • Celine Dion
  • Confucius
  • Sir Thomas More
  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • Jimmy Carter
  • Michelle Obama
  • Hillary Clinton
  • George Bernard Shaw
  • Nelson Mandela
  • Margaret Thatcher
  • Prince Charles
  • Kate Middleton
  • Katherine Hepburn
  • Maggie Smith
  • Emma Thompson
  • Jane Fonda
  • Meryl Streep
  • Harrison Ford
  • Helen Hunt
  • Julie Andrews
  • Vanessa Redgrave
Enneagram Type 4 Profession

What professions fit the Enneagram Type 1?

Enneagram Type 1 individuals are not afraid of hard work and great responsibility. They aspire to professions where they can make a meaningful difference. From there, many Ones are employed in health care and politics. They also often take up the teaching profession. In higher management as well as in science there are also many Ones.

Not recommended for Enneagram type 1 are all service occupations (service, office work, etc). Routine tasks that do not serve a higher purpose are done by Ones only reluctantly. If they are employed in a salaried position without opportunities for influence, they will unhappy.

In their free time, many A's are also involved in voluntary work. This is especially true when their main job does not fill them.

Enneagram Type 1 Wings: What do they mean?

The Enneagram has a circular structure. The numbers 1 to 9 are arranged clockwise. This is by no means a coincidence, but is related to the so-called wings. Each Enneagram type can have different characteristics of its direct neighbours. In the case of Enneagram type 1, these would be types 2 and 9.

What does type 1w2 mean?

The designation 1w2 means that a person of Enneagram Type 1 has some specific character traits of Enneagram Type 2. The Enneagram type 1w2 is more empathic and patient than pure ones. However, the need for control is also usually more pronounced.

When the Enneagram type 1w2 supports other people, he takes a more selfless approach, while pure ones focus on self-affirmation. Type 1w2, however, has a greater tendency to manipulate others, depending on the situation.

What does type 1w9 mean?

The Enneagram type 9 belongs to the relaxed contemporaries, which makes Ones with a nine wing much more relaxed. Compared to pure Ones, the Enneagram type 1w9 is much friendlier and more patient in dealing with his fellow human beings. He finds it easier to forgive and also sometimes other opinions are valid.

The disadvantage of this constellation is the lack of ability to distance oneself from power-sapping people or tasks.

What other personality assessment models are there?

In addition to the Enneagram, several other personality analysis concepts exist. Among the best known models are the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which distinguishes between 16 different personality types differentiated, as well as the DISC personality test. The latter distinguishes between four different types of communication and has been used successfully in business for years.

By identifying your communication type, you can have more profitable conversations and use your strengths. This is of great advantage in all areas of life. The scientifically based DISG test is also much easier to use than the other models.

Have you become curious? Then complete now completely free of charge and without obligation the DISC personality test.

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Reviewed by Dr. med. Stefan Frädrich

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