Subtypes In The Enneagram: Why They Matter
Types form the foundation of enneagram trance but there are a number of other factors that help to articulate individuals within types. One of these categories is that of "sub-types". Subtypes are lie proverbial three legged stools. Usually there will be one leg that is the strongest in a person's ego state, followed by a second subtype that the person also embraces to a lesser degree. The third leg will be missing for most people. This missing piece is largely the cause of imbalance within the ego state. Consider these three subtypes:
Self-preservation- These people are typically concerned primarily with their own safety and that of those around them. They are the people who are stocking up for Y2K and keeping back stocks of basic supplies both in their cars and in their homes. Preparation, regardless of their basic type, is a hallmark of these subtypes.
Sexual or One to one-- These people prefer one to one contacts and conversations and interactions. While they can function in social groups, they will tend to seek out individuals within groups for much of their connection. Their preference gives them an intensity that sets them apart from the other two subtypes.
Herd Instinct -- These people are joiners. They get their identity largely from what they associate with. They are the people who love sports teams, political parties, brand name clothing and other associations with others. Being an individual is not as important to them as their affiliations with group identities and following the crowd.
Subtypes are extremely useful in understanding our own preferences in social interaction and the particular intensity that we bring to situations. When we're working to understand our own types or those of people around us, it's vitally important to consider subtypes, both the primary and the secondary types, as well as the third one that is being rejected as unimportant. For example, someone who has little or no herd instinct will appear highly individualistic and likely have trouble bonding in identity in groups or networking with groups. This can be a handicap in professional/career development in some professions. Those who have trouble in one to one interactions will find it more difficult to interview, to sustain intimate relations with one to one subtype people and sometimes can appear to lack certain depth in conversational skills. Those who lack self preservation may have trouble understanding when danger or the need for self protection is truly present, retaining little or nothing that they might need for their very real safety.
Types form the foundation of enneagram trance but there are a number of other factors that help to articulate individuals within types. One of these categories is that of "sub-types". Subtypes are lie proverbial three legged stools. Usually there will be one leg that is the strongest in a person's ego state, followed by a second subtype that the person also embraces to a lesser degree. The third leg will be missing for most people. This missing piece is largely the cause of imbalance within the ego state. Consider these three subtypes:
Self-preservation- These people are typically concerned primarily with their own safety and that of those around them. They are the people who are stocking up for Y2K and keeping back stocks of basic supplies both in their cars and in their homes. Preparation, regardless of their basic type, is a hallmark of these subtypes.
Sexual or One to one-- These people prefer one to one contacts and conversations and interactions. While they can function in social groups, they will tend to seek out individuals within groups for much of their connection. Their preference gives them an intensity that sets them apart from the other two subtypes.
Herd Instinct -- These people are joiners. They get their identity largely from what they associate with. They are the people who love sports teams, political parties, brand name clothing and other associations with others. Being an individual is not as important to them as their affiliations with group identities and following the crowd.
Subtypes are extremely useful in understanding our own preferences in social interaction and the particular intensity that we bring to situations. When we're working to understand our own types or those of people around us, it's vitally important to consider subtypes, both the primary and the secondary types, as well as the third one that is being rejected as unimportant. For example, someone who has little or no herd instinct will appear highly individualistic and likely have trouble bonding in identity in groups or networking with groups. This can be a handicap in professional/career development in some professions. Those who have trouble in one to one interactions will find it more difficult to interview, to sustain intimate relations with one to one subtype people and sometimes can appear to lack certain depth in conversational skills. Those who lack self preservation may have trouble understanding when danger or the need for self protection is truly present, retaining little or nothing that they might need for their very real safety.
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