What makes it different from other personality typing systems?

Great question! I want to start out by saying that in my opinion no personality typing system is without it’s benefits. I have personally found Strengths Finders & Strength Profile to be incredibly impactful in my life, especially when working with Rocky Garza & Liz Goulding who specialize in interpreting those assessments.

The Enneagram is different because it always comes back to core motivations - the WHY of what you’re doing. When was the last time you asked yourself why you do what you do? Most likely not anytime in the recent past. Most of us focus on WHAT we do, so transitioning our attention to WHY is a game changer.

The Enneagram also focuses on pathways to growth, as opposed to focusing solely what you do well. It shows you what you can become fixated on and gives you the tools to let go of what is no longer working, allowing you to grow into the fullness of who you were created to be.

Which test is the best?

This is by far the question I get asked the most, and my answer is that none of the tests are very accurate - they ask questions about your behavior, not your motivation, and a lot of times this leads to mistyping and confusion. 

The only test I recommend is the Essential Enneagram Test by David Daniels! Just remember to keep your top 2-3 types in mind for a week or two after the test and be curious about why  you're doing what you're doing. Also remember that the type that makes most uncomfortable is probably your type.

If you're still stuck don’t read anything else. Spend about a week or two journaling on a regular basis and answer the following two questions: “what actions did I take today that impacted my day?” and “why did I take those actions?”

what are wings?

Wings are the types on the left and right of your dominant type, and you have access to use energy from those types, but your motivations don’t change and your dominant type does not change. wings are not super important in determining your type, so don’t worry about this part too much, it’s something that’s more helpful after determining your dominant type.

what do the lines mean?

every type is connected to two other types via the lines on the symbol. these types represent how your behavior can change based on different circumstances - how you behave when you’re stressed, with people you feel you can trust, when you’re in a healthy place or what your ultimate goal is in enneagram work - these are covered in detail in my advanced workshops or Enneagram coaching intensives (contact me for details on this).

I've found my dominant type, now what?

Well first, remember to be a nonjudgmental observer of your behavior, be curious and ask yourself why your reactions are what they are. Changing behavior is futile if we don't understand our deep and underlying motivations. 

Practically speaking - come to workshop to learn more and meet people who are also interested in the Enneagram, the community is so rich and meaningful, because where else will you sit around and talk to people about your deepest fears, greatest desires and core motivations? You can go through my Foundations course through my online Teachable school - Enneagram Unfolding - or gather a group of friends or colleagues to organize an advanced workshop.