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The
Enneagram
(pronounced ANY-A-GRAM) is cutting edge technology
for the new millennium. The word, “Ennea,” is
the Greek word for “nine,” and “gram”
means “word” or “point.” Enneagram refers
to a nine-point personality system which is increasingly
being used in psychology, counseling, business, education,
and spirituality.
The
Enneagram originated in the ancient Middle East and developed
in Sufism, the mystical tradition of Islam. In the Middle
Ages, Sufi spiritual directors guided their followers by
pointing out the strengths and compulsions of individual
personalities. The source of these personality descriptions
was the Enneagram system. An effort was made not to reveal
the Sufi personality typology in written form.
George
I. Gurdjieff (ca 1877-1949) and Oscar Ichazo (b. 1931),
spiritual teachers, introduced the Enneagram to the West.
Claudio Naranjo, M.D. , a psychiatrist, and John Lilly,
M.D., who were trained in the Enneagram by Ichazo, brought
the system to the United States.
The
Enneagram not only represents nine personality types
-- Perfecter, Carer, Achiever, Creator, Observer, Affiliator, Cheerer, Challenger, and Accepter -- but also centers
and instincts. The three centers of head, heart, and gut
process information that is received from the surrounding
world. Since all learning passes through these centers,
education and training need to develop not only thinking
but also emotional intelligence and human behavior.
The
three instincts of self-preservation, socialization, and
adaptation represent an expansion of human consciousness
beyond self to others and beyond persons to the world-at-large.
Every person and organization is driven by these instincts.
Knowledge of the dominant instincts helps individuals and
organizations appreciate what motivates them.
The
nine personality types and professional styles may develop
or decline according to the “arrows” and
“wings.” All types are interconnected by
“arrows.” Another dynamic exists between
particular types and their neighbors. For example, a Carer
participates in the qualities of the Perfecter and Achiever.
Both the “arrows” and “wings”
are helpful for strategic planning in personal growth and
professional development.
ONE
ENNEAGRAM SYSTEM!
ONE
ENNEAGRAM INVENTORY!
COUNTLESS RESULTS!
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