The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge

by Beatrice Chestnut

Sixes fear even positive attention can make them open to attack, and Nines are very uncomfortable being the center of attention, as they do not even place themselves at the center of their own attention.

Nines can see many different points of view, and usually take on a mediating role when parties in a group differ in opinion. In contrast, Sixes think in contrarian terms: they can see one side, and then they can see the opposing side, and they tend to see things not in terms of many equally plausible points of view, but in terms of questioning and countering whatever view is put forward.

Eights believe the best defense is a good offense, and Sevens opt for expressing opposition to potential limitation through soft power and the maintenance of multiple options, with charm as a first line of defense.

Sevens equalize authority, making friends with bosses and subordinates as a way of denying a vertical power structure that might constrain them.

Eights focus on power and control, while Sevens focus on planning and play.

Eights are direct and like to move things forward in a strong and forceful way, while Sevens can have a difficult time focusing on work tasks and get distracted, especially when the work is tedious or routine.

Sevens intellectualize to escape from feeling into thinking, finding difficult feelings uncomfortable to be with, while Eights move into action without thinking things through.

Sevens pursue excitement, self-indulgent activities, and fun things to do as a way of avoiding discomfort, whereas Nines neglect themselves and forget their opinions and desires to avoid experiencing anger and discomfort.

It’s usually easy for Sevens to know what they want, while it’s difficult for Nines to know what they want. For a Nine, it’s easier to know what they don’t want than what they do want.

Eights openly rebel, fight against, and potentially actively overpower the other person. Nines take a much more passive approach to asserting control, often seeming to agree or go along, while passively resisting—saying “yes,” but acting out “no.”

Eights’ primary focus of attention is on power and control, while Nines’ attention goes first to creating harmony and avoiding conflict.