Enneagram Decision-Making: Using Your Type for Clarity and Confidence

Decision-making can be a daunting task. The Enneagram offers valuable insights into your thought processes and potential pitfalls associated with each type. By understanding these tendencies, you can leverage your Enneagram type to make clearer and more confident decisions.

Each Enneagram type has a natural approach to making decisions. Here's how your type influences your process, the common pitfalls to avoid, and a clear strategy for success.

Decision-Making Strategies for Each Enneagram Type

• The Reformer (Type 1):
  Style: You prioritize ethics, logic, and finding the one "right" answer. You are thorough, fact-based, and carefully consider all consequences.
  Pitfall: "Analysis paralysis." You can get so stuck on finding the perfect choice that you fail to make a good choice because you fear being wrong.
  Success Strategy: Trust your strong principles, but set a deadline for your research. Recognize that "done" is often better than "perfect" and that most decisions are not irreversible.
• The Helper (Type 2):
  Style: You make decisions based on people and emotions. You instinctively consider how your choices will impact others, seeking harmony and connection.
  Pitfall: You can prioritize others' needs so much that you neglect your own, leading to resentment. You fear disappointing others, so you make their choice, not yours.
  Success Strategy: Before you decide, pause and ask yourself: "What do I actually want?" It is not selfish to make a choice that benefits you.
• The Achiever (Type 3):
  Style: You are goal-oriented, efficient, and decisive. You quickly analyze options based on their potential for success and move forward.
  Pitfall: You can be too quick, choosing the option that looks most successful or impressive without checking if it aligns with your authentic values.
  Success Strategy: Don't just focus on the "what" (the successful outcome). Take a moment to check in with your "why" (your core values) to ensure the goal is truly yours.
• The Individualist (Type 4):
  Style: You make decisions based on your intuition, feelings, and a desire for authenticity. You want a choice that "feels right" and is true to you.
  Pitfall: You can get lost in your feelings ("analysis paralysis" of emotion) or reject a perfectly good, practical option simply because it feels too "ordinary."
  Success Strategy: Trust your powerful intuition, but don't let it be your only guide. Balance your feelings with practical considerations and seek advice from a trusted, grounded source.
• The Investigator (Type 5):
  Style: You are analytical, objective, and detached. You gather data, research all possibilities, and want to fully understand every angle before committing.
  Pitfall: "Paralysis by analysis." You get stuck in the information-gathering stage, fearing you don't have enough data to make a competent decision.
  Success Strategy: Set a firm time limit for your research. After that, trust that you have done enough and are capable of making a sound, logical choice with the information available.
• The Loyalist (Type 6):
  Style: You are a worst-case-scenario planner. You seek security, scan for risks, and consult trusted advisors for a second opinion.
  Pitfall: You can become so overwhelmed by "what-ifs" and conflicting advice that you become indecisive and outsource your choice to others.
  Success Strategy: Gather your information, but then learn to listen to your own inner authority. Practice making small decisions on your own to build self-trust.
• The Enthusiast (Type 7):
  Style: You are optimistic and quick to decide, instinctively focusing on the most exciting, positive, and novel option available.
  Pitfall: Your fear of missing out (FOMO) and avoidance of negative feelings can lead to impulsive decisions that you later regret. You don't stop to weigh the cons.
  Success Strategy: Before you leap, force yourself to pause. Write down two potential downsides for each option. This slows you down just enough to make a more balanced choice.
• The Challenger (Type 8):
  Style: You are decisive, instinctive, and fast. You trust your gut and are not afraid to make the tough call.
  Pitfall: Your speed and decisiveness can be domineering. You may not listen to others' perspectives and can create conflict by pushing your choice too forcefully.
  Success Strategy: Use your strength, but actively invite others to challenge your perspective. Considering alternative solutions is a sign of strong leadership, not weakness.
• The Peacemaker (Type 9):
  Style: You see all sides of an issue and seek a harmonious, consensus-based decision. You are patient and accommodating.
  Pitfall: Your desire for harmony can lead to debilitating indecision. You may "go along to get along" and then feel resentful, or procrastinate to avoid the conflict of any choice.
  Success Strategy: Ask yourself: "If this choice only affected me, what would I want?" This helps you find your own opinion. It's okay to make a choice that doesn't please everyone.

The Enneagram Advantage

The Enneagram equips you with self-awareness about your decision-making tendencies and potential biases. By understanding your type, you can make more informed, confident choices and navigate the complexities of life with greater ease.

Remember: the best decisions often involve a balance between logic, intuition, and your core values. The Enneagram is a tool to empower you on your decision-making journey! To explore other powerful personality tools, check out our MBTI Guide book or The MBTI Advantage book series.