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Enneagram and Emotional Intelligence: A Powerful Combination for Effective Communication

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Understanding Your Wings: How They Nuance Your Enneagram Type

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Understanding Your Wings: How They Nuance Your Enneagram Type


 The Enneagram is a powerful tool for self-discovery, offering a framework for understanding your core personality type and its underlying motivations. But the Enneagram goes beyond just the nine core types. Each type has two "wings," the numbers on either side of it on the Enneagram circle, that further influence your personality and add unique layers to your core type.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the concept of wings, how they interact with your core type, and how understanding your wings can provide a more nuanced understanding of yourself.

What are Wings?

Imagine the Enneagram as a circle. Each of the nine types occupies a specific point on the circle. Your wings are the two types adjacent to your core type. For instance, if you identify as a Type Two (The Helper), your wings would be Type One (The Reformer) and Type Three (The Achiever).

How Do Wings Influence Your Core Type?

While your core type represents your fundamental motivations and fears, your wings add specific characteristics that influence how you express your core type in the world.

  • Dominant Wing: One of your wings will likely be more dominant than the other, influencing your personality more significantly. This dominant wing shapes how you behave in certain situations and how you interact with others.
  • Balance and Nuance: The interplay between your core type and your wings creates a unique blend of traits. Understanding this interplay can help you appreciate the complexities of your personality.

Let's explore some examples:

  • Type One (The Reformer) with a Two-wing (The Helper): This combination might make you a perfectionist who also has a strong desire to help others achieve their goals. You might be highly critical but also offer constructive criticism with a kind and supportive approach.
  • Type Three (The Achiever) with a Four-wing (The Individualist): This blend could influence you to be ambitious and goal-oriented, but also possess a creative streak and a desire for authenticity. You might strive for success while still valuing self-expression and individuality.

How to Identify Your Wings:

Identifying your dominant wing can involve some self-reflection. Consider the following questions:

  • Which neighboring type resonates more with you?
  • In what situations do you exhibit traits of your neighboring types?
  • How do the strengths and weaknesses of your neighboring types manifest in your personality?

Remember: There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to wings. The Enneagram is a spectrum, and your personality might draw influences from both wings to varying degrees.

The Benefits of Understanding Your Wings:

Understanding your wings can offer valuable insights into your personality. Here are some benefits:

  • Self-Acceptance: Recognizing the influence of your wings can help you embrace all aspects of your personality.
  • Personal Growth: Understanding your wings can highlight areas for growth by identifying potential challenges associated with each wing.
  • Improved Relationships: By appreciating how your wings influence your communication style, you can build stronger and more understanding relationships with others.

The Enneagram is a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Exploring your wings is a valuable step in understanding the unique tapestry of your personality.

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