We know many Greenvillians love discussing + understanding themselves through Astrology signs + horoscopes — but have you ever heard of the Enneagram?
This dynamic personality system, which is composed of nine types (more on that below), is a popular topic amongst local therapists, coaches, influencers + creatives such as Elaine Bailey-Anderson, Sarajane Case, and Sandra Smith.
How does it work?
The Enneagram system aims to identify our core motivations, patterns + fixations at a deeper level in order to understand how they affect our approaches to life, work, relationships, and beyond. Practitioners also believe that it can be a great tool for developing empathy, strengthening communication, and enabling personal growth (aka getting to our essential nature or essence).
To uncover your type, coaches typically recommend reading through a hefty description and choosing the type that you resonate with most. Cool, right?
What are the types?
Type 1 – The Reformer: Rational, idealistic, principled + perfectionistic.
Essence: Purity
Type 2 – The Helper: Caring, interpersonal, generous + people-pleasing.
Essence: Compassion
Type 3 – The Achiever: Success-oriented, pragmatic, adaptable, driven + image-conscious.
Essence: Love, Acceptance
Type 4 – The Individualist: Sensitive, introspective, expressive, dramatic + self-absorbed.
Essence: Radiance, Beauty
Type 5 – The Investigator: Intense, cerebral, perceptive, innovative, secretive + isolated.
Essence: Omniscience, Peace
Type 6 – The Loyalist: Committed, security-oriented, engaging, responsible, anxious + suspicious.
Essence: Wisdom
Type 7 – The Enthusiast: Busy, variety-seeking, spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive + scattered.
Essence: Serene Bliss
Type 8 – The Challenger: Powerful, dominating, self-confident, decisive, willful + confrontational.
Essence: Power, Innocence
Type 9 – The Peacemaker: Easygoing, self-effacing, receptive, reassuring, agreeable + complacent.
Based on what we know about our city, we think we could be a Type 3, given our drive to connect the neighborhoods of Greenville through the SRT Extension + GVL2040. Maybe we’re a Type 7, seeking out variety in new businesses, restaurants, and arts throughout downtown and beyond Main Street.
Question
So what’s Greenville’s type? Share your thoughts here.
