People with an Enneagram Type 9 personality tend to be accepting, optimistic, and adaptive in their behavior. They like peace and tend to avoid conflict. They tend to enjoy time alone or with smaller groups of people.
Enneagram 9 Personality Traits
Basic Desire
The most basic desire of the Enneagram Type 9 is to have internal peace. Nines strive to be in harmony with themselves and the world around them.
Peacekeepers defend themselves by ignoring pain or numbing their internal conflicts through food, television, and other repetitive patterns. They have the tendency to avoid discomfort to the point of apathy.
Basic Fear
The basic fear of the Type 9 is that they may lose or be separated from others. They may attempt to prevent this by remaining peaceful and avoiding conflict, potentially adapting to others preferences, rather than stating their own.
In summary, Enneagram 9 personalities tend to...
Avoid conflict with the world around them
Seek peace and harmony with themselves and others
Fear loss and separation
Be accepting and agreeable
Try to ignore or numb themselves to their problems
Enneagram 9 Strengths
Every personality archetype has strengths and blind spots, and these are often amplified in professional settings where we often encounter a diverse group of people with vastly different backgrounds and value systems.
Strengths that are typically associated with the Enneagram 9 personality include...
Ability to see multiple perspectives
Remaining calm and adaptable
Supporting and reassuring those around them
Mediating conflict between others
Being open minded and suspending judgement
Enneagram 9 Weaknesses
Weaknesses that are typically associated with the Enneagram 9 personality include...
Difficulty facing personal conflict with others
Tendency to minimize problems
Avoiding difficult or upsetting situations
Being passive aggressive rather than addressing conflict
Enneagram 9 Growth
Growth opportunities that are typically associated with the Enneagram 9 personality include...
Recognizing that conflict is a necessary and beneficial part of life
Engaging in physical activity to connect with their body
Directly addressing an upsetting issue
Facing and working through their negative emotions
Encourage them to be open about their personal needs and ideas; create an environment in which they feel safe to communicate honestly.
Meeting with an Enneagram 9
Avoid creating pressure and encourage them to share their opinions or feelings.
Emailing an Enneagram 9
Communicate the purpose clearly, while allowing room for small-talk and personal connection.
Giving feedback to an Enneagram 9
Avoid being overly negative or critical; express growth areas as opportunities rather than flaws.
Resolving conflict with an Enneagram 9
Ask them what they need, remain calm and patient, and express yourself gently.
Enneagram 9 Motivations
When people experience pain, stress, or dissatisfaction, it can usually be attributed to energy-draining activities. Therefore, it’s important to know what kinds of activities energize each personality type and which activities drain them.
Enneagram 9s tend to be motivated and energized by...
Stability and consistency in their personal life
Helping to bring two groups together
Resolving others’ personal tensions
Feeling safe, accepted, and heard
Enneagram 9 Stress
Enneagram 9s tend to be stressed and drained by...
Disappointing those they love
Needing to make difficult decisions
Being interrupted or ignored
Pent-up and unexpressed emotion
Enneagram 9 Careers
Type Nines tend to thrive in an environment that allows them stability and encourages them to help other people. They enjoy slower-paced work that allows them to connect with others.
Enneagram 9s feel energized at work when...
They are asked to help others work through personal problems.
Their boss asks to hear their thoughts on a matter.
Their peers talk openly with them.
Their direct reports work are warm, respectful, and appreciative.
Enneagram 9s feel drained at work when...
They are working in fast-paced, cut-throat environments.
Their boss maintains a serious, distant relationship with them.
Their peers disregard or dismiss their ideas or opinions.
Their direct reports push back on guidance.
Nines are patient and supportive. They are great listeners and work well in a position that utilizes their passion for peace-making.
Common jobs for people with Enneagram 9 personality types
When type Nines work alongside people who are more driven and rational, they can help everyone feel more at peace and relaxed. If they work with another laid-back type, it’s important that they hold themselves accountable to being productive.
Enneagram 9s tend to work well with others who...
Dislike causing conflict
Take the time to get to know them
Are positive and open-minded
Enneagram 9s may hit obstacles in professional relationships when they...
Feel overlooked or ignored by others
Sometimes miss deadlines on tasks
Encounter someone who frequently causes conflict
Enneagram 9 Relationships (Romantic)
Type Nines can be supportive, understanding partners, especially to those who feel disconnected or misunderstood. When in a relationship with another Nine, it’s important that they take turns leading and making decisions.
In a romantic relationship, Enneagram 9s bring strengths like...
Ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances
Understanding their partner’s perspective
Being naturally supportive and encouraging
In romantic relationships, Enneagram 9s may have trouble...
