What’s obvious; what’s not | Type 3
Sometimes stating the obvious can be a good reminder about each Enneagram type; sometimes we forget what is most apparent. There are also aspects of each type that are not-as-obvious, yet quite intriguing. This 9-part blog series, one for each Enneagram type, reviews three central and obvious aspects of each Enneagram type. You can also use the YouTube link below to hear and see three non-obvious features of this type.
What’s obvious
Goal orientation
Threes focus on goals, emphasizing the achievement of specific results and creating efficient and effective plans to get their desired outcomes. Their goals are highly specific and targeted and once established and in motion, Threes can have a difficult time letting go of them. This focus on being active and productive supports their drive toward success and their efforts to gain respect from others. It also helps distract them from dealing with uncomfortable feelings that arise.
Failure avoidance
As much as Threes pursue success in various forms, they equally avoid failure. Failure is their worst fear because it elicits thoughts of being insufficient, not being worthy of respect, and of not being valued, as well as feelings of anxiety, sadness or despair, and anger.
Image
Threes are known as the chameleons of the Enneagram because they can change their image to match specific situations. They do this to create a positive impression and to match what they perceive as the image of a person who is highly regarded in a particular context. This can be an image of a good worker, an excellent athlete, a son or daughter or partner, and more. When their image is affirmed, Threes feel good about themselves, but when their image is not affirmed, they feel disrespected, highly uncertain and anxious, sometimes to an extreme.
What’s non-obvious
Lock-on, lock-down mind | Interested in how Threes use their often formidable minds?
Inner sweetness | Did you know that deep down inside, most Threes are incredibly sweet?
Mirrors | Want to know about the Threes’ special relationship to mirrors?
Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, the author of seven Enneagram-business books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications, and is past-president of the International Enneagram Association. Visit: TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com
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