In the field of personal development and interpersonal dynamics, understanding the Enneagram can be an invaluable tool for coaches and therapists.
The Enneagram, a model of the human psyche, categorizes personalities into nine distinct types. Among these, the assertive types – Type Three, Seven, and Eight – stand out for their energetic, powerful, and influential nature.
This post aims to explore these assertive types, delving into their unique characteristics and coping strategies, particularly in stressful situations or when interpersonal relationships become challenging.
The Origins of Compliance in the Enneagram: The Hornevian Group
The concept of Assertive types was originally discovered and classified by psychologist Karen Horney. She studied the direction in which people move relative to others around them (Later referred to as Hornevian Groups.).
Enneagram teachers recognized the link between Horney’s work and the Enneagram Personality types. This categorization offers an additional perspective to the Three Centers of Intelligence (Head, Heart, Body) in understanding these types.
The Assertive Trio: Types 3, 7, and 8
Type 3: The Achiever (Heart-Type)
Type 3s, known as ‘The Achievers,’ are heart-types driven by a need to feel valued and appreciated.
Their assertiveness manifests as a relentless drive for success and recognition. They are adept at adapting themselves to meet the expectations of others, often morphing into what they perceive as the ideal image.
This chameleon-like quality, while beneficial for achieving goals, can distance them from their true selves, leading to an unconscious neglect of their own feelings and needs.
- Coping Strategy: To avoid feelings of worthlessness, Type 3s stay perpetually busy, creating a facade of success to mask their deeper insecurities.
- Assertiveness in Stress: Under stress, they might become overly focused on their achievements, using their charm and diplomacy to manipulate situations in their favor.
Type 7: The Enthusiast (Head-Type)
Type 7s, or ‘The Enthusiasts,’ are head-types who cope with pain and fear through escapism and adventure.
Assertiveness for them is about seeking new experiences and maintaining a sense of freedom and excitement. They are often the life of the party, using their high energy and enthusiasm to mask deeper anxieties.
- Coping Strategy: Their assertiveness is a diversion tactic to avoid pain, fear, or boredom. They are constantly on the move, looking for the next big thing to keep their minds occupied.
- Assertiveness in Stress: In stressful situations, they might become scattered and impulsive, using their assertiveness to push boundaries and avoid facing uncomfortable emotions.
Type 8: The Challenger (Body-Type)
Type 8s, known as ‘The Challengers,’ are body-types who seek to protect themselves from vulnerability and control their environment.
Their assertiveness is often more direct and forceful, manifesting as a need to be in control and resist showing weakness.
- Coping Strategy: They assert themselves to create a buffer against feeling vulnerable or powerless. This can sometimes come across as intimidating or confrontational.
- Assertiveness in Stress: When stressed, Type 8s can become more controlling and confrontational, even aggressive using their assertiveness to dominate situations and keep potential threats at bay.
Assertiveness as a Coping Strategy
Assertiveness in these Enneagram types is often an unconscious, automatic response to stress, especially in interpersonal relationships.
This response, while effective in achieving their goals, can come at a high emotional cost. It can create a distance between themselves and others or even a disconnection from their true inner selves. Their external focus often leads them to neglect their own needs and desires.
Understanding the Nuances
- Type Three: With Threes, the focus should be on authenticity. Their assertive behavior is often a mask to hide insecurities. Encouraging genuine self-expression can be transformative.
- Type Seven: For Sevens, acknowledging and confronting pain can be challenging. Guiding them to face their fears and anxieties, instead of escaping, can lead to healthier coping mechanisms.
- Type Eight: For therapists and coaches, it’s crucial to recognize that an Eight’s assertiveness is rooted in their fear of vulnerability. Helping them embrace vulnerability can be key to their personal growth.
Application in Coaching and Therapy
As a coach or therapist, understanding these assertive types can help you in:
- Recognizing Patterns: Identifying the assertiveness patterns in clients can help in understanding their underlying fears and motivations.
- Developing Empathy: Understanding their coping strategies allows for a more empathic approach, acknowledging their strengths while addressing their fears.
- Tailored Strategies: Each type responds differently to stress and requires distinct approaches for growth and development.
Understanding is the key to being present
For professionals in coaching and therapy, understanding the assertive types of the Enneagram provides deeper insights into their clients’ behaviors and coping mechanisms.
Recognizing these patterns is the first step in guiding clients into the present moment toward more authentic and fulfilling ways of interacting with the world around them.
By addressing the unique challenges of each type, therapists and coaches can help their clients move beyond automatic assertive responses and develop healthier, more self-aware ways of dealing with stress and interpersonal relationships.
Reach out if you would like more resources on how to use the Enneagram in your coaching business.