If you’ve been keeping up with our discussions, you’ll know that we introduced the Enneagram personality typing system in our first blog post. In this entry, I want to tackle one of the most frequently asked questions: How do I determine which type I am?

While there are many online tests available, most Enneagram coaches recommend taking the time to read through each type instead of relying solely on testing. This approach allows you to note and begin self-identifying the various characteristics, motivations, core fears, and typical responses associated with each type.

Here are some recommended books and websites to help you explore each Enneagram type:

• The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile
• The Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships by Suzanne Stabile 
• The Essential Enneagram by David Daniels, M.D. & Virginia Price, Ph.D.
• The Sacred Enneagram by Christopher L. Heuertz
• The Complete Enneagram by Beatrice Chestnut, Ph.D.
• The Enneagram Institute

If you are interested in taking a test, I would suggest the The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI® version 2.5). It is a longer, scientifically-validated format to provide a fuller report representing each of the nine personality types. This one is a lot more accurate!