Page 38 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

What Type Are You? 17

Sevens

Sevens crave the stimulation of new ideas, new
people, and new experiences; avoid pain; and
create elaborate plans that will allow them to
keep all of their options open.

Core focus: What is exciting? Do I feel con-
strained? Can I avoid pain and discomfort?

Common labels: Epicure, generalist, visionary, connoisseur

Basic Issues for Sevens

CRAVING OPTIONS Sevens are buoyed by their belief that life’s pos-
sibilities are unlimited, and they want to make sure that they retain
all of their options. When Sevens feel that their alternatives have
been limited, they tend to feel trapped and anxious. Although Sev-
ens do make commitments, they also make sure they have backup
plans, just as a precaution.

OPTIMISM Seven is the most optimistic style on the Enneagram.
Effervescent and enthusiastic, Sevens remain upbeat because, even
in times of duress, they believe that if things do not work out today,
they will work out tomorrow. In challenging times, their energy is
sustained by their fascination with interesting things and people,
as well as by their ability to reframe negative experiences. For
example, a Seven who is criticized for missing a meeting might say,
“Yes, but I was reviewing a document and found a way we could
dramatically improve this project.”

PAIN AVOIDANCE Seeking positive experiences and reframing neg-
ative ones provides Sevens with a way to avoid pain, discomfort,
and difficult situations. Sevens can be deeply moved and available
to help someone else who is in pain, but the typical Seven motto
is, “Don’t worry, be happy!”