Enneagram 7 - The Enthusiast

This is the seventh in a series of nine features that provides insight into each of the Enneagram types. Each feature provides an overview of the type, including how each type responds to stress and evolves in growth. It also includes insight for leaders to customize their approach of support, insight for people working with them to be more intentional partners, and reminders for those that identify with the specific type.

What are the characteristics of an Enneagram 7?

• Sevens are the life of the party, they are extroverted, optimistic, spontaneous, and high-spirited.

• their basic desire is to be satisfied and content with their needs fulfilled.

• they’re constantly seeking new experiences, so their energy can get the better of them and they can become distracted and can become impulsive and impatient.

• their basic fear is to be deprived of the life around them which drives their thirst for novelty.

• when they’re at their best, they’re able to focus their energy into fulfilling goals that inspire those around them and create joy.

How do Enneagram 7s respond to stress and growth?

When Sevens are stressed, they can take on the unhealthy qualities of a One

• This can make them a bit obsessive, perfectionistic, and critical; lose sight of the spark

When Sevens are healthy, they can take on the healthy qualities of a Five

• This can help them become more focused and centered, driving their path forward

For leaders to know when working with Enneagram 7s

• give them the space for their ideas and their energy to live and thrive

• recognize their individualism and unique approach; connect through this lens

• ask a lot of questions to help gain understanding of their ideas; they love to share

• make sure they have support; their sweet spot is idea generation and the spark

• best to be explicitly clear on expectations so that they have an anchor to work from

For people to know when working with Enneagram 7s

• recognize that they’re high energy and know they’ll bring that energy into the space

• if you’re connecting for support, be aware that they’ll likely have a unique approach

• when supporting their work it is okay to ask clarifying questions; they think high level

• be clear on anything specific you may need from them, they could infer less urgency

• show them some love, they have tons of great ideas and will value your care

For Enneagram 7s

• manage expectations; you don’t have to sell the world just a small spot in it

• lean into the power of visualization; this can help keep a more productive path so that a ton of things aren’t started, then stopped, to be started in a new way

• not everyone will have the same level of energy, cultivating awareness to this can help support those around you

• practice mental sobriety; it can be easy to get drunk on ideas so sip it slow

• lean into the discomfort of picking an option and following it through

For more on The Enneagram:

The 9 Ways of Working - Michael J. Goldberg

The 9 Types of Leadership - Beatrice Chestnut, PhD

The Sacred Enneagram - Christopher L. Heuertz

The Enneagram Institute - https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions