Typical Comments
"I have a really deep knowledge of this
industry."
"I hate having group meetings because
they're generally a waste of time."
"I have a good mind and I'm pretty
perceptive.'"
"I was a loner as a kid--I read a lot."
Description
Because of their ability to take in the whole
picture and integrate its components in creative ways, well-developed Fives can be
consummate strategists and visionaries. Often very bright, they're extremely capable of
influencing others through their knowledge.
Sometimes they sound
as if they're giving a dissertation.
Although Fives can be profound and passionate in debate, they tend to disdain the role of
emotions in human interaction. They're the most independent of the nine styles and prefer
to be surrounded by other highly capable people who need no direction or external
reinforcement. Their driving force is hoarding, which shows up particularly
as a detachment from emotions, a "stinginess" of feelings.
Development options include debating less and
probing/listening more with the goal of mutually satisfying solutions, taking their role
as coach more seriously -- including giving attention to group process (meetings, teamwork), and affirming others' positive efforts. A key development need is
generosity, giving freely of themselves so energy flows
outward; some teachers refer to the Five's need for
nonattachment, which allows them to care without feeling confined, to
seek knowledge without needing to hold onto it.
Case Description of a Five
Poems That Speak to
Fives
Development Plan for a Five
Essay: "The Strong, Silent Type"
Dharma Combat (Fives in
Transformation)
Distinctions
Among Enneagram Styles
All Nine Styles