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         

Much more in Out of the Box Coaching Book
(Click here for free preview of Five chapter)

Home Page