Out of the Box Coaching and
Breakthroughs with the Enneagram, Mary R. Bast, Ph.D. 
Copyright © 1999.
All rights reserved. Revised: September 01, 2010 

 

 

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Style Five

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.

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."

    Case Description of a Five       Poems That Speak to Fives

      "The Strong, Silent Type"     Squeeze Machine    "Dharma Combat"   

Quick Views of Nine Personality Patterns     Leadership and the Enneagram        

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