Typical Comments

"I'm pretty easy-going--my career just kind of fell together, and in a very nice way."

"I have CRS disease--Can't Remember Shit!"

"I try to pick the right moment to speak up in a meeting."

"I didn't cause much trouble for my parents."

Description

Serene and centered, well-developed Nines bring cooperation to any relationship or group.  They are highly capable of dealing with others' problems and building consensus. They have a natural tendency to honor diversity, and can get along with almost anyone.

Unexamined Nines tend to merge with others' preferences, however, and to forget their own. Taking a strong position is particularly difficult for them, because they see all sides of an issue and because they are essentially non-aggressive. Their driving force is indolence--not that they're lazy (they're very hard workers) but that they are out of touch with their own wishes, a kind of self-forgetting. Though quiet, once Nines get started they tend toward epic tales (they hold so many alternative views it's hard for them to focus).

Development options include learning to speak up/confront others, recognizing passive-aggressive behavior/becoming more assertive, setting priorities/sticking to them, staying focused, and initiating change. A key development need is active engagement, the willingness to stay focused on their own purpose--without distraction. Consequently Nines learn to embrace the conflict that is a necessary part of human interaction.

Case Description of a Nine       Development Plan for a Nine

Essay: "Plain Vanilla"     Poems That Speak to Nines

Distinctions Among Enneagram Styles           All Nine Styles     

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

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