The Enneagram ‘Tritype’ is based on fifteen years of research, hundreds of coaching sessions and tens of thousands of Enneacards Test results. This revolutionary concept significantly advances Enneagram study, revealing that we each use not just one, but three Enneagram Types in a preferred order.
Your Tritype consists of one Enneagram Type in each center of intelligence: Head (567), Heart (234) and Gut (891). Although one Enneagram Type is dominant, you also use two other types in a consistent order.
Tritype explains the distinct differences of those sharing the same Enneagram Type. For example, the 874 is a fast-paced, optimistic, creative, and emotional type 8 whereas the 826 is a more dutiful, loyal and helpful type 8.
Additionally, Tritype explains why those sharing the same Enneagram Types have a natural affinity for one another. For example, the 126, 216 and 612, are all focused on helping and being supportive of others regardless of which type is dominant.
The three types within your Tritype intersect, creating a unique defense strategy and focus of attention. The high side of this intersection is that it gives your life direction, focus and purpose. The low side of this intersection, is that it creates a blind spot which narrows your ability to accurately self assess which may keep you locked in self defeating patterns.
Most importantly, your Tritype combination identifies key aspects of your personality which when understood, can illuminate your path to greater self-awareness and a more fulfilling life.
Tritype Endorsement from Russ Hudson- 'Katherine and David's work on the Tritype is fresh, innovative and illuminating. Even those well acquainted with the Enneagram will be surprised at the precision of this approach in identifying key features of the personality. Highly recommended!'
-Russ Hudson, Sexual 548, coauthor, 'The Wisdom of the Enneagram'
How the Tritype® works Although one of these three Types is dominant, or your primary Type, the other two Types play a large role in your life. What is surprising is that these two other Types are not always the Types along the lines of connection (the lines connected to your primary Type).
For example, if you are a Type 9 you may or may not have Type 3 and/or Type 6 as part of your Tritype. You could have a Tritype of 9-2-6 or 9-3-6 or 9-4-6 or 9-2-5, 9-2-7 and so on. Each Tritype combination creates a different expression of Enneagram Type.
If you are an Enneagram Type 4 you might have a Tritype of 4-6-8. This would mean you predominantly use Type 4, however, if the 4 strategies don?t work you will next use the strategies of Type 6 and then Type 8. Your Enneagram Type 4 would still be in charge. However, when the 4 strategies fails to produce results and all permutations (wings and lines of connections) of Type 4 have been exhausted, you will then shift to use the dominant Type in each of the other two centers to manage problems and create solutions.
If your primary Type is 8, you might have a Tritype configuration of 8-7-4. The primary Enneagram Type for you would be Type 8, however, this Tritype combination indicates that you would most likely be a strong, positive person who seeks solutions (8), options (7) and meaning (4). What is fascinating is that if the strategy of Type 8 fails to give you the desired results of overcoming obstacles, you would then employ the strategy of Type 7 and then if needed Type 4.
Tritype Examples The Tritype reveals the distinct differences of those sharing the same Enneagram Type. The Tritype also explains how individuals sharing the same three fixations may have more in common than those sharing the same Enneagram Type.
For example, if you were an 8-7-4, you would have secondary strategies that are very different than an 8-2-6. The 8-7-4 is a fast paced creative, feelingful and optimistic Type 8 whereas the 8-2-6 is a more cynical, loyal and helpful Type 8. Further, if you are the 8-7-4 Type 8, you may relate more to a 7-4-8 than another Type 8 that has a different Tritype.
Understanding the Tritype in practice.
Just as with your primary Enneagram Type you will experience the other Types in your Tritype in both positive and negative ways.
To understand how this works in practice, if someone with a Tritype of 8-7-4, finds that taking charge like an 8 isn't working, they may try to lighten up or be positive like a 7, and if that doesn't work, may search for meaning like a 4. The 8 fear of being disempowered is driving the process. If the 8 still feels disempowered and unable to direct their circumstances the 8-7-4 may feel over-extended and scattered (7) and painfully lacking (4). So this person has used the strategies of three Enneagram Types, one from each of the three Enneagram Centers (Head-Heart-Gut), in a preferred order of 8-7-4.
Another example would be a 4-6-8. Here we have a more aggressive and reactive Type 4 than say a 4-9-5, who would be more withdrawn, passive (9) and avoidant (5). Another example would be a 9-7-2. This would be the Type 9 with a very rosy and positive outlook desiring easygoing relationships. A 9-5-3 would be the kind of 9 who is more intellectual (5), perfectionistic and focused on efficiency (3) with less of an emphasis on maintaining harmonious relationships than other 9s.
How your Tritype was determined and what it means about you. In the second half of the Enneacards Enneagram Test, you were asked to rank Enneacards to determine your preferred Enneagram Type in each of the three Enneagram centers: head, heart and gut. You were then asked to rank your choices among the three centers. This revealed your preferred Enneagram Type in each center in order of preference or your Tritype.
Your Tritype is like your own Enneagram thumbprint showing the unique way that you manage your life using the strategies available to you. It defines the strategies you employ to negotiate life. It also identifies what motivates you. Further it reveals why you are different from others of the same Enneagram Type.
Difficulty determining your Enneagram Type When it is difficult to determine your primary Enneagram Type it can be helpful to try and first determine your Tritype. Understanding the Tritype also helps clear up look-a-likes.
We suggest you take the time to learn about all three Enneagram Types in your Tritype. Additionally, if you are still unsure of your Enneagram Type, research has shown, that there is a very high probability that your actual Enneagram Type is among the three Types in your Tritype. With observation you can determine which of the three Types is the CEO or commander in chief. Identifying and confirming your dominant Enneagram Type is an essential part of the transformation process. Do not be discouraged if it takes time, as the process itself will give you many valuable insights.
'Tritype®' is s trademark of Enneagram Explorations and can only be used with permission.
If you would like to teach Tritype we recommend you contact us and complete our EPro I Certification training.
In our online store we have a Tritype booklet, DVD set and our $10 Professional Enneacards Test reveals Tritype.
The term and all content is a wholly original body of work based on decades of research, coaching,
and statistical and empirical analysis of over 20,000 Enneastyle Questionnaires and Enneacards Tests
The EQ was
designed to reveal the self-image of each Tritype®, Type and Instinct.
All content Katherine Chernick Fauvre & David W. Fauvre, Enneagram Explorations, ? 1995-2008
