After questions about determining your Enneagram Type, the most questions I receive are about Enneagram Wings. I created an Instagram series all about Wings to share with you, so you can understand a little more about what enneagram wings are and how they work. First, let’s briefly chat about Wings to help you understand them a little better.
What are Wings?
Once you learn your Enneagram Type, you might not completely resonate with everything you read about it. That’s because each Type is also a blend of the two types directly on either side. For example, if you are a Type 6, then you are also a blend of Types 5 and 7. These are your Wings and they give you additional traits that help you grow and fly (that’s why they are called Wings). They are your complementary traits.
Each of us pulls a little from both of those Wings, but tend to pull more from one than the other. For example, I am a 6 and although I may see some 5 traits on occasion, I more often see my 7 Wing come out! So my preferred type would be a 6w7.
How do you determine Your Wing?
If you took an Enneagram test to determine your primary type, then you can look at which Wing you scored higher on. But, if you scored second highest on a number that isn’t adjacent to your primary number, then that can’t be your wing. For example, if your primary number is a Type 2, but then the test scored you second highest at Type 9, you still would not be a 2w9. Your Wing has to be an adjacent number, so if you are a Type 2, then your Wing can only be a 1 or 3.
Probably a more reliable method to determining your Wing is to read the motivations, desires and traits of those two Wings. Then, you can also simply identify which one is more descriptive of you. Also, it’s very possible that you can be a balance of your two Wings. Not everyone will have a more dominant Wing.
Why Learn Your Wing?
You have to first learn your Type before your Wing. Learning more about your Type and your Wing will help you gain more personal understanding and awareness. Also, learning about Wings can help you learn more about the number work together. It will also assist you in learning about your subtleties about your Type. And the more you learn and understand, the more joy you will be able to experience every day!
All of the Enneagram Wing Types
This past month, I researched each of the types to bring you a cute and informative graphic to help you understand the Wings for you Type. Each of these was designed to make the Wing Types a little clearer for you.
Type 1 Wings: The Optimist (1w9) and The Activist (1w2)
There are some traits that both Type 1 Wings have in common. Both types are honest, dependable, perfectionist, trustworthy and sensible.
The Optimist is a little more idealistic and principled than other Type 1s. They are more composed and reserved. Also called the Idealist, they are more philosophical.
The Activist is a little warmer and motivated by personal relationships than other Types 1s. They are also slightly more empathetic and extroverted. They are also referred to as the Advocate.
Type 2 Wings: The Companion (2w1) and The Host (2w3)
Both Type 2 Wings are friendly, nurturing, generous, sensitive, caring and loving.
The Companion tends to be a little more reserved, quiet and idealistic then other 2s. Also known as the Servant, they are respectful and proper.
The Host is more social and ambitious. They can be charming, outgoing and playful.
Type 3 Wings: The Enchanter (3w2) and The Expert (3w4)
Both Type 3 Wings are ambition, energetic and driven. However, there are some differences in the two types.
The Enchanter is even more driven than other Type 3s. Also known as the Star, they tend to be vivacious and positive, often lifting up others.
The Expert is more a little introspective and creative than other 3s. Also known as the Professional, they are more task oriented than other 3s.
Type Wings: The Aristocrat 4w3 and the Free Spirit 4w5
Both the Aristocrat and the Free Spirit are sensitive, creative, authentic and empathetic. But, there are subtle differences in the two types.
The Aristocrat tends to be more social, competitive and energetic. Also known as the Enthusiast, their hope is to make a lasting legacy on their community.
The Free Spirit is less concerned with their image than other 4s. Also know at the Bohemian, they are more unconventional and prone to melancholy.
Type 5 Wings: The Philosopher 5w4 and The Troubleshooter 5w6
All Type 5s tend to be intellectual, self-reliant, observant and a little bit isolated. But, each wing has it’s own personality traits, too.
The Philosopher is more curious and imaginative. Also referred to as the Iconoclast, then are more expressive than other 5.
The Troubleshooter tends to be more scientific and cooperative. Also known as the Problem Solver, they are also loyal, anxious and slightly more extroverted.
Type 6 Wings: The Guardian 6w5 and The Confidant 6w7
All type 6s are loyal, strategic and reliable. There are some differences between 6s, based on the wings.
The Guardian is more vigilant and cautious than other 6s. Also known as the Defender, they are intellectual and focused, but also a little more anxious. They are more serious and quiet than other 6s.
The Confidant is more extroverted and playful than other 6s. They are also referred to as the Buddy and they love to make new friends and seek out security and safety in their relationships.
The 7 Wings: The Pathfinder 7w6 and the Opportunist 7w8
All 7s are enthusiastic, spontaneous and adventurous. Read below to find more out about each of the Wings.
The Pathfinder is outgoing and loves new experiences. They love their freedom, but also seek out supportive and reliable relationships. Also known as the Entertainer, hey are more likely to keep commitments than other 7s.
The Opportunist is assertive and ambitious. Their strong will and independence helps them to be a natural leader. They are also referred to as the Realist and are more work and goal oriented than other 7s.
The 8 Wings: The Nonconformist 8w7 and The Diplomat 8w9
Type 8s are confident, decisive, and passionate. The subtle differences between the different 8s can be explained with the 8 Wings.
The Nonconformist is extroverted and energetic. They are also known as the Maverick and more comfortable with conflict than other 8s. They are charismatic and assertive and they make great entrepreneurs.
The Diplomat is more mild mannered and quiet. They are also known as the Bear because they are strong, but more gentle than other 8s. They tend to be well-liked and patient.
Type 9 Wings: The Advisor 9w8 and The Negotiator 9w1
All 9s are patient, adaptive and complacent. The Wings can shed a little light on the differences within the type.
The Advisor is social and routine oriented. They are also known as the Comfort Seeker and are a little more assertive, adventurous and outgoing than other 9s.
The Negotiator is introverted, idealistic and creative. They have been referred to as the Dreamer and are a little more serious than other 9s.
Hope these graphics will help you understand the Enneagram Wings a little more. If you have any questions about the Wings, feel free to leave them in the comments below and I will answer them as best as I can!
