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Levels of Development

In my opinion, the Levels of Development are the greatest contribution to Enneagram theory made by Don Riso and Russ Hudson. Most of the info on this page comes from their books Personality Types and Understanding the Enneagram. I have added my own ideas as well.

The Levels of Development describe a framework that exists within each personality type.

Overview
There are nine Levels of Development (not to be confused with the nine personality types). There are three levels in the "healthy" range (levels 1,2,3); three levels in the "average" range (levels 4,5,6); and three levels in the "unhealthy" range (7,8,9).

At each level, we employ different strategies to reinforce our identity

	Level 1	Healthy Range In the healthy range, we are not strongly identified with our identity. We are free to express ourselves through a wide range of behaviour. We believe that we can express and reinforce our identity through letting go of it and by acting in a manner consistent with it.
	Level 2
	Level 3

	Level 4	Average Range In this range, some imbalance arises and their scope of concern narrows. We focus more on our identity and want others to see us a certain way. We use social roles, manipulation, and controlling others to reinforce our identity.
	Level 5
	Level 6

	Level 7	Unhealthy Range In the unhealthy range, our focus is so narrowed on our identity that we often break with realtity. We see ourselves in a way that is completely different from how others see us.
	Level 8
	Level 9

Type	Desire & Strategy	Behaviour
Level 1: The Level of Liberation
At Level One we let go of our self-image. We no longer see ourselves in a narrow and incomplete way. We integrate the qualities rejected at Level Two and truly come to balance with ourselves. We realize that we in fact possess what we have always sought. Our basic desire arose at Level Two because we no longer see certain qualities within us.
Type 1 Wise Realist	Lets go of their forced goodness, order and attachment to self-image. Lets go of belief that they are in a position to judge anything objectively.	Wise, Accepting, noble, pure, kind, realistic Truly good, have integrity, and are in balance with their world Have faith that the Universe will unfold as it should and that they are part of that perfect reality
Type 2 Disinterested Altruist	Lets go of forced love and attachment to self-image. Lets go of the belief that they are not allowed to take care of themselves and their own needs.	Loving Unconditionally, Altruism, humble, gracious, joyous, charitable They love and are loved unconditionally. Believe that goodness will happen even without their involvement.
Type 3 Authentic Person	Lets go of forced value and self-image. Lets go of the dependency on the positive regard of others and their achievements to make them feel valuable.	Authentic, modest, genuine, charitable, contented Are truly esteemed and praised by others Believe that everything in existence (including themselves) has intrinsic value and is to be esteemed and honoured.
Type 4 Inspired Creator	Lets go of their forced uniqueness and attachment to their self-image Lets go of the belief that they are missing something that others have	Profoundly creative, expressing the personal and the universal Inspired, able to transform all their experiences into something valuable
Type 5 Pioneering Visionary	Lets go of forced intelligence and attachment to their self-image Lets go of the belief that they are separate from the environment	Participating, knowing, clear-minded, comprehending True knowing comes from participating Feel connected to the world
Type 6 Valiant Hero	Lets go of forced support outside of themselves and their self-image Lets go of the belief that they must rely on someone/something outside themselves for security	Extremely trustworthy, emotionally open and bonded with others Provide support and guidance to others Access their own inner guidance and feel like the Universe supports them
Type 7 Ecstatic Appreciator	Lets go of forced joy and the attachment to their self-image Lets go of the belief that they require specific objects and experiences to feel fulfilled.	Can fully appreciate and internalize the depth and meaning of their experiences. Very grateful and connected to the present.
Type 8 Magnanimous Heart	Lets go of forced strength and their attachment to their self-image Lets go of the belief that they must always be in control of their environment.	Compassionate, empowering, yet gentle In sync with the Will and Direction of the Universe, no longer against it. Surrender themselves to the Universe and have faith in its unfolding.
Type 9 Self-Possessed Guide	Lets go of forced peace and attachment to self-image. Lets go of belief that their participation in the world is unimportant.	Independent, Dynamic, Self-aware, exuberant, serene Possess inner stability/ peace of mind Fully empowered and independent, in union with themselves and the universe

Level 2: The Level of Psychological Capacity

At Level 2, we attain the full potential that our personality affords. Our personality is guided by a basic desire that serves as the driving motivation of most of our behaviour. This motivation remains largely intact (although sometimes distorted) throughout the levels.

At this stage, we begin to identify with certain qualities within ourselves. These qualities are seen as positive and we emphasize their presence within us. For example, Ones will stress their objectivity, their reason, and their moderation. We believe that by identifying with and exercising these qualities they will be able to attain their basic desire. For the most part, people at this level are very open minded and tolerant. However, these qualities begin to colour our view of the world. And although we have preferences at this level, we can act largely without bias.

A self-image therefore develops because we see ourselves incorporating these qualities. At this level, our self-awareness is very clear: the self-image is an accurate reflection of ourselves. We recognize our gifts, talents, and qualities and we trust in them. We define who we are based on the values with which we've identified. For example, a Two will identify with qualities of loving, caring, and compassion (among many others). Twos have a self-image that could be described as "I am a loving, caring person." Twos will continue to see themselves this way throughout the levels (although others may not see the Two in the same way).

By shifting their focus towards some of their qualities, they shift away from their other qualities. For example, Nines identify strongly with their qualities of inner peace, relaxation, being calm, etc. At the same time, Nines tend to distance themselves from their own qualities of assertion, being dynamic, voicing their opinions, standing up to others, etc. In order to focus and develop some qualities, other ones are overlooked and underdeveloped.

We see here that identification with certain qualities leads to a particular self-image. Not all of the qualities we possess are consistent with that self-image. Consequently, we must disregard or overlook some of our qualities in order to maintain a consistent sense of self. In other words, we tend to nurture some qualities at the expense of underdeveloping other ones. The shift of focus is subtle at this level, but it sets the stage for a stronger identification in the subsequent levels.

At level 2, we have focussed on a subset of our qualities. As soon as we identify with certain qualities, we immediately disidentify with other ones. By defining who we are, we also define who we are not. This strategy begins to limit who we believe we are and we begin to shut our certain qualities that comprise our full human potential.

Type	Basic Desire & Basic Fear	Behaviour
Type 1 Reasonable Person	Basic Fear: being bad or corrupt Basic Desire: To be good, to have integrity, and to be in balance with everything	Reasonable, Conscientious, There’s a sensible way of handling things Self-Image: “I am sensible, moderate, and objective.” Emphasize their reason, moderation, morality, objectivity Reject their self-indulgence, subjectivity, or self-interest
Type 2 Caring Person	Basic Fear: being unloved and unwanted Basic Desire: to be loved	Loving, Empathetic I care about you people Self-Image: I am a caring, loving person. Emphasize their loving, caring, selflessness, concern, kindness Reject taking care of their own needs
Type 3 Self-Assured Person	Basic Fear: being worthless Basic Desire: to feel worthwhile, accepted, and desired	Desirable, Adaptable I can be anything I want to Self-Image: “I am an outstanding, effective person.” Emphasize their attractiveness, effectiveness, unlimited potential Reject their own feelings
Type 4 Self-Aware Intuitive	Basic Fear: having no identity or personal significance Basic Desire: to have a significant and meaningful identify based on their inner experience	Sensitive, Introspective, I’ve got to be me. Self-Image: “I am an intuitive, sensitive person.” Emphasize their sensitivity, uniqueness, self-awareness, self-honesty Reject things in common with others (ordinariness)
Type 5 Perceptive Observer	Basic Fear: being helpless and incapable Basic Desire: to be capable and competent	Curious, Fascinated, What’s going on here? Self-Image: “I am an intelligent, perceptive person.” Emphasize their perceptiveness, intelligence, curiosity, independence Reject participation with and dependence on others
Type 6 Engaging Friend	Basic Fear: having no support and guidance Basic Desire: to find security and support	Reliable, Engaging, Can we be friends? What can I trust? Self-Image: “I am a committed, responsible, and dependable person.” Emphasize their reliability, trustworthiness, caution, questioning Reject their own inner guidance
Type 7 Free-Spirited Optimist	Basic Fear: being deprived and trapped in pain Basic Desire: to be happy and satisfied	Enthusiastic, excitable, spontaneous, If life gives you lemons, you make lemonade Self-Image: “I am a happy, enthusiastic person.” Emphasize their enthusiasm, spontaneity, eagerness, optimism Reject gratitude for the present experience and what they have
Type 8 Self-Confident Person	Basic Fear: being harmed or controlled by others Basic Desire: to protect themselves and determine their own course in life	Strong, Self-Reliant, I am the master of my fate Self-Image: “I am a strong, assertive person.” Emphasize their strength, assertion, resourcefulness, independence Reject their vulnerable side (emotional needs)
Type 9 Receptive Person	Basic Fear: Loss of connection Basic desire: To have inner stability	Peaceful, humble, gentle, I won’t be knocked off balance Self-Image: “I am a peaceful, easygoing person.” Emphasize own peace, stability, harmony, unity, gentleness Reject their passions, strong emotions, assertion

Level 3: The Level of Social Value

At level 3 we form a stronger identification with our self-image. It is no longer sufficient to see ourselves in a certain way to counteract underlying anxieties. Instead, we desire to show others who we are to reinforce our self-image.

At this level, we relate to others primarily (but not exclusively) through our qualities and gifts. We want to share our talents and our abilities, believing that they will have a positive impact on those around us. We try to nurture in others the same qualities that we have identified with. We want to help, teach, and strengthen others to realize their full potential and we share in the delight of others' successes. For example, Eights at this level will try to empower others to be strong and independent. This form of mentoring is not imposed on others, we are simply acting with everyone's best interests in mind. In this manner, we contribute our gifts in a very constructive and beneficial way.

Despite a deep desire to show others who we are, we don't seek validation of our self-image from others. There’s no need to do so, because we know that our healthy behaviour is a direct manifestation of these qualities and stands on its own. Simply by expressing our self-image through action we reinforce our self-image. By interacting with others, we create and sustain relationships and support systems. We believe these relationships will help meet our needs.

At level 3, we are confident in our own ability to cope with the world. Not because we are proud or egotistical, but because we believe in our values. We believe they are the path to fulfillment and at this level we believe that expressing these qualities will make us feel fulfilled. However, we're not so attached to our self-image that we only see things one way. We're not afraid to be different or to question the status quo.

The self-esteem plays a role at this level. We begin to feel good about ourselves when we are behaving in a manner that's consistent with our self-image. At level 3, our qualities serve as a set of guiding principles that we apply to ourselves. As long as we follow these guidelines, we feel that we are good people.

Our behaviour at level 3 has become noticably more limited than at the previous level. It isn't enough to think of ourselves in a certain way, we have to act in a certain way. The self-esteem reinforces these actions, because it makes us feel good when we act in that way. If we choose to behave differently, we may get anxious or less confident in ourselves.

Type	Desire & Strategy	Behaviour
Type 1 Principled Teacher	Desire to act in accordance with their conscience and reason Reinforce & demonstrate self-image through doing good things	Relate to others primarily by responsible, principled I have a mission in life; I’m not here to fool around I’m a good person if I do what’s right.
Type 2 Nurturing Helper	Desire to do good things for others. Reinforce & demonstrate self-image through generosity and service to others.	Relate to others primarily by giving, supportive I am glad to be able to give to others I’m a good person if I am loved.
Type 3 Outstanding Paragon	Desire to develop themselves Reinforce & demonstrate self-image through self-development	Relate to others primarily by self-improving, ambitious I work hard; I can do it I’m a good person if I do something valuable.
Type 4 Self-Revealing Individual	Desire to express their individuality to themselves and others Reinforce & demonstrate self-image through creativity and self-expression	Relate to others primarily by creative, authentic Here I am, warts and all. I’m a good person if I remain true to myself.
Type 5 Focussed Innovator	Desire to master something to gain confidence Reinforce & demonstrate self-image through mastery and innovation	Relate to others primarily by being Inventive, exploratory What if we tried it this way? I’m a good person if I’ve completely mastered something.
Type 6 Committed Worker	Desire to create and sustain support/ security systems Reinforce & demonstrate self-image through cooperation and commitment	Relate to others primarily by cooperative, committed You can depend on me I’m a good person if I’ve covered all my bases and I do what is expected of me
Type 7 Accomplished Generalist	Desire to do things which will insure that they will have what they need Reinforce & demonstrate self-image through trying out new things	Relate to others primarily by being prolific, realistic, versatile Life is a banquet I’m a good person if I feel good and get what I want.
Type 8 Constructive Leader	Desire to prove their strength through action or achievement Reinforce & demonstrate self-image through leadership, and achievement	Relate to others primarily by leading, being decisive, providing I can look out for you I’m a good person if I am strong and in control.
Type 9 Supportive Peacemaker	Desire to create and maintain peace and harmony in their environment Reinforce & demonstrate self-image through supporting, reconciling, and comforting others	Desire to create and maintain peace and harmony in their environment Reinforce & demonstrate self-image through supporting, reconciling, and comforting others

Level 4: The Level of Imbalance

At Level 4, we become more attached to our self image than at Level 3. We now believe that by striving after the qualities identified at Level 2, we will be able to meet our needs. We also tend to reject our qualities and behaviours that are not consistent with the qualities that we have identified with. The focus on our self image comes at the price of narrowing our scope of concern.

An idealization of values/qualities takes place. Our worldview begins to polarize between two extremes: one of which is associated with our own values and qualities; the other is associated with our fears. For example, a type One at Level 4 will idealize values of organization, doing what’s right, hard work, etc. At the same time, they begin to fear disorganization, making mistakes, and not working hard enough.

Despite this polarization of values, there is still some middle ground. However, we have difficult time dealing with situations that fall in the gray area. For example, a type One at Level 4 often sees things in terms of good and bad. Ones deal with moral ambiguity by trying to adopt a firm stance – it’s difficult to accept and live with uncertainty.

At Level 4, we notice that the qualities we possess are not widely possessed by others. In fact, we sometimes use these qualities as a metric to measure the worth of others. Eights, for example, will measure the strength of others; Fives measure the intelligence of others. Most of the time, we feel slightly superior, because most often we believe that we possess these qualities more that others.

At level 4, we have given into a Characteristic Temptation (different for each type). The Characteristic Temptation is a limited way of thinking and behaving that seems to be an answer to what we want. Unfortunately, it is not a permanent solution to our problems. Instead, it is a “quick fix” that traps us in a repetitive pattern that does not have our best interests at heart.

One of the aspects in which our behaviour becomes more limited is in our relationships. We see ourselves a certain way (self-image) and, at Level 4, we really want to prove to others the “reality” of our self-image. In order to prove who we are, we relate to others through a certain role, called the Social Role.

The Social Role is a very limited way of interacting with others that makes us feel comfortable and secure. In our Social Role, we are trying to get others to see in us the qualities of our self-image. For example, a type Three wants to be seen as a Winner. Threes seek out situations where they can relate to others through the role of the Winner. They will also avoid situations where they cannot be seen in that way. Unfortunately, by acting only through his social role, he avoids those activities that would really develop true confidence. He is frustrated when he can’t act in this role, because his confidence and security are dependent on others validating his self-image.

Type	Desire & Strategy	Behaviour
Type 1 Idealistic Reformer	Desire to improve themselves and their world Prove self-image through their Social Role of the Moral Teacher - Convincing others I am right.	Tend to feel intense personal obligation Striving, Idealistic
Type 2 Effusive Friend	Desire to be wanted and close to others. Prove self-image through their Social Role of the Special Friend - wanting to be a close confidant.	Tend to believe that I am without needs and always well-intentioned Demonstrative, Well-Intentioned
Type 3 Competitive Status Seeker	Desire to distinguish themselves from others Prove self-image through their Social Role of the Winner/the Best	Tend to compete for status and attention Performing, Success-Oriented
Type 4 Imaginative Aesthete	Desire to cultivate and prolong selected feelings Prove self-image through their Social Role of the Special One	Tend to withdraw into their imagination to heighten and intensify their feelings Individualistic, Dramatizing
Type 5 Studious Expert	Desire to feel safer and more confident by retreating into their mind Prove self-image through their Social Role of the Expert	Tend to withdraw into their imagination to heighten and intensify their concepts and mental worlds (interpretation of the world) Knowledgeable, Preparing
Type 6 Dutiful Loyalist	Desire to reinforce their support systems Prove self-image through their Social Role of the Responsible Implementor	Tend to become dependent on something outside the self for guidance Camaraderie, Obligated, Believing/doubting
Type 7 Experienced Sophisitcate	Desire to increase the number of sources of stimulation Prove self-image through their Social Role of the Energizer - Let’s get the fun going, make this a fun place	Tend to feel that something better is available somewhere else Occupied, pleasure-oriented, trendy, Acquisitive
Type 8 Enterprising Adventurer	Desire to acquire the resources they need to maintain their position Prove self-image through their Social Role of the Rock/Leader - the protector who takes charge	Tend to think that they are completely self-sufficient Risk-taking, pragmatic, competitive
Type 9 Accommodating Role Player	Desire to avoid conflicts (by acquiescing to others: “Inner Sanctum”) Prove self-image through their Social Role of Nobody Special - modestly camouflaged in the background so as not to inconvenience anyone.	Tend to withdraw into their imagination to heighten and intensify their sense of peace and harmony (avoiding conflicts and self-assertion). Agreeable, Self-Effacing, I don’t care, whatever you want is fine with me

Level 5: The Level of Interpersonal Control

At Level 5, the main strategy employed is manipulation of others and control of inter-personal relationships. Here, we really insist on getting others to accept our self-image. Unfortunately, others don't always respond in the way we wish, leading to tension and conflict.

At this Level, we also see the beginnings of the Shadow Issue of each type. The Shadow issue (as its name implies) is a hidden element of our personalities. In a way, the Shadow Issue represents the major issue that each type needs to deal with in order to grow.

Type	Desire & Strategy	Behaviour
Type 1 Orderly Person	Insists on being seen as a reasonable, objective person. Desire to have consistent order in their inner and outer worlds.	Manipulate others by correcting them. Shadow Issue of Anger comes from their world not being organized and in order.
Type 2 Possessive Intimate	Insists on being seen as a caring, loving person. Desire to be needed.	Manipulate others by making others depend on them. Shadow Issue of Pride comes from thinking of themselves as only well-intentioned and from reminding others of how caring I am.
Type 3 Image-Oriented Pragmatist	Insists on being seen as an outstanding, effective person. Desire to impress others.	Manipulate others by charming them (adapting to meet and exceed the expectations of others) Shadow Issue of Deceit arises when Threes exaggerate and bend the truth in order to make themselves appear better than they are.
Type 4 Self-Absorbed Romantic	Insists on being seen as a sensitive, unique person. Desire to have their identity nurtured and supported by others.	Manipulate others by being temperamental and hyper-sensitive, forcing others to treat them with sensitivity and respect. Shadow Issue of Envy arises when Fours observe the happiness and success of others.
Type 5 Intense Conceptualizer	Insists on being seen as an intelligent, perceptive person. Desire to shut out intrusions on their space/ to concentrate without interruption	Manipulate others by staying preoccupied with their projects and detached from others. Shadow Issue of Avarise arises when Fives minimize their needs and hoard their resources.
Type 6 Ambivalent Pessimist	Insists on being seen as a dependable, responsible person. Desire to resist further demands and commitments.	Manipulate others by testing their loyalty and trust to them. Shadow Issue of Fear arises when Sixes believe that they may be losing their support systems.
Type 7 Hyperactive Extrovert	Insists on being seen as a happy, enthusiastic person. Desire to stay constantly excited and stimulated.	Manipulate others by distracting them and demanding that others meet their needs. Shadow Issue of Gluttony arises when Sevens are greedy for more and more things and experiences without being truly satisfied.
Type 8 Dominating Power Broker	Insists on being seen as a strong, assertive person. Desire to feel important to themselves and others.	Manipulate others by dominating others and insisting they obey. Shadow Issue of Lust arises when Eights want to possess and control and want intensity in their experiences.
Type 9 Disengaged Participant	Insists on being seen as a peaceful, easygoing person. Desire to maintain the status quo.	Manipulate others by "tuning out" the pressure to change from others. Shadow Issue of Sloth arises when Nines resist change and don't develop their individuality.

Level 6: The Level of Overcompensation

Throughout the Levels, we can see that the strategies we employ are a compensation for underlying feelings of anger, shame, or fear. At Level 6, we overcompensate for those underlying feelings. At this stage we are so desparate to have others accept our self-image that we engage in truly offensive behaviour.

At Level 6, we believe that we must put others down in order to make ourselves feel better. Don Riso calls this behaviour the "Leaden Rule." The Golden Rule states "Do unto others that which you would have done unto you." In other words, treat others in the same way you would like to be treated. The Leaden Rule states " Do unto others that which you most fear have done unto you." At this stage we project our fears onto others. Type Ones fear making mistakes and being bad, so they compensate by being good and doing the right thing. They overcompensate by pointing out the mistakes of others and criticizing others for not doing the right thing. Putting others down in this way, boosts a fragile self-esteem.

Note that the Leaden Rule behaviour is seen by others to be offensive, but it is easily justified by the Basic Desire. For example, the One can justify their criticism as simply pointing out how things should be done better.

Thinking tends to be very black and white at this stage. There is a sense that we possess certain positive values (the basis of our self-image) that others do not. As a result, we tend to look down at others as inferior for not possessing the gifts we do. In order to make ourselves feel better about ourselves, we must prove that others lack our gifts. A type Five, for example, "proves" her own intelligence by "proving" that others are stupid and incompetent.

Type	Desire & Strategy	Behaviour
Type 1 Judgemental Perfectionist	Desire to criticize others for not meeting their standards. Undermine the others by angrily criticizing others, treating them as if they were defective or bad.	Perfectionistic, opinionated, right vs. wrong thinking, impatient, fault-finding
Type 2 Self-Important "Saint"	Desire to have their virtue and goodness recognized Undermine others by making others feel unworthy of their love and attention	Feel taken for granted Feelings of entitlement, others owe me. Overbearing, complaining, insincere Guilt-instilling: no one cares about my needs
Type 3 Self-Promoting Narcissist	Desire to convince themselves and othes of the reality of their image. Undermine others by treating them arrogantly or with contempt, making them feel worthless.	Want to become their image. Inflating, grandiose, superior Demand a constant stream of attention (look at me!)
Type 4 Self-Induldgent "Exception"	Desire to be absolutely free to "be themselves." Undermine others by treating others as if they had no value or personal significance.	Decadent, self-pitying Believe their uniqueness entitles them to be exempt from the rules that apply to the superficial rabble.
Type 5 Provocative Cynic	Desire to scare off anyone who threatens their inner world Undermine others by treating them as if they were incompetent or incapable.	Argumentative, intellectually arrogant. Make legitimate observations but extreme interpretations. Less confident about their ideas, cynical, hopeless.
Type 6 Authoritarian Rebel	Desire to prove their strength, value, and independence. Undermine others and their support systems by blaming and scapegoating.	Feel that their trust has been betrayed. Become stubborn, rebellious Blaming, cynical, short-tempered Us vs. them mentality
Type 7 Excessive Materialist	Desire for instant gratification. Undermine others by depriving others of things and experiences, causing others pain and suffering.	Easily feel trapped or deprived. Flighty and unreliable. Insensitive, impatient, selfish, addicted, dissatisfied.
Type 8 Confrontational Adversary	Desire to have others obey. Undermine the security and safety of others by threatening to harm or control others	Threaten and intimidate Defiant, pushy, bullying, belligerent Everything is a test of wills.
Type 9 Resigned Fatalist	Desire to minimize the importance of problems in their world. Undermine others by making them feel that they have lost connection with the Nine.	Dismissive, indifferent. Wishful thinking, stubborn, resistant Peace at any price. "Can't do anything to change it anyways."