The Enneagram describes nine different types of people. This isn't just yet another system for labelling people or putting them into different categories of behaviour. The Enneagram describes what goes on beneath the surface. It tells us why people behave the way they do. It gives people's behaviour context and meaning. It lets us see the world through the eyes of another person.
There are nine fundamental human motivations. Each of us has all nine of them. Some of these motivations are strong; others are weak, but one of these motivations is stronger than the rest. In that sense, there are nine types of people, each one having a different primary motivation. These motivations are primary driver behind our personality - each of the nine personality types is based on a different motivation.
Two people who share the same personality type can behave very differently. While they share the same motivation, they may express it very differently. For example, suppose two people both share the same motivation to be right/correct/good. One person might express this energy through common sense and objective reason. Another might express this same energy by striving for perfection and demanding order from the world. It's important to remember that behaviour does not determine personality type. Similarly, two people with different personality types may behave the same way, but for different reasons.
Most people now believe that our personality type is largely determined genetically. However, our early upbringing does play an important role, too. Our type is usually set by the age of 5-6 and stays the same throughout our lives. Of course, our behaviour changes over time, but the underlying motivation stays the same. The nine personality styles transcend ethnicity, age, socio-economic status and gender. They are truly universal types found in all countries and cultures.
The Enneagram doesn't use labels to name the types. If we were to call one of these types "the Performer" most people would immediately form some kind impression without knowing anything about that type. Labels lead to stereotypes and prejudging of others. Instead the Enneagram uses numbers (Type One, Type Two, etc.). Numbers don't carry a meaning, like words do, but it's important to point out that the numbers don't rank or order the types. It's not better to be a type Three than a Two because Three is a larger number. Nor is it better to be a One or a Nine because they're the first and last numbers.
The Enneagram diagram is like an organizational chart, often used to represent the the roles and hierarchical relationships in a workplace. Unlike an organization chart, the Enneagram is not a heirarchy; the nine personality types are arranged around a circle. A circle represents equality: no type is better or worse than any other; they each have their positive and negative capacities.
The arrangement of the nine types around the circle is not arbitrary. Types next to each other on the circle share similarities. In addition, there are lines that criss-cross the face of the circle. These lines show additional relationships between the types.
There is something comforting about learning your type. It's a realization that others do see the world as you do. There are others like you. But at the same time, regardless of what type you are, you have your very own mixture of motivations, gifts, and personal qualities, whether inherited or learned. You are unique. Your worldview and your contribution to the world are just as valid as everyone else's.