Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Overview of T.H.R.E.E.
“The Achiever” is a motivated type known for their hardworking nature. They are driven, image-conscious people who adapt to their environment quickly and effectively.
- Strengths: drive, adaptability, purpose.
- Weaknesses: materialism, workaholism, competitiveness.
- Basic Desires: being valuable and successful.
- Basic Fears: worthlessness and wasting effort.
Center of Intelligence: Heart
Enneagram Threes are located in the Feeling Center. This means they have the great potential to be very receptive and have authentic hearts. Threes use their heart to determine the “why” behind their actions. They are concerned with image, seek attention, and emotionally struggle with shame. Threes, in particular, try to resist shame by denying their feelings.
Adjacent Wings: 3w2 and 3w4
Wings play a major role in expressing type diversity within the Enneagram. Wings can only be adjacent to the dominant type, so an Enneagram Three can have a two-wing or a four-wing based on its position in the Enneagram.
Three wing two
Threes with a Two-wing display people-loving, driven, and charming tendencies. 3w2’s like setting ambitious goals, maintaining a clean social appearance, and connecting with others. Strengths include natural confidence, efficiency in the workplace, socially adapting to new situations, and building connections with people. Weaknesses include focusing too heavily on social image (like most Threes), manipulating situations in their favor without realizing it, and giving too much attention to their professional and material successes.
Three wing four
Threes with a Four-wing display serious, focused, and ambitious tendencies. 3w4’s are excellent at making and achieving their goals. They desire success and typically focus on their professional development. Strengths include noticing small details, seeking growth and improvement, and recognizing where they need to change and grow. Weaknesses include doubting themselves and their abilities under stress, difficulty adjusting to loss, and appearing emotionally turbulent.
Directions of Growth and Stress
Direction of Growth (Integration)
When an Enneagram Three is moving in a direction of personal growth they go toward an Enneagram Six. This means that they will embrace their roots and prioritize family loyalty. Their motivations will slowly shift from materialistic concerns to security concerns as they embrace the healthy side of Six.
Direction of Stress (Disintegration)
When an Enneagram Three is moving in the direction of stress they go toward Enneagram Nine. Normally driven and focused Threes will become disengaged and apathetic at Nine. Stressed Enneagram Threes will look highly anxious, become workaholics (even more than usual), and eventually start isolating from others.
The Stances: Aggressive
In times of conflict, Enneagram Threes assume an Aggressive Stance (there are three potential conflict stances within the Enneagram). This means that they will move toward conflict when they desire a specific outcome. In the Aggressive Stance, Enneagram Threes are skilled at orienting others toward their ideas, they often protect themselves with humor, and they try to control miscellaneous elements that may obstruct their goals.
The Subtypes
The three instincts of the Enneagram, also called the subtypes, are basic instincts present in every human being. Although all three exist in the body, one will be a driving force.
Self-Preservation Threes
Self-Preservation types, in general, are concerned with safety, comfort, and getting their physical needs met. Self-pres Threes often have goals that align with this need for security and stability, whether that’s financial safety or job security. Counter to most Threes, these types don’t like to advertise their strengths and successes. Self-pres Threes have a need for security, and when paired with their joy of achievement, they can work themselves into the ground.
Intimate Threes
Intimate types, in general, are concerned with one-on-one connection and depth. Sx Threes often come alive as performers and love the limelight. They try to surround themselves with other successful people and use their competitiveness to give them an edge in their chosen profession. Sx Threes are greatly concerned with attractiveness and try to present the most attractive version of themselves to the world at all times.
Social Threes
Social types, in general, are concerned with their social standing and whether or not they are accepted by the tribe. Soc Threes focus on winning social approval and are very interested in aligning themselves with successful groups. They want to have influence over large groups of people and will often step up as leaders. These types are motivated by looking good and they naturally market themselves to others.
Personality City 