Enneagram Type 2: The Helper

The Enneagram of Personality, or just the Enneagram, is a representation of personalities using a geometric figure, also called an enneagram (little e), to express nine interconnected personality types. While each type is unique it is related to other types through the circle connecting the type to each of it’s wings and the lines or arrows in the center connecting the type to the ones it imitates in times of stress or growth. The Enneagram is used in business management training to better understand interpersonal dynamics in the workplace. Types Two, Three, and Four constitute the Heart Triad. This triad is primarily motivated by their feelings. Those in the Heart Triad are searching for a sense of personal identity. They are more image-conscious than the other triads. Within the triad, Twos outwardly express feelings and find their identity in others and the way others perceive them. At their best Twos are deeply altruistic and humble. They have an unconditional love for others that is genuine and inspiring. They see helping others and being a part of their lives as a privilege. They are empathetic listeners who are able to get even the shyest of people to feel comfortable opening up to them. At their worst Twos are insecure and resentful. They are able to rationalize resentful and manipulative behavior because they truly feel victimized and abused. Their self-deceptive nature leads them to see that themselves as self-sacrificing or helping when really they are manipulating in order to guilt others into giving them what they want. This information is to help you understand yourself or those around you. Twos can be intense and a bit extra at times. When interacting with them understand that they do genuinely care about you and are trying to help. If they do get resentful or aggressive, be understanding with them as they will beat themselves up about it after they have calmed down or the stress has passed. If you are a Two or Helper, take a moment to think about your needs. You are aware that you have needs, but have pushed them back to focus on helping others. If your needs aren’t being met then you aren’t going to be able to help others as well as you could. It can be difficult to even admit that you need something. Find a trusted friend, you know you have plenty to choose from, and test out a simple need with them. Learn to say no or at least not say yes to everything. Episode Breakdown Main Characteristics Enneagram Type Two is “The Helper” or “The Giver”. Twos are called the Helper because they are the most genuinely helpful of all the types. Even when they are not healthy they perceive themselves as helpful. A Two feels most complete when they are going out of their way to help others. Unfortunately for unhealthy Helpers this helpfulness comes with ulterior motives. They don’t even know they have these sorts of reciprocal expectations. When helping it is done out of true generosity, but when they do not receive help when they need it they feel resentment. Twos see their own needs as something to avoid. They struggle to express their needs instead spending all their time focusing on the needs of others. Sometimes it seems they know what you need before you know it. Sadly they seem to think that expressing their needs will lead to heartbreak or humiliation. The Helper has an uncanny ability to sense or just know what others need. You don’t have to tell a Two what you require, they just know. They have problems, though, when they assume that everyone has this same ability. They are the best gift givers. Twos love helping people, especially when they are down or need a friend. However, they are constantly afraid that once the person can manage for themselves they won’t need the Two anymore. It can be hard for a Two to accept that people don’t have to need them all the t...