Enneagram Type 3: The Achiever

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 do not believe they are worthy of love so they take on personas to attain it. Because of this, they are more image-conscious than the other triads. Within the triad, threes are the most image-conscious though they struggle the most with understanding feelings. They prefer to ignore them, sometimes to the point that they don’t even acknowledge they exist both within themselves and others. Three’s also make up part of the central triangle of the Enneagram’s geometric figure. The 3-6-9 connection is strong as it creates a closed loop from the other types. These three types can blend together and sometimes be difficult to classify. “Being a Three living in [the United States of] America is like being an alcoholic living in a saloon.” ~ Ian Cron At their best, Threes are authentic, self-accepting, and everything they appear to be to the world. They are modest, gentle, and benevolent. When healthy their heart comes out and they are secure enough in themselves to even enjoy self-deprecating humor. They will be able to see their own value and competency. Belief in themselves drives them to be their best with ambitious self improvement. They are highly motivated and able to motivate others. At their worst, Threes are vindictive and deceptive. Their fear of failure and humiliation drives an obsessive desire to destroy anything that showcases or even admits their own faults. Jealous of other’s success they become willing to do anything to maintain their illusion of superiority. Unhealthy Threes can be opportunistic, even attempting to ruin other’s success in order to make themselves look good. This information is to help you understand yourself or those around you. There is a line between a personality type and a stereotype. If you aren’t careful you can see all Threes as the success-crazed, ruthless, image-obsessed business person who claws their way to success on the backs of those they left behind. This is a cliche but it’s not without some truth. Our culture is obsessed with success and image, not just in the USA. This culture glorifies the average to unhealthy Three. Achievers who are moving toward a healthy balance are truly impressive because they are swimming against the cultural current. For those of us around Threes be it at work, friendships, or relationships, the best thing we can do is express to them they are accepted and loved just for who they are while still calling them out when they get too task driven and success obsessed. Episode Breakdown Main Characteristics The Enneagram Type Three is “The Achiever” or “The Performer”. Threes are called “The Performer” because of the way they are able to read a crowd and put on what ever show is needed to motivate or inspire. They are also known as “The Achiever” because of their strong desire for success and to appear successful. Unfortunately for unhealthy Achievers their desire for success doesn’t stem from a desire for the benefits of success but from an avoidance of feeling empty and worthless. Without the attention and sense of accomplishment from success Threes feel they have no value.