Enneagram 4 - The Individualist

This is the fourth in a series of nine features that provides insight into each of the Enneagram types. Each feature provides an overview of the type, including how each type responds to stress and evolves in growth. It also includes insight for leaders to customize their approach of support, insight for people working with them to be more intentional partners, and reminders for those that identify with the specific type.

What are the characteristics of an Enneagram 4?

• Fours are self-aware, sensitive, reserved, creative, and personal though they can be moody and self-conscious at times.

• Their basic fear is to lack a personal identity or uniqueness and to live an ‘ordinary’ life.

• They can withdraw from others when feeling too vulnerable and can struggle with melancholy, self-indulgence, and negative self-talk.

• Fours at their best are highly creative people who make their world unique by transforming it and those around them, thus crafting an extraordinary identity.

How do Enneagram 4s respond to stress and growth?

When Fours are stressed, they can take on the unhealthy qualities of a Two

• This can make them become over-involved and clingy

When Fours are healthy, they can take on the healthy qualities of a One

• This can help them become more objective and detail oriented; grounded in reality

For leaders to know when working with Enneagram 4s

• focus on process over rigid goals, paint a picture of the intended outcome for them

• provide intrinsic motivation and opportunities for them to flex their creativity

• acknowledge their feelings and that they may be present more than other types

• understand their creative process may create a work style unique to them

• recognize their creativity and how it enhances their outcomes in a unique way

For people to know when working with Enneagram 4s

• when working together recognize their process will likely be different and their own

• connecting through understanding their feelings will help them feel seen/understood

• let them know how much you value their creativity!

• if you sense they’re in their feels, let them have space but let them know you’re there

• be an ear; sometimes they just need to process through their thoughts to work through it

For Enneagram 4s

• never give up, your vision is worth it and worth seeing through

• your feelings don’t have to own you; there is power in labeling vs living them

• if you are in your feels, get up and move around

• try not to hold someone else’s perceived lack of creativity against them; you are unique

• if people don’t understand you, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you

For more on The Enneagram:

The 9 Ways of Working - Michael J. Goldberg

The 9 Types of Leadership - Beatrice Chestnut, PhD

The Sacred Enneagram - Christopher L. Heuertz

The Enneagram Institute - https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions