The Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker

Overview:

If you or someone you know is easily satisfied with the simple things in life, gets along with just about everybody, and is deathly afraid of conflict, then they might be a Type 9 Peacemaker. Also, if you’ve tested or been told by others that you’re a Type 2, 4, or 6 but you’re not quite sure, this overview should help confirm or change the Enneagram type you identify with most. Those three types often mistype themselves as Nines and vice versa. True Nines are actually the hardest people to type using a traditional Enneagram assessment because they see a bit of themselves in every other type, which makes them good peacemakers.

Key Characteristics:

Nines are called the Peacemaker because they are driven by a deep desire to create and maintain harmony in their environment. They want things to be nice and pleasant all the time, making their core fear anything that disrupts that equilibrium, especially disconnection. Nines are terrified of people or things they love falling away, which is why they work so hard to keep the status quo.

1. Harmonious: Nines strive to maintain peace and harmony in their environment.
2. Easygoing: They are generally easygoing and agreeable, avoiding conflict whenever possible.
3. Empathetic: They can empathize deeply with others’ perspectives.
4. Adaptable: Nines are highly adaptable and can blend in with different groups.
5. Patient: They are patient and tolerant, often going with the flow.
6. Nonjudgmental: Nines are accepting and nonjudgmental, making them great listeners.

Strengths:

Type 9 Peacemakers bring a variety of strengths to their personal and professional lives:

1. Diplomatic: They are skilled at mediating conflicts and finding common ground.
2. Supportive: Nines are supportive and encouraging, making others feel valued.
3. Open-Minded: They are open-minded and accepting of diverse perspectives.
4. Calm: Their calm demeanor can help soothe tense situations.
5. Reliable: Nines are reliable and dependable, often providing stability.
6. Patient: They exhibit patience and tolerance, creating a peaceful environment.

Challenges:

Despite their many strengths, Type 9 Peacemakers also face several challenges:

1. Conflict-Averse: Their fear of conflict can lead to avoidance and suppression of true feelings.
2. Complacent: They may become complacent and resist change, even when it’s necessary.
3. Indecisive: Nines can struggle with indecisiveness, finding it hard to assert themselves.
4. Self-Neglect: They may neglect their own needs and desires to keep the peace.
5. Passive-Aggressive: Their suppressed anger can manifest as passive-aggressive behavior.
6. Disengaged: They can become disengaged or detached, retreating into their own world.

In Relationships:

Type 9 Peacemakers bring both strengths and challenges to their relationships:

1. Supportive: They are supportive and encouraging partners.
2. Empathetic: Their empathy helps them understand their partner’s feelings.
3. Patient: They exhibit patience and tolerance, creating a peaceful relationship.
4. Avoidance: Their avoidance of conflict can lead to unresolved issues.
5. Complacency: They may become complacent and resist addressing relationship problems.
6. Self-Neglect: Nines can neglect their own needs and desires in the relationship.

At Work:

In the workplace, Type 9s are valued for their calm and supportive nature:

1. Team Players: They work well in teams, promoting harmony and collaboration.
2. Reliable: Nines are reliable and dependable, often providing stability.
3. Diplomatic: They excel at mediating conflicts and finding common ground.
4. Adaptable: Their adaptability allows them to blend in and work with diverse groups.
5. Complacent: They may resist change and struggle with assertiveness.
6. Indecisive: Their indecisiveness can hinder decision-making and leadership.

Personal Growth:

For Type 9s, personal growth involves balancing their strengths and addressing their challenges:

1. Assertiveness: Developing assertiveness can help them express their needs and desires.
2. Conflict Resolution: Learning healthy conflict resolution skills can improve their relationships.
3. Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care and acknowledging their own needs is crucial.
4. Goal Setting: Setting and pursuing personal goals can help them overcome complacency.
5. Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help them stay present and engaged.
6. Emotional Awareness: Developing emotional awareness can help them address suppressed feelings.

Type 9 Characters in Film:

Several film characters exemplify the traits of Type 9 Peacemakers:

1. Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump): Easygoing, empathetic, and accepting.
2. Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings): Patient, supportive, and conflict-averse.
3. Chihiro (Spirited Away): Adaptable, calm, and nonjudgmental.
4. Paddington (Paddington): Kind, empathetic, and harmonious.
5. Groot (Guardians of the Galaxy): Gentle, nonjudgmental, and calm.

Wings:

Type 9 Peacemakers can exhibit characteristics of their neighboring types, known as wings, which add nuances to their personality:

1. 9w8 (The Referee):
   • Assertive: More extroverted and assertive.
   • Energetic: Exhibits higher energy levels and sociability.
   • Contradictory: Can be both deferential and competitive.
   • Compartmentalized: Skilled at compartmentalizing emotions.
2. 9w1 (The Dreamer):
   • Introspective: More introspective and self-controlled.
   • Idealistic: Prefers living in the world of ideas and concepts.
   • Integrity: Naturally does the right thing and follows rules.
   • Resentful: Can harbor resentment and exhibit passive-aggressive behavior.