I agree that the Myers Briggs is a useful starting point in the creation of self-awareness and the promotion of self-reflection. However, as with all merely ‘descriptive’ models of personality preferences the MB provides limited guidance and insights into ‘why’ we develop these preferences. And maybe more importantly, the MB does not provide a rich resource for ‘how’ we can shift out of our habitual ways of thinking/feeling, sensing/perceiving etc. to embrace the desired change. Much like diagnostic categories in clinical psychology, MB codes can create confining boxes when not augmented by other models of change.

We need to get beyond our personality boxes!

A more dynamic model – one that reveals the ‘motivation’ behind our personality strategies and preferences – is required for us to achieve deeper and more lasting personal and professional development. The Enneagram is indeed the map for our journey beyond our habitual boxes. The Enneagram not only describes our strengths, positive qualities and gifts, but reveals the patterns of perception and avoidance that get us stuck in self-defeating cycles. By pointing us towards alternative resources within the matrix of our personality styles, the Enneagram provides practical and powerful ways of enhancing our intra-personal and interpersonal intelligence.

Wim.