Understanding Enneagram Wings and How They Shape You
- podteamoffice
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
Ever heard of Enneagram Wings?
They are yet another piece to the dynamic puzzle of the Enneagram structure.
The Enneagram wings are the two numbers adjacent to your core Enneagram type. They influence how your main type is expressed by adding complementary traits from the neighboring types.
Remember your core type remains dominant, it doesn’t change, but your wing can shape how you interact with the world, process emotions, and approach challenges.
Let’s break it down:
You have one core type (e.g., Type 4).
Your wings are the numbers directly next to your type (e.g., a Type 4 can have a 3 wing (4w3) or a 5 wing (4w5)).
Some people strongly lean into one wing, while others balance both or switch depending on circumstances.
Wings do not change your core motivations; they just add “flavor” to enhance your personality.
Brief Overview of Each Wing Pair
Type 1 (The Reformer)
1w9: More reserved, idealistic, and introspective.
1w2: More people-oriented, warm, and service-driven.
Type 2 (The Helper)
2w1: More principled, structured, and disciplined.
2w3: More social, ambitious, and image-conscious.
Type 3 (The Achiever)
3w2: More charismatic, people-pleasing, and socially aware.
3w4: More introspective, creative, and emotionally deep.
Type 4 (The Individualist)
4w3: More expressive, ambitious, and driven.
4w5: More introspective, intellectual, and unconventional.
Type 5 (The Investigator)
5w4: More artistic, sensitive, and emotionally aware.
5w6: More analytical, security-focused, and loyal.
Type 6 (The Loyalist)
6w5: More intellectual, skeptical, and independent.
6w7: More social, adventurous, and engaging.
Type 7 (The Enthusiast)
7w6: More loyal, community-oriented, and cautious.
7w8: More assertive, risk-taking, and bold.
Type 8 (The Challenger)
8w7: More energetic, spontaneous, and adventurous.
8w9: More grounded, strategic, and calm.
Type 9 (The Peacemaker)
9w8: More assertive, protective, and independent.
9w1: More idealistic, perfectionistic, and structured.
Here are a few ways Wings enhance your Core Type:
Refine and balance your core type, making your personality more unique
Soften or intensify your core type in different situations
Expand your social or emotional skills by helping with connection in different ways than your core type would
Provide more tools for problem solving
Influence your work style, leadership, and creativity
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Your wing is an extra layer of personality that helps you navigate life with more versatility. They also give us unique ways to serve and impact the world.
Do you know your Enneagram Type?
Do you recognize how your wings enhance your core type?
Email us and let us know.
Spread Your Wings!
Katie and Kristan