enneagram

calendar

articles

workshops

biography

home

links

email

Point Seven - The Positive Planner
Sevens are mental types who are forward thinkers and forward movers. They usually bring an optimistic and positive attitude to all of their activities. They are interested in many different subjects. They don't want to be limited to doing one thing and they prefer to keep their options and possibilities open. Although they can be excellent communicators, they are less concerned with image and other people's approval than other types. It's important to have fun, whether that's found in travel and adventure or more intellectual pursuits. They are enthusiastic consumers of new ideas, new technology, and pleasurable experiences. However, too much of a good thing can be a problem for them. Because their attention shifts so quickly, it's challenging for them to go into things in depth and to stay the course in work and relationships. Slowing down, being in the moment, and learning to tolerate their own and other people's suffering - all can bring needed balance.
Strengths: Adventurous, fun loving, quick thinking.
Problems: Self-absorbed, dispersed, uncommitted.
Speaking Style: Personal storytelling, which can be either very entertaining or simply self-absorbed. They also focus on the positive, and tend to ignore or quickly "reframe" the negative.
Lower emotional habit: Gluttony, which is not just about food but rather a kind of intoxication or over consumption of ideas, fun experiences, or substances.
Higher emotion: Sobriety, which means both limiting consumption and calming the mind in order to be present in the moment.
Psychological defenses: Sevens use the defense mechanism of rationalization to avoid suffering and to maintain a self image of being "OK." (Rationalization is a style of explaining or justifying in order to keep away pain or refuse to take responsibility).
Somatic patterns: For Sevens, energy and attention tends to go "up and out" rather than "down and in." In contrast to the Fives, bio-energy moves to the periphery of the body and away from the core. Sevens tend to stay over-stimulated with ideas, substances, or adventures depending on their body type. They are often quite physically loose and flexible. Rather than tension, the challenge is "being in" their bodies and getting grounded.
Famous people: Michael Caine, Lily Tomlin, Eddie Murphy, Goldie Hawn, Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Bette Midler · John F. Kennedy, Abbie Hoffman, Sarah Ferguson, Richard Branson · Bonnie Raitt, Barbra Streisand, David Crosby, Peter Pan, Larry King, Charlie Rose, · Ram Dass, Joseph Campbell, Voltaire, Walt Whitman, Frank Lloyd Wright, Thoreau.

Tips for relating to Sevens:
To create rapport: Appreciate their stories and positive ideas.
Try to avoid: Being too negative or interrupting the flow.
Join them in: Having fun and envisioning new possibilities.
To handle conflict: Challenge them to take responsibility for their actions, while staying as positive as possible. Get them to stop talking and listen. Let them know what you or others need from them. Repeat it often.
To support their growth: Encourage their sobriety. Help them to get more "down and in." Support them in staying grounded, balancing their good ideas with common sense. Stress the importance of feedback. Be there for them when they begin to feel their pain.