There's real value in being able to name what you naturally bring to the table. When I shared something similar in the past, I heard from people who were using it to update their resumes. So, get that resume out if you’re looking to update!

Whether you’re looking for a job or not, I think seeing and knowing your strengths is important. It’s also helpful to notice that often when we “overdo” our greatest strengths, they can actually cause some issues. Here’s a quick example for each type, but the exact experience will likely differ person by person:

1s often give good advice, but this can cause friction when advice is unsolicited.
2s often quickly sense and meet others’ feelings, but sometimes they don’t separate their feelings from those around them.
3s often believe that more is possible and achievable, but this leaves little room for rest.
4s often tune into their emotional depth, but sometimes this means they aren’t able to move forward.
5s often use their rational, reasoned approach, but sometimes this means they forget the emotional side of being a human.
6s often ensure they are highly prepared, but sometimes this means that they get caught in cycles of worry.
7s often see all the available opportunities ahead, but sometimes this means they forget to be present.
8s often push to find deeper truth, but sometimes this means they push back out of reflex rather than from what they really think.
9s often make sure others feel seen, but sometimes this means they are willing to float into the background.

You can read more about this in my blog post, “Overusing Strengths by Enneagram Type”.

But let’s get back to Strengths! Let’s dive in!

If you’d like to see what other people of your type have to say about this post, check it out here!

Common Strengths of Type Nine

Including people
Observing multiple sides of a situation and pulling from perspectives that may be lost in translation
Intuition
Patience
Taking the time to understand why people do what they do
Love for unity
Observing without judgment
The ability to find peace in almost any situation
Level-headedness
Connected & kind
Making everybody feel like somebody
Standing for what they believe is right

Common Strengths of Type Eight

Emotionally tough and resilient
Honesty
Being able to stand up for people when they don't feel they can
Determination & drive
Not afraid to speak up or stand out
Resourcefulness in the face of adversity
Fairness
Making sure everyone's voice is heard
Decisive
Willingness to have hard conversations for the greater good
Relentless pursuit of what matters to them
Commitment to what they believe in
Fierce & loyal

Common Strengths of Type Seven

Positivity
Growth mindset
Insatiable curiosity
Joy
Approachability
The ability to see the silver lining in a bad situation
Can make friends with just about anyone
Leadership often comes naturally
No excuses! They can figure anything out
Always able to see what can get better and believing that it will
Loving life to the fullest
Fun AND funny

Common Strengths of Type Six

Highly prepared!
Committed friendship
Loyalty
Advocacy
Courage to try their best even when they can see the worst
Being the person people come to when they need to think through something
Stepping up in emergencies
Compassion
Attuned to how their actions impact others
Reliable
Looking out for & protecting others
Connectedness
Collaboration with others

Common Strengths of Type Five

Setting & keeping boundaries
Knowledge
Not being easily emotionally attached
Mental clarity
Ability to make rational and logical decisions, unclouded by others' opinions when making decisions
Super observant
Understanding others through noticing what they care about
The ability to use knowledge to help others grow
Making fully informed decisions
Wisdom (integrating knowledge with emotion)
Balanced perception
Ability to think through ideas in a logical way

Common Strengths of Type Four

The ability to feel deeply and understand the human capacity to feel
Holding emotional space for people
Depth
To be present and experience all emotions fully
Empathizing with others even when they are vastly different
Understanding people
Incredibly passionate
Able to articulate thoughts and feelings well
Thinking outside the box
Staying grounded through challenging life events
Seeing the world's beauty, meaning, and depth

Common Strengths of Type Three

Determination
Ability to get stuff done
Hope
Positive perspective on life
Seeing the potential in others
Empathy
Striving to have an impact
Loving deeply and passionately
Commitment to goals & what they say they'll do
Ambitious
Self-motivated
Always showing up & doing their best
Adaptability
The belief that self-improvement is available and possible

Common Strengths of Type Two

Being able to see someone else's emotions easily
Willingness to step up & meet a challenge
Loving people well
The gift of instant connection with others
Resourceful
Passionate
The ability to bring people together for a common goal
Knowing how to help self & others
Understanding others
Catching onto what others are communicating beyond words
The ability to deeply empathize
Remembering small details about others

Common Strengths of Type One

Integrity
Commitment
Desire for goodness and excellence
Ability to give good advice
Constant aim for success
Organization
Strong-willed yet self-reflective
Striving for a life full of profound meaning
Living aligned with values
Intentionality
Commitment to ethical standards, especially under pressure
The ability to implement structure & systems

What do you feel is the greatest strength of your type? Let me know here!

Want to explore more about the Enneagram and how to apply the Enneagram to your everyday life? My book, Enneagram in Real Life, provides you with a step-by-step guide to use the Enneagram as a practical tool for self-discovery, self-awareness, curiosity, and relational wholeness.