People with an Enneagram type Four personality tend to be creative, sensitive, and expressive in their behavior. They like to be unique and seek to find their own identity. Though they desire relationships, they may seem distant and reserved, especially in group settings.
What is Enneagram Type 5
(The Thinker)?
People with an Enneagram type Five personality tend to be curious, independent, and observant in their behavior. They love to pursue knowledge and seek a deeper understanding of the world around them. They often prefer privacy and time alone to think, which may lead them to withdraw from others.
Communication
How can Fours and Fives communicate effectively with each other?
Enneagram Fours and Fives are both deep thinkers. Fours are driven by their need for a distinctive identity, while Fives are motivated by a desire to be competent and knowledgeable. Fours should be direct with Fives, avoiding overly emotional expressions. Fives should address Fours with sensitivity, allowing them to share their thoughts and avoiding harsh phrasing.
Resolving Conflict
How can Fours and Fives resolve conflict?
Fours should communicate their perspective in a balanced, even-tempered way; they should also allow Fives plenty of space to reflect if the situation becomes too tense. Fives should listen attentively to Fours and remain open to other perspectives. Both personalities should acknowledge their part in contributing to the situation while working together to find a suitable compromise.
Building Trust
How can Fours and Fives build trust?
Fours generally trust Fives who can be emotionally honest. Fives should spend quality time with Fours, avoiding withdrawing when uncomfortable. They should work to be more expressive and understanding.
Fives are likely to trust Fours who appreciate their knowledge about the world. Fours should also give Fives plenty of space to think and reflect privately.
Fours tend to be artistic and insightful, while Fives are intellectual and rational.
Fours bring creative ideas and sensitivity to a work environment; they can help Fives better understand others.
Fives offer intellect and practical solutions to a workplace. Fives can help Fours learn to express themselves more logically.
Dealing with Change
How can Fours and Fives deal with change?
Fours and Fives aren’t generally concerned with routine and don’t tend to be very affected by change. Fours are usually focused on internal factors, while Fives tend to only be impacted if a new situation disrupts or lessens their personal time.
Managing Stress
Fours and Fives need to seek to understand what brings stress to the other type and should try to avoid causing it when possible.
Fours are easily stressed by...
Casual or meaningless conversation
Parties and large groups of unfamiliar people
Lack of personal creativity
Being interrupted or facing an argument
Fives are easily stressed by...
Large groups of unfamiliar people
Emotional expressions and situations
Being required to meet other people’s needs
Overstimulation or lack of peace
Fours should give Fives plenty of time to be alone, while Fives should avoid belittling Fours’ emotions.
Encouraging and Motivating
Fours and Fives can encourage and motivate each other in their personal and professional lives.
Fours are motivated by...
Building connections and relationships with others
Taking personal time to reconnect with themselves
Expressing their emotions through a form of art
Feeling valued and accepted for who they are
Fives are motivated by...
Discovering something new about the world
Alone time to think and reconnect with themselves
Learning a new skill or technique
Feeling valued, able, and appreciated
Fours can encourage Fives by appreciating their wisdom and rational thinking.
Fives can motivate Fours by affirming their creative works and acknowledging their uniqueness.
Enneagram Test
Complete the Enneagram test below to find your Enneagram type.
