Enneagram Type 1

The Idealist

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What is an Enneagram Type 1 (The Idealist)?
People with an Enneagram Type 1 personality tend to be rational, principled, and judicial in their behavior. They usually have a desire for justice and equality. They are motivated by a strong sense of right and wrong.

Enneagram 1 Personality Traits

Basic Desire

The Type 1 has a strong, innate desire for fairness, accuracy, and order. They tend be bold advocates for the rights of others and when healthy, may challenge the status quo to make push for reforms and equality.  

Idealists tend to respond to negativity by redirecting their emotions in order to gain a sense of control. This may lead them to push themselves even deeper into their work.

Basic Fear

The Type 1 has a basic fear of being incorrect or out of control, especially when they perceive injustice or unfairness. They work to avoid making choices that are impurely motivated and tend to have a strong sense of objective right and wrong. Ones dislike those they believe are corrupt or ill-intentioned.

In summary, Enneagram 1 personalities tend to...

  • Be advocates for change and justice
  • Passionately pursue what they perceive to be right
  • Make rational, balanced choices
  • Seek love and approval from those around them
  • Chase knowledge and wisdom

Enneagram 1 Strengths

Every personality archetype has strengths and blind spots, and these are often amplified in professional settings where we often encounter a diverse group of people with vastly different backgrounds and value systems.

Enneagram 1 Strengths

Strengths that are typically associated with the Enneagram 1 personality include...

  • Defending the rights of others
  • Awareness of and attention to details
  • Idealistic and optimistic worldview
  • Being deeply motivated by personal values
  • Ability to connect to and care for their community

Enneagram 1 Weaknesses

Enneagram 1 Weaknessess

Weaknesses that are typically associated with the Enneagram 1 personality include...

  • Tendency to be perfectionistic
  • Difficulty accepting hard realities
  • Being highly critical of themselves and others
  • Possibility of becoming obsessive or self-righteous

Enneagram 1 Growth

Enneagram 1 Growth

Growth opportunities that are typically associated with the Enneagram 1 personality include...

  • Practicing breathing exercises
  • Recognizing the beauty in “flaws”
  • Being aware of the ways in which they unnecessarily judge themselves and others
  • Working to understand the grey areas and subjectivity in life

How Enneagram 1 personalities like to work

Enneagram 1 Working

Communicating with an Enneagram 1

Take them seriously, understanding their motivation to do what is right.
Enneagram 1 Meeting

Meeting with an Enneagram 1

Abide by the scheduled meeting time and focus on conveying the message clearly.
Enneagram 1 Emailing

Emailing an Enneagram 1

Keep emails sparse; address specific assignments or concerns and encourage them to share their thoughts.
Enneagram 1 Feedback

Giving feedback to an Enneagram 1

Be gentle and express feedback in a constructive way; give specific ways to improve.
Enneagram 1 Conflict

Resolving conflict with an Enneagram 1

Admit your own mistakes, while also expressing how you feel; allow them an opportunity to reflect by themselves, if necessary.

Enneagram 1 Motivations

When people experience pain, stress, or dissatisfaction, it can usually be attributed to energy-draining activities. Therefore, it’s important to know what kinds of activities energize each personality type and which activities drain them.

Enneagram 1 Motivations

Enneagram 1s tend to be motivated and energized by...

  • Fighting for issues of social justice
  • Volunteering and helping those less fortunate
  • Finding the right solutions to problems
  • Pursuing their own personal growth

Enneagram 1 Stress

Enneagram 1 Stress

Enneagram 1s tend to be stressed and drained by...

  • Being perceived as rigid or inflexible
  • Receiving criticism from those they admire
  • Feeling as though they can’t make a difference
  • Overwhelming reminders of corruption in the world

Enneagram 1 Careers

With a firm grasp of reality and pragmatic value system, type Ones tend to thrive when they can create order and organization, especially when they have the autonomy to change existing processes.

Enneagram 1 Energized at Work

Enneagram 1s feel energized at work when...

  • They are asked to share how they would do something
  • Their boss values ethical action and fairness
  • Their peers appreciate and follow their advice
  • Their direct reports listen and do high-quality work
Enneagram 1 Drained at Work

Enneagram 1s feel drained at work when...

  • They are surrounded by negativity or pessimism from coworkers
  • Their boss ignores their ideas
  • Their peers perceive them as overly critical or meticulous
  • Their direct reports do not follow specific instructions

Enneagram type ones are deeply self-controlled and conscientious. They will pursue their passions endlessly and work well when they are allowed to put their desires for moral justice into action.

Enneagram 1 Common Jobs

Common jobs for people with Enneagram 1 personality types

  • Lawyer
  • Judge
  • Social Worker
  • Politician
  • Guidance Counselor
  • Journalist
  • Doctor

Enneagram 1 Relationships (Professional)

When type Ones work alongside others with a more open, outgoing perspective, they can be a stabilizing force and help ground a team in reality. If they work with another type One, it is critical for them to be aligned in their values and goals, otherwise, they risk conflicts over process and control.

Enneagram 1 Work Well With

Enneagram 1s tend to work well with others who...

  • Appreciate their desire for improvement
  • Work with efficiency and accuracy
  • Demonstrate dedication to a broader mission
Enneagram 1 Obstacles

Enneagram 1s may hit obstacles in professional relationships when they...

  • Give feedback in an overly harsh or blunt way
  • Correct or overlook others’ suggestions too often
  • Put too much pressure on their coworkers to maintain their high standards

Enneagram 1 Relationships (Romantic)

Type Ones can be honest, motivated partners when with someone who is more open-minded and relaxed. When in a relationship with other Ones, they should share similar views to avoid regular conflict.

Enneagram 1 Romantic Strengths

In a romantic relationship, Enneagram 1s bring strengths like...

  • Communicating openly and honestly
  • Consistently trying to do what is right for their partner
  • Regularly pursuing personal growth
Enneagram 1 Reomantic Troubles

In romantic relationships, Enneagram 1s may have trouble...

  • Resetting or adjusting their original expectations for the relationship
  • Accepting and looking past the flaws in their partner
  • Being forgiving when their partner makes a mistake

Famous Examples of Enneagram 1s

Enneagram 1 Example Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews

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ENFJ IS 1
Enneagram 1 Example Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher

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ENTJ DI 1
Enneagram 1 Example Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs

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ENTJ Di 1
Enneagram 1 Example Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi

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ESFJ Is 1
Enneagram 1 Example Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt

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INFJ IS 1
Enneagram 1 Example Rudy Giuliani
Rudy Giuliani

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INTJ Id 1
Enneagram 1 Example Al Gore
Al Gore

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INTJ Dc 1
Enneagram 1 Example C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis

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INTJ DI 1
Enneagram 1 Example Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama

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INTJ DI 1
Enneagram 1 Example Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Warren

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ISTJ Cd 1
Enneagram 1 Example Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman

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ISTJ SC 1

Enneagram 1 Wings

Click a link below to explore the wings for Enneagram 1

1w9

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1w2


Enneagram 1 Slide Show

Click through the slides below to learn more about Enneagram 1s:


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Related Personality Types

Below are the DISC and 16-Personality types that are similar to Enneagram Type 1. 

DISC Type Cd, CD, Dc, or D

16-Personality Type ENFJ, ISFJ, ISTJ, or ENTJ

You can find your DISC, Enneagram, and 16-Personality types by taking Crystal's free personality test.


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