Personal values and the Enneagram: what each type holds dear
Values and motivations overlap but are not the same. This page shows the values commonly linked to each type and how to tell a chosen value from a fear-driven rule.
Values and core motivation
Values are principles you consciously choose to live by. Core motivation, in Enneagram terms, is a mix of desire and fear that often works below conscious choice. The two frequently line up: a One values integrity, a Six values loyalty, a Nine values harmony. The difference matters because a value can be held flexibly, while a fear-driven rule tends to be rigid.
Values associated with each type
| Type | Values often held | When the value turns rigid | A flexible version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Integrity, fairness, quality | "Everything must be done correctly" | "I aim for integrity and accept imperfection" |
| 2 | Kindness, generosity, connection | "I must always be available" | "I care for others and for myself" |
| 3 | Excellence, efficiency, achievement | "I am only as good as my results" | "I pursue excellence and rest without guilt" |
| 4 | Authenticity, beauty, depth | "I must never be ordinary" | "I express myself and value ordinary moments" |
| 5 | Knowledge, independence, competence | "I must never need anyone" | "I value independence and accept support" |
| 6 | Loyalty, responsibility, security | "I must prepare for every threat" | "I plan sensibly and trust myself" |
| 7 | Freedom, joy, curiosity | "I must never feel limited" | "I value freedom and keep commitments" |
| 8 | Justice, strength, honesty | "I must never be vulnerable" | "I stand strong and let people in" |
| 9 | Peace, acceptance, unity | "I must avoid all conflict" | "I value peace and speak my mind" |
Telling values from fears
A quick check is to ask how you feel when you cannot act on a value. If you feel disappointed but able to adapt, it is likely a chosen value. If you feel anxious, ashamed or threatened, a core fear may be attached. A Two who cannot help a friend one weekend and feels mild regret is acting from a value. A Two who feels panic that the friendship is now at risk is closer to the fear.
A values exercise
- List your five most important values without looking at the table.
- Compare them with your type's column and note overlaps.
- For each overlap, write the rigid version and the flexible version.
- Choose one situation this month to practise the flexible version.
Values questions
What does an Enneagram Type 8 value most?+−
Justice, honesty and strength are commonly described, along with protecting people they care about.
Are my values determined by my Enneagram type?+−
No. Values are shaped by culture, experience and choice. Type may make some values feel more natural.
Can two types share the same values?+−
Yes. Loyalty, for example, matters to many types, even if the reason differs.
Why do my values feel rigid sometimes?+−
When a value is attached to a core fear, it can harden into a rule. Noticing the fear helps loosen it.
Continue exploring
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