Description of Type Five: The Observer

Fives are motivated by the need to gain knowledge and to be independent and self-sufficient.  They observe life from a distance, guard their privacy and space, and avoid being engulfed by others.  They feel more safe and in control when thinking and analyzing than when in their feelings.  They are individualistic and not influenced by social pressure or material possessions.  Attention naturally goes to intrusions and detaching to observe.

Healthy Fives Are: Objective, focused, calm, perceptive, insightful, and curious.  They have ingenious insight.

Unhealthy Fives Can Be: Intellectually arrogant, withholding, controlled, cynical, negative, standoffish, and stingy.

Enneagram Type #5 in Relationships

Strengths (healthy attributes)

·      Objectivity, dispassion, and calmness under pressure

·      Autonomy, self-sufficiency, and self-restraint

·      Respect for other’s privacy and boundaries

·      Undemanding, “live and let live” quality

·      Innovation, introspection, and thoughtful analysis

·      Excellent keeper of confidences and secrets

·      Profound intellect, clarity, and powers of concentration

·      Steadiness, predictability and reliability

Weaknesses (average to unhealthy attributes)

·      Excessive need for privacy, irritated by intrusions

·      Sensitivity to criticism

·      Tendency to detach from feelings and go into the mind

·      Retract and withdraw when under stress or in conflict

·      Take superior position by judging other’s intellect

·      Overanalysis, intellectualization and detachment

·      Overprotection of time and energy

·      Difficulty staying present and available to others

·      Minimization of needs

·      Secretiveness, concern with violation of boundaries

Questions?  Comments?  Suggestions?  My e-mail address is:  grussrowe@cox.net

This page was last updated on 05/29/05.