How the types are related: Coping triad
The nine Enneagram types are uniquely different, but some of them are interrelated in deep and meaningful ways. “Triads” are the mechanism that Enneagram scholars use to group certain Enneagram types together and highlight their important commonalities.
The Coping triad (also known as “Harmonic Groups”) describes how each Enneagram type behaves in the face of loss, disappointment, or failure—that is, how they react when they don’t get what they want.
Competency types (1, 3, 5)
The Competency triad includes 1s, 3s, and 5s. These types try to remain detached and unemotional in conflict so they can tap into their internal framework of logic, a system of rules and procedures, to determine the best course of action.
Although all of the personality types use mental models to navigate life, the Competency triad over-relies on them under distress. They believe they can use their schemas and thought processes to arrive at a solution, and if they can merely communicate this solution to others, then people will modify their beliefs and the matter will be resolved. However, underneath their desire to be reasonable is an equally substantial fear of emotions.
The Competency triad worries that introducing emotions into their crisis management response could cloud their judgment, overwhelm them, or spiral a situation dangerously out of control. They believe that deviating from a calm, facts-based approach may add fuel to an already precarious situation, at worst causing impulsive reactions that damage relationships or risk retribution.
While their objectivity brings a cool-headedness to conflict, their overconfidence in a system of logic can actually leave a comprehensive understanding by the wayside. The Competency triad must remember to keep an open mind, because any brainy system they use is by definition a map, not reality, and therefore flawed.
Positive Thinking types (2, 7, 9)
The Positive Thinking triad includes 2s, 7s, and 9s. These types deal with pain and conflict by adopting a positive attitude and finding ways to reframe difficult situations in a positive light.
Anything that could be construed negatively has an alternate, positive explanation. If there’s a bright side, these types will find it. It is important to them to believe that everything will work out, because underneath their positive attitude is a fear that an issue will arise that forces them to face negative aspects of themselves.
They are wary of their own needs or the needs of others causing or surfacing problems that evoke painful introspection. Ironically, if they don’t deal with the negative aspects of themselves and those around them, all of the problems that they tried to explain away will eventually pile up and overwhelm them.
When they are able to look at both the positive and negative aspects of a given situation, they are able to use their wisdom to spread positivity and forge a path forward.
Reactive types (4, 6, 8)
The Reactive triad includes 4s, 6s, and 8s, all of whom react strongly and vocally to pain and suffering as a coping strategy to deal with negative emotions, like loss or disappointment.
If these types have a problem, other people will undoubtedly hear about it. They want to express themselves fully when they are in conflict or upset and expect others to acknowledge the magnitude of their emotional states. It is important to them to know where others stand in conflict, because underneath their reactivity is a fear of being betrayed and abandoned. This can lead to issues with trusting others; they are wary of losing control over their lives and losing those they care about.
If they do not feel heard, their anger and resentment builds and they may become vindictive. However, when they are able to process and integrate their feelings, Reactive types are able to move on relatively quickly and permanently.
Next time, we’ll look at the Harmony triad: how each Enneagram type comes into balance with the qualities that are less accessible to them and can grow into a more well-rounded and integrated person.