Enneagram Tritype (formerly called Trifix)

You have a dominant Enneagram Type in each center: Head, Heart & Gut

Take the Enneacards Enneagram Test to determine your Tritype

What is your 'Enneagram Tritype'?
Since 1995, we have given thousands of Enneacards Tests and Enneastyle Questionnaires to Enneagram Enthusiasts all over the world. We have also conducted thousands of Enneagram interviews and one on one coaching sessions.

Over the years, we found that a dominant Enneagram Type consistently motivated our clients. In addition and of significance, was that clients used not just one but three Enneagram Types—one in each center: head (5,6,7), heart (2,3,4) and gut (8,9,1) in a predictable and preferred order.

In other words, each Enneagram Type represents a strategy to negotiate life, relationships and work. Although one is your preferred strategy, acting as the CEO, and dominant in your life, you also use the strategies of two other Enneagram Types.

The use of three Enneagram Types was first introduced to us by a teacher from the Arica School circa 1996. We were fascinated by this concept as it appeared to explain what we had observed with clients. We then began to actively research the manner in which we each use not just one, but three fixations.

As key research findings emerged, we assumed that we had rediscovered what Enneagram pioneer, Oscar Ichazo already knew. Therefore, when we began to distribute the information on our findings we gave attribution to Ichazo for both the term and the concept.

In 2008, we were contacted by a representative of Arica and were told that our research on the Trifix represented a separate body of work. We were informed that that we define the Enneagram Types in the same manner as the Arica School but that we introduced original findings- concepts that had not been taught by Ichazo.

As such, in appreciation of Ichazo's contribution of the Enneagram and to more fully distinguish our original research findings, we have changed the name ‘Trifix' to 'Tritype'.

How the Tritype works
Although one of these three Types is dominant, or your primary Type, the other two Types play a large role in your life. What is surprising is that these two other Types are not always the Types along the lines of connection (the lines connected to your primary Type).

For example, if you are a Type 9 you may or may not have Type 3 and/or Type 6 as part of your Tritype. You could have a Tritype of 9-2-6 or 9-3-6 or 9-4-6 or 9-2-5, 9-2-7 and so on. Each Tritype combination creates a different expression of Enneagram Type. If you are an Enneagram Type 4 you might have a Tritype of 4-6-8. This would mean you predominantly use Type 4, however, if the 4 strategies don’t work you will next use the strategies of Type 6 and then Type 8. Your Enneagram Type 4 would still be in charge. However, when the 4 strategies fails to produce results and all permutations (wings and lines of connections) of Type 4 have been exhausted, you will then shift to use the dominant Type in each of the other two centers to manage problems and create solutions.

If your primary Type is 8, you might have a Tritype configuration of 8-7-4. The primary Enneagram Type for you would be Type 8, however, this Tritype combination indicates that you would most likely be a strong, positive person who seeks solutions (8), options (7) and meaning (4). What is fascinating is that if the strategy of Type 8 fails to give you the desired results of overcoming obstacles, you would then employ the strategy of Type 7 and then if needed Type 4.

Tritype Examples
The Tritype reveals the distinct differences of those sharing the same Enneagram Type. The Tritype also explains how individuals sharing the same three fixations may have more in common than those sharing the same Enneagram Type.

For example, if you were an 8-7-4, you would have secondary strategies that are very different than an 8-2-6. The 8-7-4 is a fast paced creative, feelingful and optimistic Type 8 whereas the 8-2-6 is a more cynical, loyal and helpful Type 8. Further, if you are the 8-7-4 Type 8, you may relate more to a 7-4-8 than another Type 8 that has a different Tritype.

Understanding the Tritype in practice.
Just as with your primary Enneagram Type you will experience the other Types in your Tritype in both positive and negative ways.

To understand how this works in practice, if someone with a Tritype of 8-7-4, finds that taking charge like an 8 isn't working, they may try to lighten up or be positive like a 7, and if that doesn't work, may search for meaning like a 4. The 8 fear of being disempowered is driving the process. If the 8 still feels disempowered and unable to direct their circumstances the 8-7-4 may feel over-extended and scattered (7) and painfully lacking (4). So this person has used the strategies of three Enneagram Types, one from each of the three Enneagram Centers (Head-Heart-Gut), in a preferred order of 8-7-4.

Another example would be a 4-6-8. Here we have a more aggressive and reactive Type 4 than say a 4-9-5, who would be more withdrawn, passive (9) and avoidant (5). Another example would be a 9-7-2. This would be the Type 9 with a very rosy and positive outlook desiring easygoing relationships. A 9-5-3 would be the kind of 9 who is more intellectual (5), perfectionistic and focused on efficiency (3) with less of an emphasis on maintaining harmonious relationships than other 9s.

How your Tritype was determined and what it means about you.
In the second half of the Enneacards Enneagram Test, you were asked to rank Enneacards to determine your preferred Enneagram Type in each of the three Enneagram centers: head, heart and gut. You were then asked to rank your choices among the three centers. This revealed your preferred Enneagram Type in each center in order of preference or your Tritype.

Your Tritype is like your own Enneagram thumbprint showing the unique way that you manage your life using the strategies available to you. It defines the strategies you employ to negotiate life. It also identifies what motivates you. Further it reveals why you are different from others of the same Enneagram Type.

Difficulty determining your Enneagram Type
When it is difficult to determine your primary Enneagram Type it can be helpful to try and first determine your Tritype. Understanding the Tritype also helps clear up look-a-likes.

We suggest you take the time to learn about all three Enneagram Types in your Tritype. Additionally, if you are still unsure of your Enneagram Type, research has shown, that there is a very high probability that your actual Enneagram Type is among the three Types in your Tritype. With observation you can determine which of the three Types is the CEO or commander in chief. Identifying and confirming your dominant Enneagram Type is an essential part of the transformation process. Do not be discouraged if it takes time, as the process itself will give you many valuable insights.

 

All content Katherine Chernick Fauvre & David W. Fauvre, Enneagram Explorations, © 1995-2008