Type 1:

1s align themselves with what they believe to be a strong internal system of values and integrity. In becoming attached to these beliefs, they can close themselves off to new, varied, or unexpected experiences, and in doing so, find even more evidence of their own rightness. Their rigidity in sticking to their own beliefs can result in them giving their power away to a totem pole of values, which may no longer even align with their inner truth or ever-unfolding circumstances.

Type 2:

In working hard to ensure security of connection, 2s over-focus on how they’re being experienced by other people. Instead of grounding themselves in their own sense of self and acting from this place of authenticity and inner truth, they define the experience by what they believe to be going on for the other person. This can result in over-reading signals and adjusting themselves to ensure positive regard from others. In doing so, they give their power away to another person’s perceptionand behaviour.

Type 3:

3s focus of attention goes towards productivity and the efficient use of time to achieve good results. They may not notice where they give their power away, as the very energy with which they operate in the world seems to come from a place of endless power. However, in their desire to be a certain kind of person, they give their power away to the relentless pursuit of high performance and to the adjustments they need to make in themselves to keep showing up well.

Type 4:

4s are very familiar with the ups and downs of their emotions which makes them more readily able to accept the intensity of the human experience. However, in allowing themselves to get swept along with the currents of their inner landscape, they disconnect from their inner anchor and lose themselves to idealism, comparison and longing.  4s end up then giving their power away to a broad range of sensitivities, emotions and external experiences that may have little to do with their own embodied reality.

Type 5:

5s have a strong sense of independence and seldom struggle to keep themselves separate from others, making them seem secure in their inner power. However, in placing such high importance on self-sufficiency and on the head taking the lead, 5s can end up giving their power away to mental busyness, over-analysis and rational thinking. By holding on to their power, they end up giving it away, cutting themselves off from true clarity of thought, from their intuition and from the value of inter-connection.

Type 6:

6s often find themselves disconnected from their inner navigation system, deferring to either external sources or getting themselves confused by their many contradictory internal voices. By allowing the volume of these various contributors to get too loud, 6s lose sight of their own internal truth and give their power away to anything other than their inner wisdom. This results in self-doubt, continuous internal questioning and lack of contact with the courage that’s available to them.

Type 7:

7s prefer not to look at the difficulties arising in their lives. It’s not that they are oblivious to them, it’s just that they try and deflect, defer or disallow…putting off facing what needs to be faced in favour of something “nicer.” This makes 7s feel they’re holding on to their power by staying upbeat, uplifted and inspired, but their refusal to look at the harsh truth about a situation, person or themselves means they’re actually giving their power away to a false idea of reality.

Type 8:

Given the toughness of their exterior, 8s might find it difficult recognising that they too give their power away.  In ensuring they don’t succumb to any feeling of weakness, 8s shut out and shut down anything that threatens their sense of control, resulting in a protected way of being that only serves to keep them distanced from their own human sensitivities and from people trying to support them.  By trying to avoid their very human infallibility, they end up giving their power away to…power.

Type 9:

9s numb out from what’s calling for their attention by diffusing, softening or even deadening any sense of urgency towards the areas in their lives that really need facing. Instead, they favour self-soothing activities that give them the sense of harmony they’re seeking. The result is that they give their power away to an experience of busyness that is focused on anything or anyone except what they want, need or desire and the “right action” truly required.

Bright Light Leaders is an Enneagram-based Leadership Programme for women who are tired of giving their power away. Find out more here.