ATA Enneagram Subtypes

The Enneagram Subtypes Explained

What are the ATA Enneagram Subtypes?

The 27 Enneagram Subtypes from Awareness to Action International represent the unique intersection of three instinctual biases—preserving, navigating, transmitting—with the nine Strategies of the ATA Enneagram. Each of the 27 subtypes forms a distinct profile, reflecting the nuanced ways an individual’s instinctual priorities and adaptive strategies shape and influence their personality, relationships, and personal growth.

By combining these dimensions, the 27 Enneagram subtypes offer a rich and detailed understanding of human behavior and motivation. They illustrate how instinctual drives and core strategies work together to create a comprehensive and personalized framework for self-awareness and development.

Hands connecting puzzle pieces, symbolizing the 27 Enneagram subtypes

Why Are the 27 Enneagram Subtypes Important?

The Nuanced Layers of Personality

The Enneagram subtypes of the ATA approach provide a deeper understanding of personality beyond the core Enneagram types. By examining the interplay between instinctual biases and strategies, they reveal the subtleties and complexities that make each person unique.

For example, the subtypes of Enneagram Type One all share the same core drive (striving to feel perfect) but channel it toward different instinctual priorities. This layered perspective enhances our ability to understand ourselves and others in a more nuanced and meaningful way.

How the 27 Enneagram Subtypes Work?

The Intersection of the Instinctual Biases and the Types

Each subtype is a combination of the two dimensions of the ATA Enneagram:

Dimension 1: The Three Instinctual Biases
- Preserving: Focused on safety, comfort, and practical needs.
- Navigating: Oriented toward group dynamics and social belonging.
- Transmitting: Prioritizing intensity, connection, and attraction.
Dimension 2: Enneagram Strategies
- 9 Types: The nine core strategies are rooted in specific drives or motivations, such as striving to feel secure, perfect, or peaceful.

This dynamic pairing creates subtypes that highlight how instinctual drives shape and modify the way each Enneagram type pursues its core strategy.

Silhouette of a person with a yin and yang symbol, representing two dimensions of the ATA Enneagram Subtypes

Exploring the 27 Enneagram Subtypes

The Interplay of Instinctual Biases and Strategies in Everyday Life

TYPE ONE

The Preserving One (P1)

Theme: Perfect Preserving

P1s focus on perfection by addressing nesting and nurturing impulses. As Preservers, they are attuned to safety, resources, well-being, and health. True perfectionists, they pressure themselves to get things right, especially in their environment. Their focus may be on work details, responsibility, or personal health and finance. P1s prioritize security and orderliness, with a self-controlled, cautious approach to decisions. They bring thoroughness and attention to detail, often delving into even small inconsistencies to ensure things are done correctly.

The Navigating One (N1)

Theme: Perfect Navigating

N1s navigate the social domain by striving for perfection. As Navigators, they are attuned to hierarchy, status, and relationships. They pressure themselves to act perfectly in social situations, maintain a good reputation, and avoid mistakes. More approachable than other Ones, they excel at understanding group dynamics and ensuring others follow social rules. Their focus on fairness and behavior makes them skilled at managing interpersonal relationships and group harmony.

The Transmitting One (T1)

Theme: Perfect Transmitting

T1s express their instinctual behaviors through striving for perfection. As Transmitters, they focus on positioning themselves to be noticed and make an impact. They maintain high personal standards to avoid criticism and demonstrate personal excellence, aiming to set an example for others. Their focus is on improving themselves and the world around them, wanting to look, act, and live right, while encouraging others to do the same.

TYPE TWO

The Preserving Two (P2)

Theme: Connected Preserving

P2s express nesting and nurturing behaviors through a strategy of striving to feel connected. Attuned to well-being and safety, they face conflicting drives: focusing on their own needs while connecting with others. This makes them less social than other Twos, often maintaining a tight circle of trusted friends and family. They are supportive and giving to those close to them but can also be demanding. P2s are likable, attentive, and approachable, but they set strict boundaries and are quicker to distance themselves than N2s or T2s.

The Navigating Two (N2)

Theme: Connected Navigating

N2s navigate social dynamics by striving to feel connected. Outgoing and expressive, they excel at networking and reading group dynamics to identify high-status individuals. N2s derive their sense of identity from their connections, often working to ingratiate themselves with influential people. They take pride in bringing people together, particularly in prestigious social causes or groups, and feel fulfilled by making a meaningful impact on their community or industry. Ultimately, N2s are driven by a genuine desire to make the world better while gaining recognition for their contributions.

The Transmitting Two (T2)

Theme: Connected Transmitting

T2s express attracting and bonding behaviors through a strategy of striving to feel connected. They are highly attuned to how to be noticed and make an impact. With a strong need to connect, T2s aim to merge with others, making them the subtype with the most drive for close engagement. Outgoing and empathetic, they excel at making others feel special and appreciated. However, their emotional volatility can surface if they feel ignored or unappreciated. When they learn boundaries, T2s become supportive champions; without them, they may become angry or punitive.

TYPE THREE

The Preserving Three (P3)

Theme: Outstanding Preserving

P3s combine nurturing instincts with a drive to feel outstanding. They focus on productivity and gain value from accomplishing tasks and staying active. They feel uncomfortable when not being productive and often create to-do lists, taking pleasure in crossing off completed tasks. Although they seek approval, P3s are less image-focused than other Threes. Their appearance is typically neat and appropriate, but not designed to stand out. In their work and personal life, they prioritize efficiency and accomplishment over external validation, aiming to feel valued through their productivity and the impact they make.

The Navigating Three (N3)

Theme: Outstanding Navigating

N3s navigate social situations by striving to feel outstanding. Instinctively attuned to hierarchy, identity, and status, they aim to appear socially acceptable and respected. Skilled at reading group dynamics and corporate politics, they refine their networks and adapt easily to different environments. While polished and charming, their ability to shift to meet the expectations of influential people can make them seem chameleon-like. This adaptability is key to their success but may also be seen as a lack of commitment to core values.

The Transmitting Three (T3)

Theme: Outstanding Transmitting

T3s express bonding instincts through a strategy of striving to be outstanding. Driven by a need for achievement, they relentlessly push for improvement and success. Skilled at self-presentation, they embody traits admired in their environment. Fast-paced and impatient, they get frustrated when obstacles arise. Though they appear self-confident, T3s care deeply about others’ perceptions, and their confidence can falter if they feel misunderstood. Often charming, T3s are strategic in who they impress, planning their social interactions rather than relying on spontaneous charm.

TYPE FOUR

The Preserving Four (P4)

Theme: Unique Preserving

P4s express bonding instincts through a strategy of striving to feel unique. Instinctively attuned to resources and well-being, they view their environment as a work of art, even without being artistically stereotypical. They want their surroundings to reflect their nature—refined, noticeable yet subtle, and tasteful. P4s pay attention to their appearance, preferring understated elegance. They are often in search of self-expression, balancing contradictions in their personality. Outgoing at times, they may withdraw when feeling unappreciated or when they need to reflect on their emotions.

The Navigating Four (N4)

Theme: Unique Navigating

N4s navigate the social domain by striving to feel unique. Instinctively attuned to identity, status, and group dynamics, they often compare themselves to others. They desire to fit in but struggle to maintain their individuality, leading to a sense of standing on the edges of the group. Unlike P4s and T4s, N4s are less competitive and more focused on their identity search. Their envy stems not from others’ success, but from their own lack of self-identity. N4s often try on new identities, but their shifting nature can make them seem like Sevens.

The Transmitting Four (T4)

Theme: Unique Transmitting

T4s express instinctual behaviors related to attracting and connecting by striving to feel unique. They are attuned to how they are perceived and aim to make an impact through creativity and intensity. T4s channel their vision into creating things that reflect their unique qualities—whether in business, art, or relationships. They are driven, emotional, and often experience periods of intense productivity or deep withdrawal. While they seek to share their vision, they also struggle with the pain of their sensitivity, valuing self-expression and their unique perspective on the world.

TYPE FIVE

The Preserving Five (P5)

Theme: Detached Preserving

P5s express nesting and nurturing instincts by striving for detachment. They focus on minimizing needs, embracing minimalism while avoiding unnecessary complications. Often balancing between minimalism and hoarding, they value stability, consistency, and routines. While not outwardly emotional, they are sensitive and easily overwhelmed by chaos. At work, P5s are reserved, preferring independent tasks and complex problem-solving. They excel in advisory roles but may struggle with social dynamics. Though they appear detached, P5s can be ambitious, carefully choosing where to invest their time, energy, and resources.

The Navigating Five (N5)

Theme: Detached Navigating

N5s navigate social dynamics by balancing detachment and engagement. Like all Navigators, they are instinctively attuned to hierarchy, identity, and interpersonal relationships. N5s are drawn to the group but often intellectualize their involvement, preferring advisory roles. They are big-picture thinkers, seeing the group as a system to be analyzed, and are strategic in their approach. Warm and engaging at times, they can also become remote, creating a push-pull dynamic that confuses others. This internal conflict between the desire to connect and the need for detachment leads to mixed signals and a sense of emotional distance.

The Transmitting Five (T5)

Theme: Detached Transmitting

T5s express the instinctual behaviors related to attracting and bonding through a strategy of detachment. Like all Transmitters, they are attuned to positioning themselves for visibility and legacy. T5s can seem contradictory—outgoing and assertive one moment, introverted and withdrawn the next. They often embrace the role of subject-matter expert, enjoying teaching and sharing their knowledge. With wide-ranging interests, they dive deeply into obscure topics, typically in isolation. Once immersed, they seek an audience to share with, focusing on a select few with whom they have close bonds.

TYPE SIX

The Preserving Six (P6)

Theme: Secure Preserving

P6s express instinctual behaviors related to nesting and nurturing through a strategy of seeking security. They are highly attuned to issues of safety and risk, making them vigilant and proactive in guarding against threats. This sensitivity can be valuable in the right environment but may seem fearful or negative in others. P6s are warm, engaging, and protective, with strong interpersonal skills. However, they may adopt a contrarian stance if they sense inconsistency or hidden motives in others. While often anxious, P6s can also be determined, persistent, and bold when addressing threats.

The Navigating Six (N6)

Theme: Secure Navigating

N6s navigate the social domain by seeking security and are highly group-oriented. Friendly and sociable, they use humor and hospitality to put others at ease while staying under the radar. They find security in their role within the group, working hard to meet expectations and ensuring the roles of others are clear. N6s are loyal to trusted authorities but can quickly turn anti-authoritarian if that trust is violated. They are focused on maintaining stability within the group and can be suspicious of outsiders or unclear agendas.

The Transmitting Six (T6)

Theme: Secure Transmitting

T6s express their instinctual behaviors through a strategy of striving for security. As Transmitters, they aim to be noticed and make an impact by balancing assertiveness with vigilance, constantly testing their environment for danger. T6s can shift quickly between being charming and assertive to reactive and cautious, often driven by a need to feel competent and capable. Outgoing and energetic, they connect with others but may become aggressive if they feel suspicious. T6s are sometimes mistyped as Eights or Threes due to their high energy, but their underlying anxiety sets them apart.

TYPE SEVEN

The Preserving Seven (P7)

Theme: Excited Preserving

P7s express instinctual behaviors related to nesting and nurturing by seeking excitement. Like all Preservers, they focus on resources, well-being, and safety. They find well-being in seeking stimulating experiences or making small improvements to their environment. Though they seem extroverted, their desire to nest makes them introverted at heart, often seeking solitude in their safe spaces. They can fluctuate between exuberant positivity and frustration when their expectations aren’t met. Overall, P7s are pleasant, industrious, and more reserved than they first appear.

The Navigating Seven (N7)

Theme: Excited Navigating

N7s approach social situations by seeking excitement and stimulation. Like all Navigators, they are attuned to hierarchy and relationships but are particularly drawn to connecting through lively interactions. Initially, they may hold back but, once comfortable, they engage with curiosity, asking questions and exploring various topics. Their charm and easy-going nature make them approachable, but they are highly aware of their image and work to maintain an upbeat, likable persona. Their dynamic approach to conversations mirrors a mix of playful energy and thoughtful consideration, balancing between enthusiasm and social sensitivity.

The Transmitting Seven (T7)

Theme: Excited Transmitting

T7s express their instinctual behaviors through a strategy of seeking excitement. As Transmitters, they are attuned to positioning themselves to be noticed and make an impact, often maintaining high energy and enthusiasm. Constantly seeking fun, challenging experiences, T7s are among the most active and extroverted profiles. They are charming and engaging, but their fast-paced energy can overwhelm others, especially those who prefer consistency. T7s love to talk and entertain, but may struggle to listen without interruption when others can’t keep up with their pace.

TYPE EIGHT

The Preserving Eight (P8)

Theme: Powerful Preserving

P8s address nesting and nurturing by striving for power. As Preservers, they focus on controlling their environment, especially around resources, well-being, and safety. Highly task-oriented, P8s create structured routines and detailed checklists to stay organized and on track. They are driven to know when tasks will be completed and manage their time efficiently. While private and selective about who they allow into their inner circle, they form strong, tight-knit bonds with those they trust.

The Navigating Eight (N8)

Theme: Powerful Navigating

N8s navigate social dynamics by striving for power. As Navigators, they are attuned to hierarchy, status, and relationships. They aim to appear confident and in control, carefully selecting the groups they join. Once committed, they often take on a leadership role, feeling most comfortable in charge. N8s make natural leaders but struggle as followers, feeling compelled to assert themselves if they perceive weakness or incompetence in others.

The Transmitting Eight (T8)

Theme: Powerful Transmitting

T8s express instinctual behaviors related to bonding by striving to feel powerful. They are attuned to positioning themselves to be noticed and leave a legacy, achieving this through dominance, competence, control, and charisma. Outgoing, energetic, and driven, they naturally take leadership roles and set a fast pace. T8s dislike delays and politics, preferring to lead or blaze their own trail, often choosing entrepreneurship over large organizations. They struggle with being followers and prefer to be in charge.

TYPE NINE

The Preserving Nine (P9)

Theme: Peaceful Preserving

P9s strive for peace by addressing nesting and nurturing needs. Attuned to well-being, they may deny their own needs while caring for others. Helpful and self-sacrificing, they can be rigorous in work processes but more relaxed elsewhere. They are easy-going and likeable but more reserved than other Nines, often retreating to maintain inner calm when interactions disrupt their peace. P9s value routines and consistency, preferring life to be predictable and unchallenging. Their focus on comfort and stability can lead them to prioritize the needs of others over their own.

The Navigating Nine (N9)

Theme: Peaceful Navigating

N9s, like all Navigators, are attuned to issues of hierarchy, identity, status, group mores, and relationships. They engage with others in an open, likeable manner, aiming to be part of the group without alienating anyone. N9s aren’t afraid to assert themselves or voice opinions but do so self-deprecatingly, acknowledging other perspectives while presenting their own. They excel at finding common ground and often seek mutually beneficial solutions rather than competing for their needs. Their approach is collaborative, emphasizing balance and harmony in group dynamics.

The Transmitting Nine (T9)

Theme: Peaceful Transmitting

T9s express bonding behaviors by striving for peace, blending assertiveness with an easy-going approach. Outgoing and charming, they can also be private, displaying a dynamic and self-deprecating personality. Though often seen as extroverted and confident, they may have difficulty with conflict, which they tend to deny. T9s are ambitious, sometimes resembling Threes, and seek deep connections with a select few, while keeping a distance from others. Their demeanor fluctuates between engagement and retreat, as they balance their desire for connection with their need for peace and privacy.

Common Challenges with the 27 Enneagram Subtypes

Mistyping and Stereotyping

Overlapping Dimensions:

Similarities between a subtype’s instinct and strategy—such as Preserving with Ennea-type Six’s need for security—often result in misidentification.

Subtype Stereotypes:

Certain subtypes, like the Preserving Five (P5), become the default image for their Ennea-type, overshadowing other subtype variations.

Contradictory Characteristics:

Atypical Subtype Profiles (Sometimes Inaccurately Called “Counter-Types”)

Some subtypes, like the Transmitting Nine (T9), exhibit seemingly opposing traits. Their transmitting bias leads to assertiveness, while their Nine strategy focuses on restraint and peace. This can lead to mistyping, such as confusing T9s for Ennea-type Threes.

Girl before a labyrinth, symbolizing challenges like mistyping and stereotyping in the 27 Enneagram subtypes

Countering the Idea of “Counter-Type”

A Better Explanation of Atypical Enneagram Subtypes

There’s a common idea in the Enneagram world that explains why some subtypes don’t resemble the ‘typical’ versions of their types. This concept, often referred to as “counter-types,” suggests that certain subtypes act against the vice or fixation associated with their Ennea-type. However, this reasoning can feel arbitrary and overly constructed, raising more questions than it answers.

Understanding “Atypical” Subtypes

These subtypes don’t align with the stereotypical characteristics of their Ennea-types, leading to confusion and misinterpretation. For instance, Claudio Naranjo described the Transmitting Six as going “counter” to the fear of the Six, or the Navigating Eight as going “counter” to the lust of the Eight. However, this explanation lacks a logical foundation, leaving us with a vague “just because” rationale. Examples of these so-called “counter-types” include: Preserving Three, Navigating Eight, Transmitting Six, and Transmitting Nine.

A More Sensible Explanation:
Affective Tension

The ATA Enneagram Model offers a better framework for understanding these contradictions: the dynamic tension between the instinctual bias and the Ennea-type strategy.

Instinctual Bias Affective Tones:

Preservers: Restrained and self-controlled.
Navigators: Malleable and adaptive to their environment.
Transmitters: Assertive and expressive.

When the affective tone of the instinctual bias aligns with the Ennea-type strategy, we see what is considered a “typical” subtype.

Examples include:

Preserving One
Preserving Six
Preserving Five
Navigating Nine

In contrast, when the instinctual bias and strategy create an affective conflict, an internal tension arises. This tension results in enneagram subtypes that diverge from their expected type traits.

Examples include:

Preserving Three
Navigating Eight
Transmitting Six
Transmitting Nine

Moving Beyond “Counter-Types”

Rather than relying on the “counter-type” concept, it’s more effective to recognize and account for the nuanced interplay between instinctual biases and strategies. This approach recognizes the inherent complexity of human nature, making it easier to understand and appreciate the diversity within the 27 Enneagram Subtypes.

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People of all Enneagram subtypes can be successful; and people of all Enneagram subtypes can struggle.

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Summary

The Value of Combining Instinctual Biases and Strategies

While the instinctual biases and strategies can be understood separately, their true power emerges when combined. The ATA 27 enneagram subtypes offer a nuanced, multidimensional view of human nature, enabling us to move beyond oversimplified typing and uncover deeper layers of self-awareness and interpersonal understanding.

Whether you’re striving to improve your leadership skills, enhance team collaboration, or better understand your own motivations, the Awareness to Action Enneagram offers the insights and resources you need to succeed.

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