Season 7 Episode 109
Listen to this episode to learn about one of the most unique, artistic, and creative types, Enneagram Type 4!
Show Notes:
Episode Summary:
Do you know someone who is highly creative, artistic or who you would consider a very unique and authentic individual? Today we are going to dive into what is possibly the most misunderstood type of the Enneagram, the Enneagram Type 4.
Stick around to find out why we need these people in our lives and get ideas for how you can best work with them, raise them, love them, and teach them.
In this episode:
The following notes are not a complete transcript of the episode. On the podcast, we often discuss examples and share stories to illustrate specific points. For the best experience, please listen to the podcast.
Introduction:
In this episode we are going to focus on Enneagram Type 4. Type 4s are often known as “the original one” or “ the individualist” or “ the romantic one”.
Enneagram Type 4’s are possibly the most misunderstood type of the Enneagram. They are sometimes written off as “Drama Queens” or “too emotional” or even just plain “weird”.
Let’s dispel the myths and talk about our friends with Enneagram type 4 patterns.
General Cautions
Whether or not you know your type, we recommend that you listen to the episodes for each type. You may recognize yourself, but you will also recognize these patterns in others. The Enneagram’s power also is in the better understanding of both yourself and others.
Understand the patterns of all of the types opens the door to better relationships and better supporting people who know, love, or teach.
We don’t recommend trying to type others, especially children who are still forming their behavior patterns. We can’t always type others, because we don’t always know the motivation behind what they do, and your motivations are key to your Enneagram patterns. What we CAN do is look at behaviors and things they say and those give us clues as to how to best understand a person and build better relationships with them.
Always remember that we are more than our type. This is just one way of looking at an entire person.
There is a saying that all theories are wrong and yet some are useful. We think this is useful.
Patterns of Enneagram Type 4
In this episode we are going to focus on Enneagram type 4s. They are often known as “the original one” or “ the individualist” or “ the romantic one”.
Enneagram type 4’s are possibly the most misunderstood type of the Enneagram. They are sometimes written off as “Drama Queens” or “too emotional” or even just plain “weird”.
Let’s dispel the myths and talk about our friends with Enneagram type 4 patterns.
Think of the people you know, your friends, family, colleagues, and students you teach. Remember that type 4’s are one of the heart centered types, which mean they lead from their heart.
Here are the types of patterns, behaviors, or phrases you may see that are typical of type 4 patterns:
- Highly creative and often artistic
- Sensitive and aware of feelings- both their own and other’s feelings
- Intuitive sense for knowing what people need
- Compassionate
- They want to express themselves and their individuality
An example is Chappell Roan at the Grammy’s. She is wearing a costume like outfit with her face painted. Immediately, people comment on social media that she is “weird. ” In reality, perhaps she is just highly individualistic with a need to express her uniqueness, which she does through her choice of clothing, her poetry and her music.
Tips and Strategies for Working Effectively with People Who Exhibit Enneagram Type 4 Patterns:
In thinking about how a student might show type 4 patterns in school, think of students who feel different from their peers and may either embrace their uniqueness or feel isolated. These students enjoy deep, one-on-one conversations but may struggle with shallow or surface-level social interactions. They gravitate towards the arts, poetry, writing, and any subject where they can express their emotions through art.
They can experience intense emotions, making school stress, social rejection, or criticism feel overwhelming. They may also be very sensitive towards content that triggers them, such as a book where a dog dies, or a story about someone dealing with an injustice. TV and especially social media can be very triggering.
How can you help a student with Enneagram Type 4 patterns?
- Acknowledge them, let them know you see them for who they are, be a safe place for them in a world that can seem unfriendly
- Understand their ability to feel intensely, give them a heads up about books or content that might upset them so they aren’t blindsided
- Allow them some time and privacy to work though emotions- type 4’s can give themselves a time out or accept one easily if they understand it as a way to help them cope and it’s not a punishment
- Give them personalized feedback, which allows them to feel understood
- Encourage creative pursuits such as journaling, poetry, art, music and theater
These same strategies also apply to the adult type 4’s in your life. Adults may be more aware of who they are and have strategies in place, such as their artistic endeavors, or the ability to express their uniqueness through their clothing and hair styles. They may have found communities where they are understood and accepted. If not, they need your understanding and acceptance, and that you see who they are and appreciate them. You can acknowledge them as unique and worthy individuals. Remind them of their gifts and unique contributions.
Allow them to feel their feelings without labeling them with words such as “moody”, or “drama queen” or “over-reacting”. Yelling at them to calm down is NOT effective and will only intensify their feelings.
Strengths and Challenges and Opportunities for Growth:
Strengths:
Type 4’s are very authentic.
They can bring beauty, art, music, and joy to the world.
Because of their sensitivity and awareness of feelings, they are very compassionate and accepting of all people.
Challenges:
Type 4’s can withdraw from others in order to feel their feelings or to protect their self-image.
They may become moody, self-loathing or depressed.
They can get caught up in their feelings and freeze from action.
They can feel vulnerable- they feel different and that the world doesn’t understand them which makes them feel unworthy,
Opportunities for growth:
Type 4’s fear is that they are insignificant. They need people around them who love, support, and understand them. Fours also need outlets for their creativity and imagination and that allow them to work through their emotions.
Conclusion:
Enneagram Type 4 s can help us all find things we long for in our world, authenticity, compassion and kindness. They enhance the world with their beauty, creativity and artistry.
Recap:
If you are an Enneagram Type 4, or know one, work with one, love one, or teach one, celebrate their gifts and the value they bring to the world and raise them up by letting them you that you see them and appreciate them for who they are.
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Co-hosts Paula Schmidt and Michele Vosberg are award winning educators with the experience and skills to help teachers thrive in life and work. They’ve taught at all levels, worked with thousands of teachers, and conducted workshops around the world. They are also the authors of the #1 best-selling book The Inspired Teachers Journal: A Weekly Guide to Becoming Your Best Self.
