Enneagram Ones value principles and integrity and are driven by the motivational need to be good and right . Their name comes from their striving for perfection and self-control. Integrity and quality will also be important to them. Ones tend to appreciate standards, principles and structure. At their best, Ones are tolerant, self-accepting and serene, offering dignity and discernment to themselves and the world around them. Less-healthy type Ones tend to be judgmental, uncompromising and pedantic, driven by a critical gaze and an acute awareness of their own imperfections and sense of not being good enough.

THE PERFECTIONIST

GETTING TO KNOW TYPE ONE

Basic Fear is being immoral or unethical
Basic Desire is to be morally good
Basic Strengths are defending rights of others and being deeply motivated
Blind Spots include a tendency to be a perfectionist and being highly critical
Motivated by fighting for issues/social justice, personal growth and helping the less fortunate
Drained by being perceived as rigid, receiving criticism from those they admire and not feeling that they are making a difference
Best Jobs: lawyer, judge, social worker, politician, guidance counselor, doctor, surgeon
Principled: Ones value integrity and want to lead by example. They stand for what is right and good.
Objective: Ones are able to see and judge details, people and situations objectively, without emotion.
Conscientious: Reliable and responsible, Ones stick to their word and diligently see things through to the end.
Structured: Ones enjoy opportunities to structure things and are naturally adept at organizing, prioritising and creating order.
Quality-minded: Ones have a knack for detail and will pay attention to quality standards and the application of rules and procedures.

RELATIONSHIPS

IF YOU LOVE A ONE:

When relating to Ones, remind them that they are innately good. Because Ones see flaws everywhere, it’s necessary to help them shift their thinking, to give them an abundance of kindness as they learn to silence their inner critics.

The Perfectionist work best with open, outgoing and teams that they can stabilize. They must be aligned in their goals and values. They are related to best when their concerns are taken seriously and their integrity is respected. You must be responsible and honor your agreements with a Type One. Always admit your mistakes and know that a One is extremely sensitive to criticism. They have incredibly high standards and have a strong sense of discerning right from wrong. Loyalty in relationships is what the Perfectionist is known for, but they can be downright picky when choosing a partner.

PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Ones work professionally best with others who need to be efficient and accurate, desire improvement and are dedicated to a bigger mission. Work relationships struggle when they give feedback too harshly or in a blunt way. Also, when they correct or overlook others’ suggestions too often or apply too much pressure on coworkers.

WORKING WITH A TYPE ONE

Communicating: Take them seriously, understanding their motivation to do what is right.

Meeting: Abide by the scheduled meeting time and focus on conveying the message clearly.

Emailing: Keep emails sparse; address specific assignments or concerns and encourage them to share their thoughts.

Giving feedback: Be gentle and express feedback in a constructive way; give specific ways to improve.

Resolving conflict: Admit your own mistakes, while also expressing how you feel; allow them an opportunity to reflect by themselves, if necessary.

ROMANTIC LIFE

Romantically, Ones are honest and motivated partners. They need to be a partner to someone who is open-minded and more relaxed. Similar views in a relationship are also a must for a One. Ones communicate openly, always are trying to do what is right for their partner and pursuing personal growth to improve the relationship. Ones are not quick to forgive and have a hard time overlooking flaws. Type 1 in love requires a lot of reassurance that they are appreciated for who they are. They are hard on themselves, and they need external validation. They are likely to be attracted to a person who values their advice that will reinforce their self-esteem. While Type 1 is trying to be rational, in the relationship, they are looking for spontaneity and opportunity to let their inner child out.

HOW TO GET ALONG, LOVE and SUPPORT YOUR TYPE ONE:

Ones are detailed conscious. They appreciate small gestures: being on time, remembering names, proper instructions.
Speak respectfully. Make sure no one feels foolish. Ask for permission.
Notice thrift, effort and dependability. General compliments sound false.
Cultivate character. Set improvement goals. Don’t flaunt your achievements.
Admit error immediately. Admission clears the air and prevents resentment.
Bring novelty and fun to the relationship. Ones tend to repeat what works.
Avoid power struggles. Ones need to be right so demonstrate how two right ways can co-exist side by side.
Maintain your own interests. Ones work long hours on their own.
Humor is especially helpful. Worry vanishes with gentle humor.
Acknowledge when I do the right thing.
Commit to promises.
Contribute your part.
Listen to my needs without judgement
Catch me when I’m overly critical of myself and others.
Be gentle pointing out mistakes, Ones are hyper-critical of themselves.
Follow through with commitments and complete them on time.
Ones love order and details so make an effort to keep the space organized.
Help Ones to take time away from work for themselves.
I am normally very sincere, poised and polite. In my unhealthy state, I can become judgmental, easily irritated and opinionated.
Internally, Ones struggle to believe that they are worthy and have a constant inner critic telling them they should do more and improve everything.

ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

One very popular question is, “which two enneagram types are most compatible for romantic relationships?” The answer is that all type combinations can be happy together if both partners have high levels of self-awareness. And the reverse is true. All combinations may struggle if both people have a lack of self-awareness. Enneagram compatibility is more about similar levels self-awareness than it is about personality type. The basic guidelines are:

Two highly self-aware people have the best chance of success.
Two highly unaware people may be able to continue in a relationship but it is usually characterized with relationship problems. Their chance of real success is low.
If one person is highly self-aware and the other isn’t, at some point the relationship usually just stops making sense. The two people will not understand each other enough to continue.

GROUPINGS WITH A TYPE ONE

To see more pairings by type, click HERE

*Words of Gentle Caution: Keep in mind that much variation exists within a “typical” pattern based upon the level of personal development, cultural background, gender, the influence of other types, and life experience in general. Thus the characteristics and attributes presented for each combination are typical or “classic” for these two types.

In general, growth for a One comes when they can sit back and relax without feeling frustration for not being busy. Fear of being evil or corrupt tends to frustrate the One. Their need to manage frustration is also an area of growth waiting to happen. This page will cover mindset, affirmations and other growth resources to empower individuals to take responsibility for their own behaviors and growth.

GROWTH

GROWTH AREAS FOR THE ONE

Freeing themselves from the need to criticize their own actions and the actions of others
Seeing the world as a place of perfection, just as it is
Not finding fault in things they cannot change
No longer feel resentment and frustration
Accept that there are other truths – other ways of being
It’s ok to make mistakes
Being truly impartial
Practicing breathing exercises
Finding beauty in the flaws

SUBTYPES FOR THE PERFECTIONIST

The Gut Center {ANGER: Intense Anger and Frustration Over the Way Things Are}

SUB-TYPE: WORRY

The true perfectionist who worries a lot, wants things under control and tries to anticipate risks and problems. SP Ones have a strong inner critic and are hard on themselves, with a heightened sense of responsibility. They are often anxious and like to be prepared, down to the smallest detail. This subtype avoids expressing anger but can feel deeply frustrated when disrupted. The true perfectionist. Very self-controlled. Anger is most repressed. Worries a lot. Focus on being a good person and doing the right thing. Makes sure everything done is detailed and perfect. Can be very harsh on self if don’t get things right. Has a heightened sense of responsibility. Believes it is bad to be angry and make it a virtue of being tolerant, forgiving, and warm whenever possible. Discharges tension through physical work and movement.
SUB-TYPE: ZEAL {COUNTERTYPE}

Reform people or society to their way of seeing and doing things. Focus on perfecting others, Sexual Ones are likely to be explicitly angry. Has a sense of entitlement to change others. Intense desire to connect with others and perfect them in making the world a better place. Bring intensity and energy to relationships.
Sexual Ones have two sides:
Playful side oriented towards pleasure
Aggressive, angry side
Might be mistyped as a Type 8
SUBTYPE: NON-ADAPTABLE

SO Ones bring attention to what is good, right and appropriate and set an example of integrity and principled conduct. High self-control and high standards set them apart from people around them. Motivated by fairness and ‘making things right’ at their best they are systemic thinkers and role models for living one’s beliefs and values. Focus on being the perfect example for others, and teaching others by example. Hold the community to a certain ethical standard. Anger is half-hidden, and Social Ones tend to be cooler and more intellectual. High self-control and high standards set them apart from the people around them. Has an unconscious need to feel or appear superior. Tend to take on the role of teachers.

CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE FOR THE PERFECTIONIST

The Gut Center

The Gut Center (or Instinctive Center) is home to enneagram types 8, 9, and 1.
While these numbers all seem rather different, they share the same gut instincts (as opposed to the heart or head centers.)

8’s, 9’s, and 1’s all take in life through their instincts (with their gut) and generally respond based on what their instinct is telling them to do.

8’s, 9’s and 1’s are all:
Concerned with: Justice
Seeking: Autonomy
Underlying Issue: Anger

Each of these enneagram types all deal with anger as their gut center issue. However, each type deals with the anger very differently.

8’s tend to display their anger (in hopes of controlling it)
9’s tend to deny their anger (in hopes of not upsetting anyone)
1’s tend to repress their anger (in hopes of achieving perfection)

Advice for those in the Gut Center: Instead of acting quickly based on your instincts, allow yourself to think first. Think about how your anger (which is likely the deep underlying cause of your instinctual reaction) affects you and those around you.

MOVEMENTS OF STRESS AND INTEGRATION

When 1’s are stressed, they first dip into their unhealthy traits as a 1 (critical, judgmental, perfectionistic). However, after that level, if they are still stressed or the stress increases they will move towards type 4 and pick up the average to unhealthy traits of 4.

Average to unhealthy traits of 4 include: moodiness, irritability, melancholy, envy, withdrawing, and escaping into daydreams.

Type 1’s can use their stress number in healthy ways by making use of the healthier traits of 4. This can mean being creative and making use of art, authentic with your feelings (no suppressing them because they seem “bad”), being introspective so you can figure out what exactly you are feeling.

Quick tips for 1’s in stress: Get in touch with your feelings through listening to music or creating art. Take a walk in nature. Journal to get all your thoughts and feelings out of your head. Three's get stressed when they do not feel successful or seen as the best in their field. Under stress, they will morph themselves into the person who they think will make them successful. The more they deviate from their true selves, the less effective and successful they will be. The Three moves towards the unhealthy side of type Nine. They have a hard time making decisions. They become apathetic and indecisive. They are passive-aggressive, having a sudden burst of anger when they deny their true self's needs for too long. They tend to numb themselves out with work, food, alcohol, and drugs. The more stressed they get, the less productive they are.

How can you beat stress?

Take an afternoon nap
Do something for fun that has nothing to do with work
Take no work home from you
Read a good book that has nothing to do with work
Volunteer for an organization that does work you are passionate about
Adopt a pet or buy a plant that requires you to slow down and take care of it.

In growth, a Type One takes on the higher qualities and behaviors of a Type Seven.

Become more spontaneous and reactive to life’s surprises.
Their inner critic relaxes and they enjoy each moment as it arises.
More open to a variety of opinions.
Curiosity, optimism, and a willingness to learn emerge.
In relating to others with a more open-hearted attitude, they discover the joy, humor, and whimsy in life and often become more joyful and funny themselves.

Personal Growth Recommendations for Enneagram Type Ones

Learn to relax. Take some time for yourself, without feeling that everything is up to you or that what you do not accomplish will result in chaos and disaster.
You have a lot to teach others and are probably a good teacher, but do not expect others to change immediately.
It is easy for you to work yourself up into a lather about the wrongdoings of others. And it may sometimes be true that they are wrong. But what is it to you?
It is important for you to get in touch with your feelings, particularly your unconscious impulses.
Your Achilles' heel is your self-righteous anger. You get angry easily and are offended by what seems to you to be the perverse refusal of others to do the right thing—as you have defined it.

Understanding Enneagram wings is important because the wings of each personality type affect each type in significant ways and can be used to understand the motivations of an individual further. Recognizing each enneagram wing’s influence can help you avoid their weaknesses or lean into their strengths when needed. The wings of each type can seemingly contradict the dominant Enneagram personality types they are attached to. Learning about enneagram wings can help you discover, enhance your journey of self-discovery, better understand others, and strengthen relationships. Once you understand your Enneagram wing type, you can use the knowledge you’ve gained to better yourself as a person by recognizing your behaviors. This process can help you develop desirable qualities so that you avoid blindly hurting yourself and others.

IMPORTANCE OF WINGS

Make it stand out.

THE COMPANION

People with a type one wing nine personality tend to be judicial and rational in their behavior, but are generally more calm and balanced than other type ones. They usually have a desire for justice and equality and can see both sides of an issue easily. They are motivated by a strong sense of right and wrong.
An enneagram 1w9 will tend to be more introverted than a 1w2. You think before you speak so you can avoid saying something that goes against your morals. Sometimes, you take so long to think that you can be a bit of a procrastinator. This wing type is better at maintaining relationships.
STRENGTHS
Highly focused attention to details
Calmly defending the rights of others
Caring for the community around them
Consistently abiding by personal values
Imaginative yet logical world-view
WEAKNESSES
Tendency to seem detached or impersonal
Difficulty tolerating negativity in the world
Criticizing themselves and others
Becoming stubborn when challenged
STRESSES
Being overlooked, interrupted, or ignored
Receiving criticism from the people around them
Others perceiving them as inflexible or weak
Feeling like they aren’t making a difference
Being reminded of corruption or evil in the world
MOTIVATIONS
Peacefully advocating for social justice issues
Helping those less fortunate by volunteering locally
Creatively solving complex problems
Finding personal peace and growth
TYPE 1: THE PERFECTIONIST

Type Ones are about improvement and making sure things get done correctly and properly, both by themselves and others. They tend to be principled, with a clear sense of what is right and wrong, which may seem idealistic, self-righteous or fussy to others. They tend to organise and structure their world and value facts, precision and clarity. Through their effort, hard work and application they strive to take “right action” and avoid mistakes.
THE HOST

An enneagram 1w2 tends to be extroverted and outgoing with a warm nature. You are more empathetic and understanding than a 1w2 and feel inclined to help the people around you. You’re an excellent problem-solver, but you also can be a little more critical and controlling.
People with a type one wing two personality tend to be principled and empathetic in their behavior. Consistent with type ones, they usually have a desire for justice and equality. However, those with a two wing are generally warmer and more interpersonally aware than other type ones.
STRENGTHS
Defending and standing up for those around them
Sensitivity to the wishes and needs of others
Ability to serve and improve their community
Sharing creative ideas and solutions to problems
Willingness to make personal sacrifices for other people
WEAKNESSES
Easily growing frustrated with other people
Tendency to be image-focused or obsessive
Possibility of becoming self-righteous and controlling
Criticizing themselves and others
STRESSES
Being perceived negatively by others
Receiving criticism or objections from those they respect
Feeling as though they aren’t meeting people’s needs
Others not meeting or living up to their expectation
MOTIVATIONS
Fighting for change and reform
Volunteering to serve the less fortunate
Helping to solve difficult societal problems
Working closely with other people