Wings for Enneagram Type 3
Enneagram Type 3
Summary
As a Type 3 (The Admirable Achiever), you are driven to achieve goals with apparent ease and confidence. You want to be admired, successful, and valuable and fear being exposed as incompetent or worthless. You use your networks to connect with people and opportunities. However, you can struggle to rest and be yourself because you measure your worth through external achievement.
You are connected to the two numbers on the right and left of the Enneagram diagram. We call these numbers wings. As a Type 3, your wings are Type 2 (The Nurturing Supporter or Helper) and Type 4 (The Introspective Individualist or Romantic).
Just as wings are connected to the body of a bird, your Enneagram wings are always the numbers directly beside your main type.
These wings bring balance and nuance to your main type, offering you unique traits from both connections. However, the way we use our wings mirrors our level of health. When we are healthy and mindful, our wings can be strong and supportive, helping us navigate life with greater agility and balance. But if we are unhealthy or unaware, our wings—like a bird’s damaged wings—may hinder rather than help us.
Understanding your Enneagram wings provides a deeper and more nuanced understanding of yourself, especially when it comes to internal conflicts. It explains why you may exhibit traits seemingly contradictory to your main type. This awareness allows for greater self-compassion and the ability to leverage the strengths of both your main type and wings.
Both wings are always present, and you use them in varying degrees depending on your current circumstances and needs, much like a bird adjusts its use of each wing based on navigational requirements. By cultivating mindfulness and understanding how to use them effectively, you can allow your wings to benefit you when you need them most, enabling you to respond intentionally and with greater flexibility. This awareness lets you soar rather than struggle.
Enneagram Type 3 Wing 2:
The Star or The Charmer 3w2
The 3w2, also known as The Star or Charmer, merges the Type 3's desire to be admired and successful with the Type 2's desire to be appreciated and loved. This combination creates a dynamic individual who is outgoing, friendly, and wants to accomplish for others to gain their approval and love.
✅ Healthy 3w2
⚠️ Average 3w2
❌ Unhealthy 3w2
💡Expert Insight: Mistyped as Type 2 - 3w2 are similar to 2w3s. They are both highly people-focused, possess personal charm, and desire to be liked by others.
Enneagram Type 3 Wing 4
The Professional (3w4)
The 3w4, also known as The Professional, combines the Type 3's desire to be admired for their accomplishments with the Type 4's desire to be unique and authentic. This combination creates an individual who wants to be recognized for their unique contributions and special status. This wing is more withdrawn, private, quiet, and less energetic.
✅ Healthy 3w4
⚠️ Average 3w4
❌ Unhealthy 3w4
💡Expert Insight: Mistyped as Type 4 - A 3w4 can be mistyped as a 4 because both have an inclination toward individuality and uniqueness and seek admiration.
Remember, both wings are always present:
Both wings are always part of you, influencing your actions to varying degrees depending on the situation.
The key is to recognize which wing is at play and intentionally choose your response.
By aligning your wings with truth and embracing all aspects of yourself, you allow them to support your journey toward growth and transformation.
Next Steps in Learning for Enneagram Type 3:
Enneagram Internal Profile (EIP)
As you explore how your wings influence your Type 3 personality, you might be curious to understand even more about the different parts that make up who you are. At Your Enneagram Coach, we've developed a unique approach called the Enneagram Internal Profile (EIP), which goes beyond just your main type and wings.
EIP reveals the distinct "parts" within you, like the Wounded Child and Beloved Child, as well as how your wings and paths (Enneagram arrows) interact to create your unique inner world. This can be a powerful tool for self-understanding and growth. If you're intrigued to discover more about how EIP can help you, we invite you to:
