Driven and Adaptable: Enneagram Type 3 - The Achiever
As we dive deeper into the Enneagram and the Heart Types, we turn our attention to Type 3, known as “The Achiever”. If you know someone who is driven by success, is highly productive and competitive, and always presents themselves well, then you might be in the presence of an Enneagram Type 3 Achiever.
Type 3 Achievers show up as charismatic frontrunners, driven by a compelling need to succeed. Often viewed as the epitome of success, these individuals are fueled by goals, admiration, and their desire to stand out. Their natural ability to adapt and project confidence positions them as aspirational figures in professional settings. Although part of the Heart Center of Intelligence, Achievers subordinate their emotions for efficiency in getting the job done. This may seem counterintuitive at firs; like all Heart Types, Achievers do seek connection. However the connection they seek is in service to accomplishing their goals, and not about emotional intimacy.
Achievers often shine as leaders, exuding a charisma that's deeply rooted in their drive to succeed. Their proclivity to set clear goals, coupled with their sharp focus on results, make them powerful motivators. However, this intense focus on accomplishment can sometimes overshadow the more human aspects of leadership. While they excel in execution and performance metrics, Achievers may overlook the emotional well-being of their team members, leading to burnout or disengagement.
Type 3 Achiever - Foundational Framework
The Enneagram framework for understanding personality dives deep into the interconnectedness of an individual's Basic Proposition, Worldview, and Core Motivation. Let's break down how these elements connect for the Type 3 Achiever:
Basic Proposition: "I must be successful in order to be loved or valued."The Basic Proposition forms the fundamental belief or assumption about how the world works. From a young age, many Achievers learn to equate personal worth with accomplishments. This leads them to be very focused on tasks, goals, and success metrics.
Worldview: "The world is a place where image, presentation, and efficiency matter deeply. The world rewards those who produce results and succeed."The Worldview is an outward extension of the Basic Proposition and gives it context. For Achievers, the external appearance of success is a significant factor in garnering respect and admiration. Their internal narrative often centers around: "Avoid failure at all costs, and maintain an image of success."
Core Motivation: "I must achieve my goals and be recognized for my accomplishments in order to feel valuable and worthy."The Type 3 Achiever’s core motivation, rooted in a desire to be valued and seen as successful, serves as a compelling force propelling them into action. This intrinsic need to succeed and be seen as successful pushes them to set ambitious goals, adapt to challenges, ensure excellence in their endeavors, and avoid failure at all costs.
What Achievers Pay Attention To
Type 3 Achievers tend to focus on tasks and goals, particularly ones that will win them attention and recognition from important others. Their Basic Proposition, Worldview, and Core Motivation work together to have Achievers pay attention to:
Their Next Achievement: Achievers are highly attuned to tasks and goals, always setting their sights on the next achievement.
Their Image: Achievers pay close attention to how they present themselves, ensuring that others see them as successful and productive.
Feedback From Others: Achievers pay attention to how others are perceiving them. They're alert to feedback, particularly praise or criticism, that relates to their performance and efficiency.
Potential Challenges: With a desire to avoid failure, Achievers will be vigilant in spotting potential pitfalls or challenges to their success and will strategize on how to navigate or mitigate them.
Performance Metrics: Achievers tend to zero in on metrics that provide proof that they accomplished their goal and achieved their desired outcomes.
Given that “energy follows attention”, Type 3 Achievers put their energy into:
Achieving Goals: A substantial amount of a Achievers energy goes into working tirelessly towards their set objectives. They are often seen as highly efficient, productive, and driven.
Self-Improvement: Given their desire to be the best version of themselves, Achievers often invest in personal development, whether through courses, training, or self-study.
Managing Their Image: Examples include their physical appearance, dressing the part, engaging in public speaking, or managing their online presence meticulously.
Networking: Understanding the importance of connections in achieving success, Achievers will put energy into cultivating connections that can further their goals.
Avoiding Failure: Achievers will go to great lengths to ensure they don't fail, which may involve contingency and resource planning, and sometimes, unfortunately, covering up mistakes.
The Achiever’s attention and energy often converge on creating upward mobility and success. While this can lead to success, admiration, and efficiency, it's essential for Achievers to pause and reflect on their inner values and genuine desires, ensuring that their pursuits align with their authentic selves and not just an external image of success.
Relating With Type 3 Achievers
Being in a relationship with an Enneagram Type 3 Achiever can be an exciting experience, and also has it’s challenges as Achievers are willing to trade off emotional intimacy for efficiency and effectiveness. Here are some tips for relating to a Type 3 Achiever:
Acknowledge Their Achievements: Since Achievers derive a significant part of their self-worth from their accomplishments, recognizing and appreciating their successes can mean a lot to them. Simple words of affirmation or praise can go a long way.
Engage in Authentic Conversations: Challenge them to introspect and discuss topics beyond achievements and success. This can help encourage them to connect with their emotions and drop their guard.
Encourage Work-Life Balance: Given their tendency to overwork or focus heavily on succeeding, gently remind your Achiever of the importance of balance. Encourage them to take breaks and engage in activities that aren't performance-based.
Offer Genuine Emotional Support: As Achievers tend to push down their emotions in service to getting the job done, create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing their vulnerabilities without judgment.
Empathize With Their Fear of Failure: Recognize that behind their confident exterior, Achievers are terrified of failing or being seen as having failed. Offer reassurance and remind them of their intrinsic value beyond accomplishments.
Being in right relationship with a Type 3 Achiever involves recognizing their drive and passion while also providing a safe and genuine space for them to be their authentic selves. With mutual understanding and communication, a fulfilling relationship can be nurtured and sustained.
Pathways for Growth for Achievers
If you walk in the pattern of a Type 3 Achiever, personal growth is about recognizing your inherent worth beyond your achievements and developing confidence in who you are without the praise and recognition from others. Here are five development ideas for Achievers:
Deepen Your Self-Awareness: Engaging in introspection and regular self-reflection. This can be done through tools like journaling, meditation, or engaging in mindfulness practices. By understanding their deeper motivations and fears, you open up opportunities to work and lead with more authenticity.
Reframe the Definition of Success: Expand your understanding of success beyond your external achievements. This can involve recognizing the value of processes, team collaboration, or personal growth, balanced with objectives, outcomes, and achievements.
Cultivate Emotional Intelligence: Given your tendency to focus on tasks and outcomes, you can benefit from developing deeper emotional intelligence. This involves recognizing and understanding your own emotions, as well as tuning into the emotional needs and dynamics of teammates.
Practice Being Vulnerable: While showing vulnerability might seem counterintuitive at first, it is a strength in leadership. Being open about challenges, uncertainties, or even failures can foster trust and create a more collaborative team environment.
Prioritize Well-Being: You are your best instrument! By balancing your personal and professional needs, you create even more capacity for yourself. Try setting boundaries, taking regular breaks, and engaging in non-work-related activities that rejuvenate the soul and mind.
Seek Diverse Feedback: While you might naturally gravitate towards positive feedback, it's valuable to seek out diverse perspectives. Creating feedback loops with different team members or mentors can offer you insights that might not align with their perception but are essential for growth.
Incorporating these developmental ideas can help Givers achieve a more balanced sense of self, where they continue to express their caring nature but also recognize and honor their own needs and worth.
Conclusion
To understand a Type 3 Achiever is to recognize the relentless drive that powers their pursuit of success. Their journey, while often marked by notable achievements, also includes the struggle for authentic self-recognition beyond external praise and accolades. As leaders, their dynamism, adaptability, and vision are undeniable assets. However, their true leadership evolution occurs when they embrace their vulnerabilities, redefine success, and nurture a deeper connection with themselves and others. For every Type 3 Achiever, the path to impactful leadership is not just about the destination but the self-awareness and emotional growth attained along the way.
