I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article. Full Disclosure
The enneagram is broken into groups of three. The most popular group is the Center of Intelligence (most commonly referred to as Triads) There are many of these groupings and all are worth understanding. One such grouping is referred to as the Hornevian Groups.
Hornevian Groups are based off of the Hornevian Model which are named after Karen Horney who first discovered that there were groupings based on how people interact with others in order to meet their own needs.
Karen Horney did not link her Hornevian Model to the enneagram, however when dealing with typologies, enneagram teachers quickly saw how the Hornevian Model fit the enneagram and thus Hornevian Groups were established.
Enneagram Hornevian Groups help show us how each enneagram type interacts with other people in order to meet their own needs.
The three Enneagram Hornevian Groups are broken down in to the Compliant Group, the Withdrawn Group, and the Assertive Group.
Knowing which group you are in can help you determine your enneagram type if you are still torn between a few types.
Enneagram Hornevian Groups
Compliant Group
The Compliant Group (sometimes referred to as the Dutiful Group) consists of enneagram types 1,2, and 6.
Each of these types are compliant/dutiful in their own ways but they all move toward people in hopes of earning what they desire (autonomy for 1s, attention for 2s, or security for 6s)
Pros of the Compliant Group types: they are committed, hard workers, sacrificial, and responsible.
Cons of the Compliant Group types: they have a hard time relaxing and may feel superior to others (although this may not always be evident)
Type 1s in the Compliant Group
Enneagram type 1s move toward people by following the rules in hopes of earning autonomy.
Type 2s in the Compliant Group
Enneagram type 2s move toward people by loving and caring for them in hopes of earning attention.
Type 6s in the Compliant Group
Enneagram type 6s move toward people by being loyal to others in hopes of earning security.
Advice for Compliant Group
Be aware that as a compliant type you tend to default to rules and belief systems in order to know what to do. This is because compliant types are “unproductive” in their thinking. Try to think through what is actually needed before instinctually following the rules or belief systems that you have in place.
Withdrawn Group
The Withdrawn Group consists of enneagram types 4, 5, and 9.
Each of these types are withdrawn in their own ways but they all move away from people in hopes of earning what they desire (attention for 4s, security for 5s, or autonomy for 9s)
Pros of the Withdrawn Group types: they are introspective, imaginative, and not attention seeking.
Cons of the Withdrawn Group types: they have a hard time in large groups and with taking charge.
Type 4s in the Withdrawn Group
Enneagram type 4s move away from people by withdrawing into their idealized self in hopes of earning attention for being their unique selves.
Type 5s in the Withdrawn Group
5s move away from people by withdrawing into their minds in hopes of earning security.
Type 9s in the Withdrawn Group
9s move away from people by withdrawing into their safe inner sanctum in hopes of earning autonomy.
Advice for the Withdrawn Group
Be aware that as a withdrawn type you tend to default to your thoughts and dreams in order to think that you are alright. This is because withdrawn types are “unproductive” in their doing. Try to be present in the moment and not dwell so long on thinking that you never get around to doing.
Assertive Group
The Assertive Group (sometimes referred to as the Aggressive Group) consists of enneagram types 3, 7, and 8.
Each of these types are aggressive in their own ways but they all move against people in hopes of earning what they desire (attention for 3s, security for 7s, or autonomy for 8s)
Pros of the Assertive Group: they are independent, energetic, and assertive.
Cons of the Assertive Group: they may be demanding and sometimes have a hard time following through on projects.
Type 3s in the Assertive Group
Enneagram type 3s move against people by being aggressive in their goals in hopes of earning attention.
Type 7s in the Assertive Group
Enneagram type 7s move against people by being aggressive in satisfying their desires in hopes of earning security.
Type 8s in the Assertive Group
Enneagram type 8s move against people by being aggressive in asserting themselves against others in hopes of earning autonomy.
Advice for the Assertive Group
Be aware that as an assertive type you tend to default to your intensity in order to feel that you are alright. This is because assertive types are “unproductive” in their feeling. Try to be be aware of how you really feel and how others may feel before instinctually demanding what you think you need.
Other Enneagram Groups:
The Harmonic Groups
The Centers of Intelligence
The Harmony Groups
