Summary

Keeley Schroder discusses her experience with the enneagram personality test, reflecting on her results, the test's nuances, and her aversion to being seen as a super villain.

Abstract

Keeley Schroder, in her Daily Prompt entry for Day 15, delves into her encounter with the enneagram personality test. Initially unsure of her type, she took the test multiple times, noting her discomfort with binary-style questions and the importance of context in her responses. Despite scoring high as a Type 9 (Peacekeeper) and relating to aspects of Type 5, she rejects the notion of being a Type 8 (Challenger), emphasizing her preference for avoiding control and her tendency to end up in leadership roles to prevent foolish decision-making. She acknowledges her unique traits but dismisses many as non-essential for survival, asserting that her limited resources are reserved for actions aligned with her life purpose. Keeley identifies with the positive attributes of Type 9, such as being emotionally stable and a good mediator, and humorously reassures readers that her peaceful nature precludes her from super villainy.

Opinions

Keeley has a nuanced view of personality assessments, acknowledging that her answers often depend on context.
She dislikes personality tests that don't account for the complexity of human behavior, particularly those with binary scoring systems.
Keeley sees herself as a natural leader but does not enjoy being in control, preferring to ensure that those in charge are competent.
She believes in using her influence for the benefit of others, aligning her actions with her personal values and life purpose.
Keeley identifies with the Enneagram Type 9, recognizing her peacekeeping abilities and emotional stability.
She humorously distances herself from the idea of being a super villain, emphasizing her genuine niceness and aversion to causing harm.

Keeley’s Daily Prompts, Day 15

Number Nine, Number Nine…

Not a super villain

I had a brief awareness of enneagrams before taking this test. I knew it had 9 traits, and that people exhibited all of the different traits to a greater or lesser extent. I dimly thought I might have scored a 9. Or possibly a 4. Or maybe a 1. Or a 5.

Okay, I had no idea what I’d scored. So, I took the test again.

My first thought was that I disliked tests that score you from absolutely-not to absolutely-so. So many of my answers are, “It depends…”

Then there are the questions that rely on nuance. Am I dominant? Yes. Am I domineering? Not at all. If I can’t convince someone to do what I want them to do without their noticing that I’m manipulating them, I’m having a really bad day.

I’m not planning on joining the League of Super Villains anytime soon, though. First of all, ruling the world sounds like way too much work. And second of all, I manipulate people into doing things that are in their own best interest. If I’m playing a board game, I’ll generally suggest options that also help me, but I’ll never mislead someone into doing something bad for them. That wouldn’t be fair.

I found the results to be interesting. I would agree with the statements for types 9 and 5.

Type 8 is wrong — I don’t have to be strong and in control. I’d prefer not to be. It’s too much work. But I have to be sure that the person who is in control isn’t an idiot. That’s why I tend to end up as President of any organization I’m in for very long.

My responses go downhill from there. I’m not orderly or a good planner, so I tend to overcompensate. I know I’m unique and different, but so is everyone. Most of the rest are not necessary to survival. And it’s more likely I must be unhelpful and uncaring to survive.

Not that I want to be unhelpful or uncaring. (Why do I feel like I have to keep saying I don’t want to be a super villain?) I have a limited amount of time, energy, and resources. I’m not wasting it on random people’s wants and needs. If helping them fulfills my life purpose, I’m thrilled to help.

Type 9 is called the Peacekeeper. I’m pretty good at it — according to the Enneagram Institute I’m about a 2 1/2.

Level 2: Deeply receptive, accepting, unselfconscious, emotionally stable and serene. Trusting of self and others, at ease with self and life, innocent and simple. Patient, unpretentious, good-natured, genuinely nice people.

Level 3: Optimistic, reassuring, supportive: have a healing and calming influence — harmonizing groups, bringing people together: a good mediator, synthesizer, and communicator.

See? Genuinely nice people are never super villains.

Tagging other participants in the July Daily Prompts:

Keeley Schroder, Karen Schwartz, Adrienne Beaumont, Autistic Widower (“AJ”), Randy Pulley, Susie Winfield, Ruby Noir 😈, Lisa Guard, Pluto Wolnosci 🟣, Lynn L. Alexander, Adrian CDTPPW, and The Sturg.

Let me know in comments if you want to be added to the list.