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Enneagram Type 1 Wings: 1w9 and 1w2


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The core focus of Enneagram type 1

Enneagram type 1
Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.
- Pope John Paul II

Early in life we develop an initial belief about ourselves and a compensation for that self-belief.

  • Type 1 Initial Self-Belief: “I am unacceptable as I am.”

    Type 1 Compensation: "I must monitor, correct, and improve myself in order to be acceptable and remain above criticism."

Over time this gets generalized beyond the self into a core focus that also shapes how we perceive and interact with the world at large.

  • Type 1 Core Focus: Acceptability comes from doing things right and acting appropriately according to internalized standards for what that is. This requires I discern what’s right and monitor, correct, and improve my behavior so I don’t fall short of these standards. Others should do the same.

    Personality characteristics that might arise from the type 1 core focus include:

    • Monitors and corrects self-behavior by way of an Inner Critic
    • Avoids making mistakes that can be criticized by others
    • Compares the world to standards for how things should be
    • Tends to look for one right way of doing things
    • Strives toward an ideal of perfection
    • Attention goes to what needs to be corrected or improved
    • Critical of others when they disregard implied rules of behavior
    • Tries to be good by modeling appropriate behavior
    • Feels responsible for getting things right



The wings of Enneagram type 1

Type 1 Wings

The wings are represented by the numbers on either side of a given type as seen on the Enneagram symbol or diagram. These types are said to have an additional influence upon the type being looked at. The wing types for type 1 are type 9 and type 2.

Although type 1 is influenced by both wings, an individual will generally be influenced more by one of the wings than the other. The wing with more influence is said to be the preferred or dominant wing.

  • 1 wing 9 (1w9) - preferred 9 wing
    Common Name: The Idealist

    • more likely to keep the peace
    • more emotionally reserved
    • more impersonal and dispassionate
  • 1 wing 2 (1w2) - preferred 2 wing
    Common Name: The Advocate

    • more easily expresses anger
    • more responsive to others' needs
    • more interpersonal and passionate



What Enneagram authors say about 1w9 and 1w2

Enneagram 1w9 Enneagram 1w2

Below are samplings from some popular or well-known Enneagram authors. Click on the sources after the descriptions to further explore these interpretations.

  • The One with a Nine-Wing: The Idealist
    They wish to improve things but with a gentler, more detached touch than other Ones. They can be more remote, otherworldly, and impersonal than the other subtype, potentially disdainful, elitist, and condescending to their fellow humans.1

    The One with a Two-Wing: The Advocate
    People of this subtype are persuasive and go out of their way to get others to care about the causes and beliefs they espouse. They are also more fiery and action-oriented than the other subtype, and so the possibility of being frustrated by people and events is higher.1

  • One with a Nine Wing (1w9): More aloof and intellectual, these Ones are often motivated by philosophical ideals. When balanced, they command an impartial sense of justice.2

    One with a Two Wing (1w2): More active and interpersonal, these Ones’ principles tend to be more directly involved with people. The desire to help reinforces their desire for change.2

  • Ones with a Nine wing may be more relaxed, react less quickly, and enjoy nature’s perfection.3

    Ones with a Two wing may be more generous and gregarious and may focus their work on helping people.3

  • Enneagram Type 1w9 by Ian Morgan Cron

    Enneagram Type 1w2 by Ian Morgan Cron

    Ones with a Nine wing (1w9) tend to be more introverted, detached and relaxed. More idealistic and objective, they are often more circumspect, thinking before they speak to avoid saying something wrong or erroneous.4

    Ones with a Two wing (1w2) are more extroverted, warm, helpful and empathetic on the high side of Two, but they can be more critical and controlling on the low side of Two. Unlike Twos, however, they don’t feel an irrepressible urge to meet those needs.4

  • Ones with a more developed Nine wing tend to be cooler, more relaxed, objective, and detached.5

    Ones with a more developed Two wing tend to be warmer, more helpful, critical, and controlling.5

  • One With a 9 Wing
    Ones with this wing can have an aura of Nine-like calm although eruptions of temper are possible. Often have a detached quality and can be mistaken for Fives.6

    One With a 2 Wing
    This wing generally brings more interpersonal warmth. High standards are tempered by humanism. May understand and partly forgive humanity for not doing its best.6



To learn more about the basic type 1 or one of the wing types click on a link below.



Enneagram Tests to Help Determine Wing

Enneagram wings

The wing types of an Enneagram type are the types on either side of a type as seen on the Enneagram symbol.

Although both the wing types have an influence on the type between them, one wing type is often preferred over the other.

This preferred wing type has a stronger influence than the non-preferred wing type and creates a variation of the type (e.g., 9w8 vs. 9w1).


Click here for the Complete Guide to the Enneagram.

This free guide explains
  • the nine Enneagram personality types
  • the many type variations within type
  • where the types came from (origins and history)
  • how the types use the Enneagram symbol

Click here for Enneagram tests.

These free tests help you find your
  • primary type
  • candidate types
  • preferred wing
  • intinctual subtype
  • instinctual variant stacking
  • center types (gut, heart, and head)
  • tri-center with wings


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