While commonly associated with other personality typing systems, the Enneagram actually is not one. The Enneagram stands in a category of its own as a self-knowledge and self-discovery tool. Not based on personality traits and behaviors, the Enneagram focus is on the motivations of individuals.
While it is not a personality typing system, here are 3 more things the Enneagram is not
1. Diagnostic
The Enneagram is not diagnostic, it’s not in the DSM, there is nothing ‘clinical’ about it. Tests can be inaccurate, people can easily mistype themselves and thats ok. If you mistype initially, you can always change. Don’t try to ‘diagnose’ yourself of others with the Enneagram.
2. A Box
The Enneagram is not a box to put yourself in or other people. We all hate being labeled and when you put someone in a box, it doesn’t give them a chance to grow and change and become someone new. Doing that to yourself or others limits your growth potential and the chance to experience true transformation.
3. An Excuse
The enneagram is not en excuse for bad behaviors. Knowing your type doesn’t excuse you from acting out in unhealthy ways just because it's 'how you are’ according to your type. Using your Enneagram type as a crutch to avoid working through unhealthy mindsets and patterns of living is damaging to your mind and soul. Excusing other peoples behavior because of their Enneagram type lets you off the hook from setting appropriate boundaries.