Enneagram 1w2: The servant leader

There's a lot of personality profiles out there, but none have nailed my personality quite like the enneagram 1w2. Here's what I've learned about myself as a "1 wing 2" and ways you can find out your ennegram number.

Marriage a-ha

My husband insisted I take a quiz. He’d listened to a podcast and started calling himself a “peacemaker.”  Nearly overnight, it was as though he’d suddenly met himself and realized new insights about his personality and how God made him. He became more comfortable in his own skin, more gracious with how he thinks and acts.

He told me about the enneagram. Little did I know this would become a tool that has helped us understand many people around us, as well as ourselves. 

Initial test results

I took an initial test, it said I was a type 8. But that didn’t feel right - I'm not a major a challenger.

So I took another, longer test. It said I was a type 1, wing 2, or the enneagram 1w2. The "advocate." I searched for blogs, books, podcasts and Instagram accounts to learn more about the 1w2 (something I’ve come to learn is typical of type 1). 

And as I learned more, I found it couldn’t be more true - the 1w2 is totally my personality. 

The type 1 - perfectionist 

When I saw it labeled as “perfectionist,” I struggled immensely. Not only because I hate this side of my personality - the kind that beats myself up if there’s one error on a page - but I’m not the conventional "perfectionist."

A walk around my house will show you why I say that. There are piles and clutter, mismatched furniture and stains. Some things, I let go of easily. But with other things, if I'm honest, I struggle to accept imperfections. 

Perfectionist tendencies don’t necessarily always show up in housekeeping, but they drive the mind and heart. If I'm honest, I do face stress if things aren’t perfect, polished, neat, organized and tidy. But, it's a growth opportunity as an enneagram type 1. 

The type 1 - reformer

I also saw type 1 labeled as “the reformer,” which I liked a lot more. I pictured:

  • Martin Luther - the ultimate reformer - nailing theses to a wooden door
  • Women in the suffrage movement marching for their right to vote.
  • Fellow cancer advocates, other colon cancer survivors, advocating for patient's rights.

Reformer fit just fine. It explained why my blood boils when I see unjust actions, and why I’ve been a “flag-raiser” and the one to point out if something’s not right all my life. 

Embracing my enneagram 1w2

I've found peace with being a type 1, but I especially loved learning about the “wing 2.” When I took my “helper wing” into account, I became the enneagram 1w2, the “servant leader,” and I felt known. This is who God made me.

Leadership style

As a type 1w2, I love to lead and organize people. But I’m the mentor and a buddy. I’d rather lead from the side rather the front. I’m quick to take the wheel and steer the ship if there’s a gap. But I’m also quick to turn it over if someone else wants a turn, or if someone with a stronger personality shows up. 

Knowing this about myself has brought a lot of clarity, peace and freedom in roles I do and don’t take on.

Type 1w2 tendencies

I’ve learned that, for me, the enneagram's insights ring true. As a type 1, I tend to:

  • Look for the right answer - and do things the right way. (no wonder I love baking)
  • Struggle with the idea that some things may be gray - I usually see black and white.
  • Come down on myself pretty hard - I’ve even named my “inner critic” so I can recognize her.
  • Fight for the underdog, little guy and the least of these.
  • Get told I’m very wise.
  • Shepherd, disciple and mentor people in my life.
  • Stay organized, methodical and process-oriented.
  • Struggle with a sudden change of plans. (I'm working on it!)
  • Become fun and energetic on my best days. 

These are just a few observations I’ve made about myself and I'm continually learning. But overall, I've embraced being a type 1w2 and I'm loving it.

Good tests for the enneagram 1w2 (and everyone else!)

Now that I've found my ennagram number, I find a lot of people are curious to know theirs too! If you’re new to the enneagram or want to learn more about your type - here are resources that helped us understand this tool:

My favorite enneagram tests

Understanding your ennegram number