Enneagram Type 5 is called The Investigator. Type 5’s are studious and delves into unique interests and topics. They are great at giving feedback that is rational and unemotional. For Type Five’s, knowledge is comforting, and they often have specialized expertise and skill sets.
Enneagram Fives are motivated to be self-sufficient and avoid appearing incapable. To prevent this, they will seek to acquire vast knowledge and understanding.
Fives are often kind, wise, open-minded, autonomous, and trustworthy in relationships. They have strong analytical skills and are excellent problem-solvers.
Fives typically prefer to work alone to exercise independent thinking and draw conclusions. They are naturally open and receptive to new facts and impressions. Fives enjoy discovering new ideas, research, and innovative solutions – particularly provocative, surprising, unconventional, and profound ideas.
Enneagram 5 Strengths
Intellectual
Perceptive
Independent
Analytical
Innovative
Persevering
Sensitive
Wise
Objective
Independent
When Fives are secure and healthy, they move towards their growth arrow of the eight. Their growth direction helps fives to take the initiative and be action-oriented. They are good listeners, pay attention to details, and can help others be more sober-minded and objective.
Development Opportunities for Enneagram Type 5s
Fives can become speculative and detached when lacking awareness which can hinder their ability to be present and in the moment.
Fives can learn to relax and ease their racing minds in healthy ways by exercising, connecting with a close friend, or communicating their ideas to help relieve some of their uneasiness or nervous energy.
Enneagram 5 Blindspots
Over-thinking
Detached
Agitable
Oppositional
Reclusive
Cynicism
Helpful practices such as meditation, jogging, yoga, and dancing are beneficial for type fives to connect their minds to the whole self.
When fives get caught in a fixation, a sense of perspective could be the missing piece to help them move forward. They can practice seeking the advice of someone whose judgment they trust to broaden their perspective and inform their decision.
Also, developing friendships with a few individuals to trust enough to have conflicts with will enrich and reward their life.
Identifying your type is not an excuse for specific behaviors. Such as, “well, I’m just objective; I’m a five.” Instead, fives can consider, “Perhaps I am being insensitive or inconsiderate. Am I reacting to this to feel safe?”
Enneagram 5 Wings
A five can have a four or a six wing.
A five with a four wing tends to be people-oriented. They can also be artistic, imaginative, and sensitive to feelings. When unhealthy, they can become moody, melancholic, and self-absorbed.
A five with a six wing tends to have scientific or intellectual interests. They are more logical, analytical, and hard-working. They can be anxious, skeptical, and fearful of intimacy if unhealthy.
Enneagram Type 5 At Work
Fives bring focus and strategic thinking to teams. They often become designated experts, using their brainpower to solve difficult problems.
Fives do their best work in teams when given a role that uses their sharp mental focus, observational skills, and innovative ideas.
THE ENNEAGRAM GUIDE TO HEALTHY TEAMS
- A breakdown of each Enneagram type and their work style
- How to recognize the motivations of each type to mitigate conflict
- Tips for using the Enneagram to improve communication among team members
- Activities to help develop your team
A Coaching Tip to Help Enneagram 5s On A Team
Team or group environments can sometimes challenge a fives desire for independence. Fives must recognize when others may need more collaboration on projects or initiatives.
As a practical tip, when accountable for a particular aspect of a team project, fives may benefit from adding regular check-ins along the way to ensure they are connected to the overall project and its goals.
At their best, fives are insightful, service-minded, and able to provide objective input for tough decisions. They are analytical and can aggregate solutions for complex problems.
Fives feel comfortable with data and facts as opposed to emotions or intuition. They can have strict boundaries and be introverted. When they believe that others respect their input, they will work hard to deliver incredible results for their team.
Continue To Grow As An Enneagram 5
The Enneagram is helpful because it identifies fears and challenges related to each personality type. The goal is to recognize and use the insights to experience transformational growth.
Being free to be your best self is essential. The road to growth for an Enneagram five involves an intentional effort to relationally engage with others and trust that their accumulation of knowledge and experience is enough to take action.
Enneagram Fives are thinkers and innovative. When fives move toward health, they are positive, constructive, and ready to act. They are gifted observationalists who can summarize information in creative, useful ways.
Did you know that Cloverleaf can help you use your Enneagram results to sharpen your professional development and work environment?
Click here to learn more about how to apply Enneagram assessment insights to help your team thrive.
Are you unsure of your type or want to validate your number? Take our free Enneagram Test to help clarify your specific type. You’ll also receive an in-depth, accurate report to help you understand your number.
Want to learn about the rest of the Enneagram Types? Read more about the Enneagram: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9!
