
Overview
Enneagram Type One, often referred to as "The Reformer," or "The Perfectionist," has a personality type characterized by a strong sense of integrity, morality, order, and excellence. Individuals of this type are driven by a deep inner desire to improve themselves and the world around them. They have a strong sense of right and wrong, and they are motivated to make a positive impact on society.
Type Ones are often seen as responsible, reliable, and conscientious individuals. They are committed to doing what is right and are willing to work hard to achieve their goals. They can be excellent leaders and are often found in roles that require a strong sense of purpose, meticulousness, and responsibility.
Type Ones are principled and often have a clear set of values that guide their actions and decisions. They hold themselves to high standards and can confuse their desire for excellence with perfectionism. As a result, they are often their own harshest critics. This self-criticism stems from their desire to be perfect and to avoid making mistakes. It can be a source of stress and frustration when this inner voice continually evaluates their behavior and the behavior of others.
Paradoxically, as Enneagram Type Ones learn to relax their need for constant self-improvement and realize that imperfection is a natural part of life, including making mistakes, they become beacons for true change in the world. Life is no longer defined in black and white terms, and their natural gravitas fuels a sense of dignity and humanity within all those they touch.
GIFTS
- Principled
- Purpose-Oriented
- Objective
- Conscientious
AT MY BEST
- Choose the Right Means to the Right End
- Wise
- Accepting of Myself and Others
- Serene
AVERAGE BEHAVIORS
- Personally Responsible to Fix Things
- Serious
- Self-Controlled
- Opinionated
- Judgemental
- Perfectionist
IMPACT ON OTHERS
+ Others feel inspired by a higher purpose
+ Others feel that they’ve been dealt with fairly.
- Others feel scolded and judged.
- Others feel inferior.
Iceberg Model
What distinguishes one personality from another? The answer is the hidden motivations that shape behavior, thinking, and way of being. In the Enneagram Iceberg Model, this is represented by what’s below the surface.

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Type Movements
INTEGRATING YOUR POTENTIAL
You embody qualities of Type 7: The Enthusiast
WHEN YOU'RE FEELING OFF
You are helped by the qualities of Type 4: The Individualist

TYPE 1
Key Insight
There is nothing you need to fix or make happen in order to experience goodness. There is relief in knowing there is a greater intelligence at work, and that you are an integral part of it.
*Overview section is adapted from the Enneagram Inquiry Process™, created by Diana Redmond and Elizabeth Carrington and used with permission.Type models adapted from The Enneagram Iceberg Models in Deep Living with the Enneagram: Recovering Your True Nature, Roxanne Howe-Murphy and used with permission.