Type 2: The Helper

Generous | Empathetic | Compassionate | Supportive

Type 2s are motivated to be loved and needed while seeking validation through their ability to assist and nurture those around them.

Seeks

Connection and supporting others’ needs

Avoids

Their own needs

Strengths

  • Attuned to what others need

  • Generous and giving

  • Excellent at building relationships

  • Supportive and nurturing

Growth Opportunities

  • Learning to set healthy boundaries

  • Practicing self-care

  • Recognizing their own needs

  • Developing independence

How Type 2s Think, Feel, and Act

Constantly thinking about how to help, Type 2s naturally tune into the needs of others, seeking ways to provide meaningful support and assistance.

Empathetic and emotionally connected, Type 2s are highly sensitive to the emotional states of those around them and often feel responsible for easing others' burdens.

Driven by a strong instinct to take action, Type 2s proactively offer help but may overlook their own needs in their desire to make an impact.

Insights in Professional Life

In the workplace, Type 2s offer warmth and support, building strong relationships and encouraging collaboration. By creating a nurturing environment, they inspire others and ensure teams feel valued and understood.

Leadership

Empathy and support come naturally to those who lead with a Type 2 personality, making them strong leaders in roles that promote caring and inclusive environments. Their opportunity for growth lies in being mindful of not overextending themselves.

Communication

With a natural ability to connect in one-on-one interactions, Type 2s excel as communicators. Their growth opportunity is to ensure they also set clear boundaries and express their own needs.

Conflict

When conflict arises, Type 2s work to resolve issues with empathy and understanding. Their growth lies in addressing their own feelings and resisting the urge to suppress emotions.

Decision-Making

The decision-making process for Type 2s is deeply influenced by how it affects others. Growth can be found in balancing this empathy with logical, objective analysis.

Giving Feedback

Providing feedback in a nurturing and supportive way comes easily to Type 2s. However, the opportunity for growth is to ensure feedback is also balanced and includes necessary constructive criticism.

Team Dynamics

As natural team players, Type 2s prioritize harmony and support. Their growth opportunity lies in encouraging independence within the team to avoid becoming overly relied upon.

Type 2s grow by learning to recognize and address their own needs, setting healthy boundaries to avoid burnout, practicing self-care and self-compassion, and developing independence and self-sufficiency.

Professional Relationships

Being Managed by a Type 2

Type 2 leaders create a nurturing, supportive environment where team members feel valued and encouraged. When they balance their care for others with clear boundaries and self-care, they create a healthy dynamic that promotes both team well-being and strong performance, ensuring goals are met with mutual respect and dedication.

Managing Others as a Type 2

Employees managed by Type 2s benefit from their empathy and support. Open communication about personal needs and being receptive to feedback can help build a positive working relationship.

Managing a Type 2

Acknowledging the contributions of Type 2s and ensuring they aren’t overburdened or neglecting their own needs helps sustain a healthy work environment. Encouraging self-care and setting clear boundaries supports their well-being, leading to greater productivity.

Ready to transform your leadership? Discover how the Enneagram and Three-Centered Leadership
can unlock your potential.

Explore The Other Enneagram Types

  • Type 1: The Reformer

    Purposeful, self-controlled, strives for improvement.

    Type 1

  • Type 2: The Helper

    Generous, empathetic, and people-pleasing.

    type2

  • Type 3: The Achiever

    Driven, goal-oriented, and adaptable.

    Type 3

  • Type 4: The Individualist

    Expressive, creative, and authentic.

    Make It

  • Type 5: The Investigator

    Analytical, private, and perceptive.

    Click Here

  • Type 6: The Loyalist

    Reliable, responsible, and prepared.

    Click Here

  • Type 7: The Enthusiast

    Adventurous, spontaneous, and optimistic.

    Click Here

  • Type 8: The Challenger

    Assertive, decisive, and self-confident.

    Click Here

  • Type 9: The Peacemaker

    Receptive, accommodating, and harmonious.

    Click Here