Posted by Ronnie on November 29, 1999 at 13:18:50:
In Reply to: Widely but not specifically - examples requested. 'Unpack' rather than 'expand' if you like. NT posted by Tiggy. on November 28, 1999 at 18:31:45:
By overusing I mean applying the enneagram in situations where it doesn't fit, drawing conclusions based on superficial information. That example of "He's a monk, he wants to be peaceful, so he must a nine" is a good one.
Treating people as type numbers, not individuals. "You're type x, that's what you are/do this and that".
Another thing that sometimes happens is believing that you see the "characteristic bad behavior" in someone and condemning it, no matter how warranted it would be. A seven being bored, one feeling rules are bended too much, a five wanting to withdraw to analyze data, etc. Those all could be healthy, normal reactions, but as they are thought to be the characteristic automatic reaction, they are seen as unhealthy.
Oversimplifying personality structures, seeing the enneagram as a magic tool that can tell everything.
More or less knowing someone's type and judging people based an that, forgetting empathy and true caring. "I happen to know you're a six and that's why you have problems with authority!" instead of just "How do you feel?"
Stereotyping people into caricatures.
I'm sure I could think more of these if I thought about it, those were for starters.
Ronnie