Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Power of the Enneagram

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Herb Pearce and Karen Brees have written a readable, entertaining and thought-provoking book on personal growth without either dumbing down the material or losing the reader in jargon and technicalities. Herb Pearce, who has many years experience leading workshops and giving personal counseling sessions based on Enneagram principles, has filled his book with useful facts and tips about the nine personality types and how they interact with others.

Unlike many such books, this one avoids feel-good platitudes and gratuitous pats on the back; it concentrates instead on educating and informing. Pearce forthrightly presents the weaknesses as well as the strengths of each type (an example: "You [the 6 type] might be looking for a parent figure to count on, and it's too late for that!...you are your own parent now and you have a better shot at it, being grown up!").

The book is an enjoyable read, not only for its honesty, but for its informal, breezy style and wealth of sidebars, illustrations and short, snappy paragraphs. Pearce's experience shows in his detailed knowledge of types and sub-types and in describing the harmonies and tensions that are inevitable when certain types come together. (An example: "3-6 couple--3's foot is on the gas, careening toward action, and the 6 is cautious. 3 is image-oriented and 6 is matter of fact, often disdaining image. It takes some real understanding and appreciation of differences to make this combo work.")

A whole chapter is devoted to helping the reader identify his or her own type and those of friends and acquaintances. It includes checklists and questionnaires and addresses issues such as parenting, the work environment and the capacity for creativity and accomplishment and how one's Enneagram type influences these things.

Although the Enneagram is a self-contained system, the book could have benefited from a comparison with other personality typing systems--particularly those ancient ones with which the Enneagram's origins may be linked. Strong connections can be seen, for example, between the nine Enneagram types and the five human energies in traditional Chinese medicine. This may help explain the Enneagram's peculiar power, since the nine types may be seen as expressions of the most fundamental human energies and impulses.

All in all, the book is a clear, accurate and highly useful guide to greater self-understanding and more successful relationships.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Power of the Enneagram is the best introduction I've seen to the Enneagram personality system. As a management consultant who uses the Enneagram for team development in organizations, I am always looking for appropriate literature to direct my clients to - books or articles which will present the Enneagram to beginners in a straightforward way. Specifically I'm looking for a clear presentation of the system, free of psychological and spiritual jargon and without a heavy emphasis on the negative qualities of each type. Unfortunately much of the Enneagram literature doesn't suit my purposes. The psychological or spiritual language found in many books or websites can scare off clients at first and a focus on the negatives of each type can be a turn-off in a business environment. Though Herb Pearce has an extensive psychotherapeutic background he understands his audience for this book and keeps it simple and uncomplicated. Also, although he doesn't step over the negative side of each type (as mentioned in a previous review), he doesn't lead with - or focus excessively on - those characteristics. I highly recommend this book as an introduction to a valuable system of personality differences.

I must admit that I didn't expect much from this book, probably because of the title. But I've used it alongside Helen Palmer's "The Enneagram in Love and Work" and Richard Rohr's "The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective," and it adds to the others. Like all books in this format, it's succinct, which is a virtue in itself, but it's not simplistic. It's definitely worth the price and has actually enhanced my understanding in ways that the other books didn't. I'm glad I got it, and I ordered a copy for my son also.

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Power of the Enneagram" is a notable rundown on the Enneagram personality system. Herb Pearce and Karen Brees do an outstanding job enlightening the reader on the subject of the Enneagram and clearly explaining the nine types; noting that one number isn't better than any other number when balanced. Balancing and paying special attention to your negative aspects while accentuating your positive traits are spelled out nicely in this book.

The questionnaire at the end of the book can help you determine what `outta the' nine Enneagram types you are!. I personally have found that more than ever this typology has helped me become a more compassionate person. A pertinent quote I enjoyed: "You are all nine types at various times".

I would recommend this book to the beginner as well as those who are more knowledgeable regarding the Enneagram system.. In the personal growth section I liked the advice given for a number 4 (since I have a couple of #4 friends) "Just because you think it, doesn't mean that it's true".

All in all "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Power of the Enneagram" was attention-grabbing, insightful and fun to read. Using this book (in my opinion as a #9) can offer significant opportunities assisting in self discovery and wisely guiding you in all your relationships.

I'd like to ad that Herb Pearce is a leading expert in the Enneagram and his workshops are enlightening and fun-filled.

Enjoyed ready this book. I have read many enneagram books, that get very involved and deep into the enneagram. I was looking for something that could explain the enneagram to someone who had never heard about it. This book described the types in simple easy to use conversational language. It gets down to the basics and was extremely helpful in sorting your type. Enjoyed reading it cover to cover. It also offered great tips for growth for each of the types and also included coaching the enneagram types.

My favorite book on Enneagram. It's a great introduction. Great explanations that are easy to follow. I've even purchased a few copies for friends.

I have been aware of the Enneagram for a long time, ever since reading "Gurdjieff" ( Who is credited for reintroducing it in modern times). I wasn't expecting much of it though.I was amazed by how useful and insightful the Enneagram system is. I have looked at several books on the subject and Idiot's guide, is the best, hands down.

Herb Pearce's format and easy going writing style brings the Enneagram to life. The best part of the book is the description of the healthy and unhealthy qualities of each type. It's no surprise that it is a good read as Herb is a 9 and wants to make it a calming experience. He succeeds!

This book packs so much information into a clear, easy-to-understand format. There is a tremendous amount of empowering information that could transform one's life.

I've read many books on the Enneagram, but this one outlines the system, and the Types, so clearly and with such compassion that it's got my highest recommendation. Most notable about the book is how the author truly values each type of personality and highlights what's positive. He speaks to and about the strengths of all types of personalities, and gently points out areas where one could grow.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is new to the Enneagram, advanced Enneagram enthusiasts, and to anyone who wants to get a better understanding of themselves and their relationships.

This book has made me a more self-aware and empowered person. It's truly wonderful.

I am very pleased with this book. It is very interesting and helpful. It is well-written and easy to understand. This book arrived very quickly and in very good condition. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the enneagram.