The Peacemaker: One of the Nine Enneagram Types

Strengths of the Peacemaker

Peacemakers have many strengths that make them valuable members of society. Here are just a few of the most significant:

• They are excellent listeners: Peacemakers have a natural ability to listen to others without judgment, which makes them great at providing emotional support.
• They are diplomatic: Peacemakers are skilled at finding common ground between opposing viewpoints, which makes them valuable mediators.
• They are empathetic: Peacemakers have a deep understanding of the emotions and needs of others, which allows them to build strong relationships.
• They are patient: Peacemakers have a high tolerance for discomfort and are willing to wait out a situation to achieve a peaceful resolution.
• They are non-judgmental: Peacemakers accept others for who they are and rarely criticize or judge others.

Weaknesses of the Peacemaker

Like all personality types, Peacemakers have weaknesses that can cause problems in their personal and professional lives. Here are some of the most common weaknesses of the Peacemaker type:

• They avoid conflict: Peacemakers will go to great lengths to avoid conflict, which can lead to them sacrificing their own needs and desires.
• They struggle with decision-making: Peacemakers often have a hard time making decisions, as they are so focused on finding a solution that makes everyone happy.
• They can be passive-aggressive: Peacemakers may resort to passive-aggressive behaviour when they feel like their needs are not being met.
• They can be indecisive: Peacemakers may have a hard time taking a stand on important issues, as they are so focused on finding a compromise.
• They can be overly accommodating: Peacemakers may put the needs of others above their own, which can lead to them feeling unfulfilled.

Motivations of the Peacemaker

Understanding the motivations of the Peacemaker type is key to understanding their behaviour. Peacemakers are motivated by a deep desire for harmony and balance in their relationships. They want everyone to get along and are willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. They also have a strong desire to avoid conflict, which is why they often sacrifice their own needs to keep the peace.

Peacemakers are also motivated by a need for connection. They value relationships and are often the glue that holds groups together. They want to feel like they belong and are an important part of their community. This need for connection can sometimes lead to Peacemakers being overly accommodating, as they don’t want to risk losing the relationships they have worked so hard to build.

Peacemakers in Relationships

Peacemakers are natural relationship builders, and they thrive in situations where they can bring people together. They are excellent listeners and are skilled at reading between the lines to understand what others are feeling. They have a deep understanding of the emotions and needs of others, which allows them to build strong, lasting relationships.

However, Peacemakers can sometimes struggle in romantic relationships. They may have a hard time asserting their own needs and desires, as they are so focused on keeping the peace. They may also struggle with decision-making, as they want to find a solution that makes everyone happy, which can be difficult in a romantic relationship where both partners may have different needs and desires.

Careers for Peacemakers

Peacemakers excel in careers where they can use their natural talents for building relationships and diffusing tense situations. Here are some careers that may be a good fit for Peacemakers:

• Mediator: Peacemakers make excellent mediators, as they are skilled at finding common ground between opposing viewpoints.
• Counselor: Peacemakers have a natural ability to listen without judgment, which makes them great at providing emotional support.
• Human resources: Peacemakers excel in roles where they can help resolve conflicts and build relationships between coworkers.
• Social worker: Peacemakers have a deep understanding of the emotions and needs of others, which makes them effective social workers.

How a Life Coach Can Help a Peacemaker

While Peacemakers have many strengths, they also have weaknesses that can cause problems in their personal and professional lives. A life coach can help a Peacemaker identify and address these weaknesses, while also helping them build on their strengths.

Here are some ways that a life coach can help a Peacemaker:

1. Assertiveness Training

One of the main challenges that Peacemakers face is difficulty with assertiveness. They may struggle to assert their own needs and desires, as they are so focused on keeping the peace. A life coach can help a Peacemaker develop assertiveness skills so that they can communicate their needs and desires effectively without sacrificing the relationships they value so highly.

2. Conflict Resolution

While Peacemakers are skilled at avoiding conflict, they may struggle when conflicts do arise. A life coach can help a Peacemaker develop effective conflict resolution skills so that they can navigate conflicts in a way that leads to positive outcomes for everyone involved.

3. Decision-Making

Peacemakers often struggle with decision-making, as they want to find a solution that makes everyone happy. A life coach can help a Peacemaker develop decision-making skills that take into account the needs and desires of all parties involved, while also prioritizing the Peacemaker’s own needs and desires.

4. Self-Care

Peacemakers may struggle with self-care, as they are so focused on caring for the needs of others. A life coach can help a Peacemaker develop a self-care plan that prioritizes their well-being, while also ensuring that their relationships remain strong and harmonious.

5. Goal-Setting

Peacemakers may struggle with goal-setting, as they may not want to rock the boat or risk damaging their relationships. A life coach can help a Peacemaker set goals that are aligned with their values and desires, while also ensuring that these goals are compatible with their relationships.

A life coach can be a valuable ally for a Peacemaker, helping them to build on their strengths while addressing their weaknesses. By working with a life coach, Peacemakers can develop the skills and strategies they need to build strong, healthy relationships, while also achieving their personal and professional goals.

FAQs

Q: Are Peacemakers always conflict-averse? A: Yes, conflict avoidance is one of the defining characteristics of the Peacemaker type.

Q: Can Peacemakers be assertive? A: Yes, although it may be difficult for them. Peacemakers may struggle to assert their own needs and desires, as they are so focused on keeping the peace.

Q: Are Peacemakers good leaders? A: Peacemakers can make good leaders if they can balance their desire for harmony with their need to make tough decisions.

Conclusion

The Peacemaker is one of the nine Enneagram types, and it is a type that is known for its ability to create harmony and balance in relationships. Peacemakers are conflict-averse, empathetic, patient, diplomatic, and non-judgmental. They excel in careers where they can use their natural talents for building relationships and diffusing tense situations.

While Peacemakers have many strengths, they also have weaknesses that can cause problems in their personal and professional lives. Understanding the motivations, strengths, and weaknesses of the Peacemaker type can help individuals build better relationships and succeed in their careers.