Due to their predominant social subtype, the typical enneagram social 2 loves looking out for other people. They enjoy being in leadership positions where they can interact with other people.
Enneagram social 2s have this penchant for attracting power. They either wield some powerful positions or lurk around people who do. Unlike their Self-Preservation or sexual subtypes, the social two are more intellectual, powerful, and well-connected.
If you suspect you have this subtype or you feel someone else does, don’t worry! This article will explore the enneagram social 2 subtype, signs to spot when recognizing it, and what to do to become a better version.
Read Enneagram Social 1: What Should You Expect?
Shall we?
Who is the Enneagram Social 2?
The typical enneagram social two thrives on power. They naturally become leaders because they know how to penetrate the room and leave a statement, which makes them more prone to becoming founders, CEOs, C-level executives, or a top-level government official.
They can walk into a room and wow their audience with their intelligence and impressive knowledge about their industry and the world generally.
Type twos deeply crave social connections in personal, romantic, or communal relationships. However, they have a strong passion for superiority, which may make them look down on others if mishandled. That will be a disaster.
Let’s look at their strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths of the Enneagram Social 2
Highly Intellectual and Ambitious
Compared to the other two subtypes, social twos are highly ambitious people. They love working hard to achieve their goals and meet their targets. Type twos are usually the most optimistic people you’ll ever meet. They look on the bright side of everything, even if the situation is dire.
They are usually very confident in their abilities and enthusiastic about what they plan to do. You’ll hardly hear a social type two complaining of imposter syndrome, except they have been affected by life’s circumstances.
They often love engaging in power struggles with other subtypes and winning. In most cases, they didn’t win because they wanted to. They won to prove that they were superior.
More Introverted
Contrary to popular opinion, the social 2 subtype is more introverted than their self-preservation and sexual counterparts, although there are a few exceptions.
Even though they like socializing with people and connecting with those in higher authority, they love their space. They only have a handful of friends they can be authentic with if they have at all.
Their introversion often makes them excellent observers. They know how to read the room and understand the hidden messages moving around through actions and conversions. They take time to decide on things and are highly self-aware. When they finish socializing, they crawl into corners to recharge their batteries.
Enjoy Working Behind the Scene.
Do you know someone that never appears in the open but decides what happens in critical situations? Then, that person is most likely a social type 2.
Unlike social type 3s, they’re not so much interested in the spotlight. But they want to have the power to decide who gets the spotlight. They are more attracted to power than fame.
Type twos love connecting with influential people and being the hidden hand that makes everything fall in place. They know how to motivate and inspire people to do what they want to do. Another difference between them and social 3s is that they’re more vulnerable and expressive with their emotions.
Furthermore, the typical enneagram social 2 is very generous and loyal.
Workaholic
Looking for the best people to give something to, especially if it will increase their power or give them access to influential people? Give it to a social type 2.
Social 2s realize that they must work hard if they want to access wealth and power. They set ambitious and illustrious goals and are OK putting in the work to ensure they meet them. They’re ready to work on weekends and holidays if they have to.
Type twos also work hard because they’re very competitive. When given a task and their “supposed” rival is there, they will try their best to outshine the person or prove they’re a better candidate. Sometimes it can be healthy competition; other times, it’s not.
Weaknesses of the Enneagram Social 2
Enormous Pride
The unhealthy enneagram social 2 has enormous pride. They derive this pride from their affiliations with influential people or businesses. Their need for power and validation often makes them desperate and ostentatious.
They occupy several positions of power and leadership, so they love commanding respect from people. This trait often makes them tie their self-worth to their achievements, so when they don’t excel in a certain period, they become anxious and depressed.
Passion for Superiority
Type twos are natural leaders. If you have this subtype or stay around people with this subtype, you will realize that type two usually gets nominated or appointed for leadership positions. They’re charismatic, empathetic, and know how to work through the crowd.
However, this trait can be a weakness because they grow up naturally wanting to be superior to others or believing that superiority is their birthright. Unhealthy type twos become desperate and willing to do anything to become superior and demean everyone around them.
Indifferent to People’s Needs
Unhealthy social type twos are often indifferent to other people’s needs, especially when they’re not vulnerable or expressive with their feelings. If you stay close to this type of person, they never take your feelings or emotions seriously. In worse scenarios, they may even downplay them.
They pay more attention to building a good reputation and robust portfolio than caring about people. This negative trait often affects their personal and work relationships.
People Pleasing and Constant Need for Validation
If not trained right, social type twos can become enormous people pleasers. They are ready to kiss ass and feet as long as it gets them right through the door to the corridors of power and influence. They don’t mind saying yeses and nodding in agreement when their superiors say things, even if they disagree.
This constant need for validation may cause them to stay on paths that are not authentically theirs. If they continue moving down this road, they will waste years acquiring power and wealth without learning to put themselves first.
Enneagram Social 2: How to Become Your Best Version
- Create more authentic and vulnerable relationships with people. Vulnerability is not a weakness, as most people see it to be. Yes, someone can use it against you, but what’s life without risks? Learn to create more vulnerable and open-minded relationships with people instead of always thinking of how to get ahead or demean them
- Although this subtype loves and encourages hard work, it often needs to determine where to draw the line. It has no work-life balance and always experiences burnout. You need to know when to step back and rest. Spend more time with family and friends because money will always come, but your family may not always be there.
- Know when pride is stepping in. Learn to be humble by recognizing that it’s a normal human desire to want power and acquire wealth, but you shouldn’t let that desire overwhelm you.
