We do not see the same picture

What's going on in this picture?

Whenever we look at something, at an object, whether that's a work of art, a project brief, a piece of feedback, a website, we are looking at it through a particular lens.

That lens filters out information it doesn't want you to see. This happens quickly and unconsciously. You don't get to choose, it just happens. This lens or filter, shapes your perception of what you're looking at and how you react to it.

And while psychologically there are many filters we're looking through, it's easier if we break it down into nine filters that we can commonly see in ourselves and in others.

The following are meant to be illustrative, rather than accurate, as every person is unique. But here is how the filter of each Enenagram type might answer the question: "what's going on in this painting?"

Enneagram Ones focus on doing the right thing according to their own internal standards of what the right thing is. So for One's the question is not, what's happening in this painting, but rather what is the right way to answer this question, or the right way to look at a painting.

Enneagram Two's focus on forging positive relationships, so their comfort in answering the question may have a lot to do with their relationship with the person asking the question. Either way, they are less likely to say that they really feel about it, and more about what the other person expects.

Enneagram Threes focus on getting the job done quickly and looking good while doing it. This first answer is likely to be quick and glib, as slowing down to really take in the painting may not be their first priority.

Enneagram Fours focus on authentic self expression, often filtering by what's missing. They will focus on the details of the painting, and how they feel about them as well as the feel of the painting overall.

Enneagram Fives focus on facts and details, on being a quiet authority. If they feel knowledgeable about art, or this painting , they will have a lot to say. If they don't, they will likely hold back util they believe they have sufficient information to engage,

Enneagram Sixes focus on risks and are often skeptical, questioning troubleshooters. They might look at this painting and see the risks of walking on slippery cobbled streets or the dangers of walking in the middle of the road. They may also ask many questions about what the questioner/facilitator thinks about this picture.

Enneagram Sevens focus on the future and all the good things that can happen. They may notice that no one in this painting looks particularly happy or joyous, that it has a dreariness to it and focus on how they might liven it up.

Enneagram Eights focus on moving things forward through strength or power. They might scan all the people in the room or in this painting, noticing who has the power and who doesnt. They might also notice that there is not a lot of 'doing' in this picture.

Enneagram Nines focus on consensus and avoiding conflict. They will focus on ensuring everyone is heard and won't be the first to speak up. In the picture they will notice how harmonious it feels.

We aren't aware of these filters until we have a framework that helps us to start noticing. But they play a role in every conversation we have with ourselves, and every conversation we have with others. Which is why the Enneagram can make such a difference to every kind of conversation we have.

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