You’ll never meet a more stereotypical type 3 than the enneagram social 3. While there are differences depending on the order of the other instincts, the conclusion is the same.

Here, we’ll discuss enneagram social 3 and what you can expect from them.

Who is the Enneagram Social 3?

Enneagram social 3 is everything you think a core type 3 is with a touch of type 8. Social 3s are goal-oriented and highly driven people. They want to be at the forefront of everything that happens.

Social 3s are strong-willed and are determined to take full control of their lives. Because of how confident and charming they can be, they find it easy to adapt to changing circumstances.

Thus, networking and getting to know others is like a hobby to them. They know how to use tact and subtle persuasion to get what they want. Social 3s are also hardworking. They pull all stops to get to the top.

Their perseverance makes it easier for them to succeed in the corporate world. Social 3s often make good entrepreneurs, leaders, and executives.

While this is true, the particular outlook or objective of an enneagram social 3 will depend on their background. Thus, it’s stereotypical, for example, to assume that all social type 3s will always make promising entrepreneurs.

Among the other subtypes, this is the one type that is less likely to be mistyped.

Strengths of the Enneagram Social 3

1.   Confident

Social 3s are naturally confident. Because they care about their appearance and first impression, they are confident they’ve it covered.

Thus, Social 3s usually seem assertive and opinionated on the surface. Their confidence also makes others trust them and see them as reliable.

2.   Goal-oriented

Enneagram social 3 has big goals they want to meet. These goals transcend their careers, relationships, and even self-improvement.

They also have the grit and determination to carry it out. Like core type 3s, their major source of motivation is being seen as special and remaining popular.

3.   Charming

With confidence comes charm. Social 3s know how to charm or woo people. This makes them likable and increases their influence.

Social 3s might feel like they will always get their way. If they are unhealthy, this can alter how they see romantic relationships and friendships.

4.   High Work-Ethic

Type 3s have an incredible work ethic. This is the same with this subtype. They work really hard to meet their goals.

They also work hard to ensure they live up to their hype. Their work ethic can make them seem reliable. However, when taken to the extreme, it can take a toll on their mental and physical health.

5.   Adopts Some of type 8’s Traits

There are a lot of differences between type 8 and type 3. However, some of type 8’s traits are visible with social 3s. One of these traits is the need and recognition of power.

Social 3s are very aware of the powerplay in their workplace or conversations. They want that power or a shot at influencing who has the power.

According to Beatrice Chestnut, this trait makes them more authoritative.

6.   Highly Adaptable

Social 3s are chameleons. They quickly understand people’s expectations and try to match them if necessary.

Thus, they can thrive in changing circumstances. They will not only strive but do this with a smile.

Their main desire is to achieve success. If it means smiling at what they abhor, they’ll do that.

When they are unhealthy, their adaptability can easily become people-pleasing.

Recommended Read- Enneagram Type 3- The Complete Guide

7.   Competitive

As earlier stated, they want to get to the top of their careers. Social 3s always want to be on the winning side. This makes them extremely competitive.

They can do whatever it takes to win. While this makes them a difficult opponent, it can also make them shady.

8.   Born Leaders

This follows the last point. Social 3s are born leaders. Their confidence and work ethic naturally draw others to them.

People might even look up to them as role models. Thus, their ride to the top is usually inevitable.

Weaknesses of the Enneagram Social 3

1.   Struggle with Criticism

Social 3s want to be successful. Constructive feedback or a truckload of criticism is a sure sign they are not perfectly successful.

For social 3s, this can be hard to take. They can become disgruntled and defensive when faced with their failings.

Their struggle with criticism has both obvious and hidden consequences. The obvious drawback is that it hinders their progression. The hidden drawback is that it can change people’s perceptions of them.

That’s not something they want.

2.   The Need to Be Constantly Validated

Social 3s are under self-inflicted pressure to be at their best. To them, the best way to judge their success is by what others say about them.

In other words, they want their successes and efforts to be affirmed by others. When this does not happen, social 3s might feel like they’ve wasted their time. They might start seeing their achievements as worthless.

In worst-case scenarios, their self-confidence might take a hit.

3.   Fear of Being Exposed

Despite all their successes, social 3s have a truckload of insecurities. They are worried about how they are perceived. Some might also feel like they’ll never be good enough.

Not only do they feel this way, but they are also afraid that someone or an event might expose them. Because of this fear, they might react aggressively to being questioned.

In the eyes of the enneagram social 3, the only way to avoid this is to be always right.

4.   Struggle to Identify their Values

As earlier stated, social 3s are highly adaptable. However, this comes with its problems. One of them is losing sight of themselves.

Because of their sacrifices, social 3s might not know what they really want or value. This can make them seem fake. It might also prevent them from forming true bonds.

Growth Tips for the Enneagram Social 3

• It’s important to separate your identity from your achievements. You are good enough even without them.
• Understand that criticism actually helps. Knowing how to use it to your advantage can be a game-changer.
• While being adaptable is great, know how to set boundaries. This will help you control your values and needs better.
• Your loved ones love you for who you are, not what you bring to the table.

Fictional/Famous Characters that Might Be Social 3s

• Homelander (The Boys)
• Rachel Berry (Glee)
• Madison Montgomery (America Horror Story)
• Peach Salinger (You)
• Hannah Montana (Hannah Montana)
• Yato (Noragami)
• Azula (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
• Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter)
• Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl)
• Kim Kardashian
• Jayce Talis (Arcane)
• Meghan Markle
• Kris Jenner
• Maui (Moana)