Social Two — "Ambition"

The Social Two is a seducer of environments–someone who is good in front of groups; a more adult, leader type. In contrast to the other Two subtypes, the Social Two appears as a powerful or intellectual person. This Two has a passion for power, and their pride is expressed through having influence and advantages and cultivating an image of being an influential person.

This Two is the most obviously proud subtype because they are ambitious, know the right people, do important things, occupy positions of leadership, and are usually admired for their accomplishments. In the Social Two, the passion of pride manifests itself as a sense of satisfaction in the conquest of an audience.

In contrast to the more childlike Self-Preservation Two and the more overtly seductive Sexual Two, the Social Two is a more adult “Power Two,” the person who owns their own company, or works at a high level in an organization, or is a leader in their field.

The most intellectual of the Twos, the Social Two needs to be someone important to feed their pride-and to be important, you must use your mind more. Seduction operates in this case through the Social Two’s ability to influence the larger group by being impressive, exceptional, and knowledgeable.

The Social Two’s name, “Ambition,” refers to this person’s passion for being “on top,” being “in the know,” being close to people who are perceived as powerful, and for wielding power themselves. The Social Two has a passion for superiority-a passion to stand above. Because of their need for admiration, Social Twos are competitive and may at times be indifferent to, insensitive to, or in denial about the emotions of others. They tend to (unconsciously) believe that everyone wants to be like them, or that people are less able than they are, or that people are out to get them because they envy their superior skills.

Social Twos are skillful at working behind the scenes to extend the influence within the group and to help the larger entity move in directions that benefit them. They know how to orchestrate individuals within the group or community through the use of strategic giving as a way of gaining allegiance and respect. Although it often operates at a subconscious level, this Two has the strongest reliance on “giving to get” as a strategy in interacting with others. The Social Two almost always has a strategic angle when expressing generosity. They support others as a way of ensuring loyalty and reciprocal relationships. They think in terms of influencing the people around them through the offer or delivery of favors, and they make things happen through the promise of rewards or positive attention.

This Two can be a bit more introverted than the other Twos. They are more attuned to the effective cultivation of a public image that conveys power and authority; this makes them good performers in front of an audience, but it also necessitates a greater level of privacy or removal when they are offstage.

Social Twos can also be workaholics, with a tendency toward omnipotence. They may appear enthusiastic, confident or overconfident-and even manic at times. They tend to engage in power struggles, wanting to dominate and play the protector, and they may express a sense of territoriality at times. They usually have a highly positive sense of their work and their goals as well-they believe that they can accomplish anything.

People with this subtype tend to deny vulnerable emotions, such as shame, fear, despair, mistrust, jealousy, and envy. They may sincerely believe they are displaying vulnerability when they aren’t, or they may use a show of vulnerability for effect with an audience. On the low side, when they are more unconscious and unhealthy, Social Twos may be indifferent toward or contemptuous of others. They may take a position of power and control over others in ways they don’t see, and may even unconsciously exploit others, even while believing they are helping them.

The Social Two can resemble a Three or an Eight. Like Type Threes, Social Twos tend to be goal-oriented, competitive, and successful in their work. They typically get a lot done and have a reputation as powerful people who can lead the group. However, Twos usually have a softer presence and can show more vulnerability, warmth, or emotion on the way to achieving their goals, especially if such demonstrations support their larger aims, whereas Threes tend not to express vulnerable feelings as much. Like Type Eights, Social Twos can be powerful, influential, protective of others, and oriented to the big picture. Unlike Eights, however, Social Twos can display vulnerability more (or use a show of vulnerability to their advantage), and can more readily access their emotions in supporting others or establishing control.

Carol, a Social Two, speaks:

I was that kid in school that was friends with the teacher. I always got asked to take the lead on school events and student body activities. I was like the school diplomat. I was also involved in adult organizations, volunteering my time at non-profits or serving on a board of directors as the youngest member.

I go above and beyond in my jobs, working hard and diligently. I seek out influential leaders and get to know them. I don’t do this consciously, it just happens. On my first day of work at my current job, I sought out employee network groups and immediately joined two. After the first meeting of each group, I was asked to take a leading role, which I accepted gladly. I tend to overcommit and then get stressed out. But if I am not involved socially with groups I feel are important, I can get easily bored and even depressed. I need to be involved and making a difference.

After a lot of self-work and reflection, I realize my unconscious drive to lead and influence leaders reflects my underlying need for approval. Many times, it gets in the way of my taking care of myself or tuning into my own feelings. I am slowly getting better at having downtime where I can create, take a walk, or relax, but this still requires conscious effort.

Specific Work For The Social Two on the Path from Vice to Virtue

Social Twos travel the path from pride to humility by recognizing and owning how the need for power and admiration plays a role in the things they do; by becoming more aware of the strategic intent of their generosity; and by allowing for more real vulnerability and authenticity in relationships with others. These Twos benefit from seeing how their form of leadership may be unconsciously manipulative and working against a deeper need to see themselves as more competent than others. It is also important for Social Twos to make active efforts to receive as much as they give and to relax the manic tendency to work too hard. These Twos may experience a sense of omnipotence as a compensation for giving up their deeper needs for love and care. Slowing down and making sure their needs are getting met in direct ways can help them observe and work against their pride-fueled impulse to overwork. Remembering to focus on needs and vulnerable feelings serves to temper the important work these Twos do with a conscious sense of humility.

Sourced with permission from The Complete Enneagram by Beatrice Chestnut.

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