Michael Scott Enneagram – A Social Type 7

If you’ve watched the US Office, you know what a character Michael Scott is. He’s super enthusiastic, not very tactful but has a good heart and wants the best for those he cares about. One of my favorite things to do is analyze the enneagram numbers of famous people and TV characters!

I strongly feel that Michael Scott is an Enneagram 7, with the social variant. Enneagram Type Sevens are typically known as the Enthusiast, recognized for their optimism, high energy, and desire to avoid negative emotions. Here’s a breakdown of why. I also go into common mistypes of his personality and my reasoning behind those!

Avoidance of Pain and Embracing of Pleasure

He always avoids confronting painful or uncomfortable emotional situations. He’s known for turning any serious moments into jokes or shifting the focus to more light-hearted things and activities. This is what type 7s do: They avoid pain and pursue happy and pleasurable experiences as a means to cope with underlying anxiety or dissatisfaction.

Fear of Missing Out

This social Seven has a big fear of missing out on rewarding social interactions and experiences. They want to be where the action is and can become anxious if they feel excluded from important social events or gatherings. Michael has a lot of FOMO through out the show!

Constant Search for Novelty

His behavior often shows a search for new experiences and adventures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as organizing unusual office activities or when he dives headfirst into new (and often ill-advised) business ideas. Sevens thrive on variety and excitement. Michael shows this with his dislike for routine and all the antics he pulls that disrupt the daily grind at Dunder Mifflin.

Optimism and Idealism

Despite the setbacks he faces, he remains optimistic. He has this idealistic view of how office relationships should be, and he sees his coworkers as family members and himself as the “world’s best boss.” This lines up with a type Seven’s tendency to maintain a positive outlook and to see the world through a lens of endless possibilities.

Fear of Being Trapped or Deprived

One of Michael’s fears is being trapped in situations where he feels unhappy. This leads him to make impulsive decisions. His impromptu decision to start his own paper company after feeling undervalued at Dunder Mifflin is a classic example of a Seven’s fear of entrapment and their desire for freedom.

Distraction and Scattered Focus

Sevens often have a scattered focus, jumping from one idea or activity to another, and Michael shows this trait all the time. He has difficulty focusing on mundane aspects of his job and is easily distracted by more exciting projects.

Charm and Sociability

Michael’s charm and his desire to be liked are obvious. He often uses humor and charisma to engage with others despite the awkwardness he creates. Sevens are generally sociable and enthusiastic, qualities that Michael definitely has.

Underlying Anxiety and Escapism

Beneath his joyful exterior, Michael Scott shows signs of deep-seated anxieties about his personal life and career. His actions seem driven by an underlying need to escape these anxieties rather than confront them directly. For instance, his elaborate office parties he throws all the time can be seen as a way to escape the less pleasant realities of his job or personal life.

Mistypes

I’ve read articles where people say he could be a type 2, 6 or 3 but I disagree. Here’s my reasoning!

Type 3 Mistype

1. Michael wants to be the world’s best boss—literally, he even has a mug that says “World’s Best Boss.” Unlike Type Threes, who are usually keen on how their actions shape their image, Michael lacks this self-awareness. He often declares himself the best boss ever, but usually gets nothing but eye rolls or disagreement from his team, which is something a Type Three would likely pick up on and adjust their behavior accordingly.
2. Michael’s desire to be seen as the “World’s Best Boss” is less about actual professional achievement and more about gaining personal affection and approval from his employees. He wants to be loved and admired personally, which is more characteristic of a Type Seven’s desire for acceptance and fear of being uninteresting or unworthy of attention.
3. Michael uses humor and fun to connect, sometimes stepping over the line, to create a family-like bond with his staff. This emotional approach and fear of losing connection align with a Type Seven’s behavior, who tends to avoid deep negative emotions that could lower their spirits.

Type 2 Mistype

1. While Michael often attempts to care for and support his employees, his actions frequently miss the mark. His lack of genuine empathy and understanding can lead to inappropriate and ineffective attempts to connect with others. For instance, his “fun runs” or birthday celebrations often serve his need for attention more than they cater to what his employees want or need.
2. Michael’s actions are often driven by his desire for attention and approval, rather than a genuine desire to support others’ well-being. While Twos also seek appreciation, their actions are generally more aligned with the actual needs of others, not just what they think others should enjoy.
3. Michael often shows poor emotional regulation, reacting impulsively and dramatically to situations. While Type Twos are indeed emotional, they typically manage their emotions in a way that maintains their relationships and supports their self-image as helpers.
4. Michael’s behavior is frequently self-centered, a trait that is generally at odds with the other-focused nature of Type Two. His need to be liked can lead him to prioritize his feelings and desires over those of his employees, contrasting with a Two’s typical prioritization of others’ needs.
5. When Michael does engage in manipulative behavior, it often lacks the subtlety and altruistic façade typical of Type Two. His manipulations are usually overt and aimed at creating a sense of fun or avoiding personal discomfort rather than subtly ensuring that others remain emotionally dependent on him.

Type 6 Mistype

1. Unlike the typically cautious Type Six, Michael often engages in risky and impulsive behavior without a thorough consideration of the consequences. Examples include his spontaneous decision to start his own paper company or his numerous unorthodox managerial decisions. His behavior is often guided more by a desire for novelty or to stop boredom, which are more Type Seven characteristics.
2. Michael lacks skepticism and vigilance, which are characteristic of Sixes. He tends to be overly trusting and sometimes naive, particularly in his interactions with authority figures or in situations where more prudent judgment would be advisable.
3. Michael’s behaviors are frequently driven by his need for attention and approval, rather than by concerns for security or loyalty. While Sixes also seek support and affirmation, their methods are usually more aligned with ensuring stability and reliability, rather than seeking the spotlight.
4. Although Michael exhibits loyalty to his employees, his loyalty can sometimes be inconsistent and self-serving. He desires to be liked and to maintain a harmonious atmosphere, but this can come at the expense of making tough decisions that would benefit the company. This contradicts the Six’s tendency to stick to a course of action or belief system even when it is personally challenging.

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Leave a comment below! 😀