Myth Monday [11]: Navigating
 
Myth:
“The Navigating Instinctual Bias is the same as the Social instinct.”
 
Reality:
In many Enneagram schools, the “social instinct” is described mainly as enjoying groups, being outgoing, or liking to be around people. 
 
The Navigating Instinctual Bias in the ATA approach is less about being sociable and more about tracking the workings of the group: who is connected to whom, who is trustworthy, how status and roles are arranged, and how information and favours move through the network.
 
A strong Navigating bias can show up in quiet people as much as in extroverts: they may be reserved, but still scan for patterns in alliances, reputation, and power, remembering who helped whom and who can be relied on.
 
Reducing this to “social = likes people and parties” misses the core: Navigating is about understanding group dynamics, identity, and place in the bigger picture, not just about being friendly or talkative.

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