The Enneagram is a great tool to use in the workplace, though it should be used responsibly. It’s not easy to look inward, especially in a work context! To do so effectively, it’s important to create a safe space for everyone. I use the guidelines featured in this post to help teams get the most out of Enneagram trainings.

For example:
Do talk about the Enneagram with your coworkers!
Don't make it the topic of every team meeting

Did you know:

I’m here today doing this work because I was introduced to using personality frameworks in the workplace many years ago! I’d always been interested in personality, and I used the MBTI at work in college. A few years later, when I was a manager at an awesome organization, we used a motivation-based framework to 1) develop our staff; 2) define our organizational values; 3) create culture change; 4) guide our vision. That was a life-changing experience for me.

A few years ago, I realized that my dream job is to help teams improve their communication through tools like the Enneagram. So I went back to school and I now hold a master of arts in Organizational Communication & Leadership. My master's thesis project was around formalizing the connection between self-knowledge and interpersonal communication and how the Enneagram can help with both.

While I still do coaching, I mostly work with teams to help them work together better using the Enneagram. I’m really passionate about this work, and I enjoy building relationships with my ongoing clients so that I get to see the employees grow.

Let’s dive in!

If you’d like to see what others had to say about this post, you can see it here and join the conversation!

Don't:

Weaponize
Avoid using this information to tease, harass, bully, or otherwise disparage a team member. This subject matter can be sensitive, so it's important to treat it that way. For example, saying, "that's SUCH a Nine thing to say!" is often meant in jest, but it can be hurtful and cause others to shut down.

Type others
Saying something like, "I know you're a 1!" can cause a coworker to feel misunderstood and unable to speak up about their own type. Putting an individual in a position where they have to argue for who they are is not helpful.

Do:

Keep an open mind
Stay curious about your type, and seek understanding as you hear new information. This is an opportunity to develop self-observation and awareness.

Remember -
You are more than a number! Your Enneagram type can explain a lot, but it's not the only thing that's true of you. Try not to stereotype yourself or others: be open to learning new things about yourself and teammates, and engage with curiosity, rather than rigidity.

Don't:

Hire / Fire by type
Any type can work! While it might be tempting to choose employees based on Enneagram type, it's not a good idea. *Instead, use Enneagram type to understand one another and work together better. Job skills and performance cannot be predicted by type.

Isolate this info
I offer reflection questions to continue Enneagram conversations outside our training sessions. This keeps information top-of-mind and helps employees apply what they've learned.

Do:

Expect growth over time
Rather than hoping to see yourself change overnight, remember that real, sustainable growth takes work and is not necessarily linear. What you learn today might take time to understand and apply.

Hire a professional
I know, I'm biased! But this is really important. Hiring someone who can help your team understand their types & why type matters beyond a quick test is absolutely crucial if you want to see real change.

When used responsibly, the Enneagram can

Offer awareness around personality differences and similarities
Diffuse interpersonal conflict & improve communication by giving your team a common language to talk about themselves
Aid appropriate self-disclosure
Offer sustainable personal & professional development to all employees
Help you develop your own leadership skills
& more!

When not used responsibly, the Enneagram can

Cause lasting damage to a team or an individual's career (for example, being passed up for a job based on Enneagram type)
Create division between those who like the Enneagram & those who don't
Open the door to judgment or criticism based on type
Cause team members to feel misunderstood & disconnected
& more

Avoid this by selecting an Enneagram professional with the right experience, training, education, & ethics to fit your team.

If you're interested in utilizing the Enneagram for your team or organization, you can book a consultation with me here! I offer stand-alone and ongoing sessions designed to ease communication, boost productivity, and develop emotional intelligence with hands-on Enneagram training tailored to your team’s needs.

Do you use the Enneagram on your team? How has it helped your team grow? Let me know here on Instagram!

Want to explore more about the Enneagram and how to apply the Enneagram to your everyday life? My book, Enneagram in Real Life, provides you with a step-by-step guide to use the Enneagram as a practical tool for self-discovery, self-awareness, curiosity, and relational wholeness.