What the Heck is the Enneagram?

We talked about why you should use the Enneagram with your team last week, but if you’re new to the Enneagram, you may be wondering, “What the heck is it?” So, here’s a brief rundown!

The Enneagram is a personality system that categorizes individuals into nine different types, each associated with a set of core motivations, fears, and desires that influence their behavior. The word “enneagram” comes from the Greek words “ennea” (nine) and “gram” (drawing or diagram). Simply put, it’s a nine-sided figure that represents different personality types.

Each of the nine Enneagram types is identified by a number, from 1 to 9, and has a unique set of traits and characteristics. Here’s a brief rundown of each type:

  1. The Reformer – principled, responsible, and self-controlled

  2. The Helper – warm, caring, and generous

  3. The Achiever – ambitious, success-oriented, and pragmatic

  4. The Individualist – sensitive, creative, and introspective

  5. The Investigator – analytical, insightful, and private

  6. The Loyalist – committed, responsible, and anxious

  7. The Enthusiast – spontaneous, versatile, and optimistic

  8. The Challenger – self-confident, assertive, and protective

  9. The Peacemaker – easy-going, agreeable, and diplomatic

The Enneagram can be used as a tool for personal growth by helping individuals identify their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. By understanding their core motivations and fears, individuals can gain insight into their behavior patterns and work to develop a greater sense of self-awareness.

In addition to personal growth, the Enneagram can also be used in interpersonal relationships and team dynamics. By understanding the Enneagram types of others, individuals can gain insights into how others perceive and interact with the world. This can lead to better communication, empathy, and understanding.

It’s worth noting that the Enneagram is just one tool for personal growth and understanding others. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s not the only way to understand yourself and others. However, it can be a powerful tool to add to your toolkit, especially if you’re interested in self-improvement and developing stronger relationships.

So there you have it – a brief overview of what the heck the Enneagram is. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to reach out to us here at beplanted with an email at info@beplanted.co!

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Five Reasons to Use Personality Assessments with Your Team and Three Cautions

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How to Use the Enneagram to Build Stronger Teams