How the Enneagram Can Benefit the Health of an Organization

Organizations thrive when their teams are self-aware, communicative, and aligned with a shared vision. If you want to truly understand what makes your team tick—not just how they work, but why they work the way they do—the Enneagram is a game-changer. More than just a personality test, it’s a tool that helps leaders and teams understand core motivations, improve communication, and create a healthier, more productive workplace.

The Enneagram: A Brief Overview

The Enneagram consists of nine distinct personality types, each with unique strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities. Unlike other personality models, which focus on external behaviors, the Enneagram goes deeper, uncovering the ‘why’ behind actions—motivators, fears, and blind spots. This deeper awareness helps teams move past misunderstandings and into a space of real collaboration and empathy.

If you don’t know your Enneagram type yet, the best way to find it isn’t through a test—it’s by reading through all nine descriptions. One will likely ring true for you. Even if you narrow it down to two or three, you’ll start noticing patterns in your daily life and work, helping you determine which type you lead with.

What do these nine Enneagram types actually look like in action? Here’s a quick breakdown of their motivations and where they go in growth and stress:

• The Perfectionist (Type 1): Driven by a desire for integrity and improvement.
  • Growth: Becomes more spontaneous and joyful (Type 7).
  • Stress: Becomes more self-critical and moody (Type 4).
• The Helper (Type 2): Motivated by the need to be needed and support others.
  • Growth: Becomes more self-aware and emotionally honest (Type 4).
  • Stress: Becomes more assertive and controlling (Type 8).
• The Achiever (Type 3): Focused on success, efficiency, and recognition.
  • Growth: Becomes more cooperative and loyal (Type 6).
  • Stress: Becomes disengaged and complacent (Type 9).
• The Individualist (Type 4): Seeks authenticity and deeper meaning in work.
  • Growth: Becomes more disciplined and structured (Type 1).
  • Stress: Becomes more people-pleasing and needy (Type 2).
• The Investigator (Type 5): Values knowledge, independence, and competency.
  • Growth: Becomes more decisive and action-oriented (Type 8).
  • Stress: Becomes more scattered and impulsive (Type 7).
• The Loyalist (Type 6): Concerned with security, reliability, and trust.
  • Growth: Becomes more relaxed and optimistic (Type 9).
  • Stress: Becomes more competitive and work-driven (Type 3).
• The Enthusiast (Type 7): Energized by variety, creativity, and adventure.
  • Growth: Becomes more focused and introspective (Type 5).
  • Stress: Becomes more critical and perfectionistic (Type 1).
• The Challenger (Type 8): Assertive and protective, seeking justice and control.
  • Growth: Becomes more compassionate and open-hearted (Type 2).
  • Stress: Becomes more withdrawn and secretive (Type 5).
• The Peacemaker (Type 9): Strives for harmony, unity, and avoiding conflict.
  • Growth: Becomes more proactive and engaged (Type 3).
  • Stress: Becomes more anxious and reactive (Type 6).

How the Enneagram Enhances Organizational Health

Improving Communication

Have you ever worked with a boss who tells it like it is—no sugarcoating? That’s probably a Type 8. Meanwhile, the teammate who avoids conflict at all costs? Likely a Type 9. Knowing these tendencies can help teams communicate without unnecessary friction. For example, a Type 8 leader may deliver direct feedback, while a Type 9 employee might prefer a softer, more collaborative approach. Awareness of these differences allows teams to tailor their communication for clarity and connection.

Enhancing Leadership Development

Great leaders understand both their strengths and blind spots. The Enneagram provides a roadmap for personal growth by highlighting potential pitfalls. A Type 3 leader, for instance, may need to be mindful of valuing employees beyond just their achievements, while a Type 5 leader may need to work on engaging more with their team instead of staying in their intellectual space. Recognizing these tendencies helps leaders develop a more balanced and effective leadership style.

Strengthening Team Collaboration

Teams function best when they appreciate each other’s unique contributions. Picture this: A meticulous Type 1 and a free-spirited Type 7 clash over a project deadline. The 1 wants it done ‘right’; the 7 wants it done ‘excitingly.’ When teams understand these different perspectives, they can work together more effectively instead of getting stuck in frustration. A well-rounded team includes strategic thinkers (Type 5s), motivators (Type 3s), empathetic supporters (Type 2s), and steady harmonizers (Type 9s), creating a more dynamic and well-balanced work environment.

Managing Conflict Effectively

Conflict is inevitable, but the Enneagram provides a framework for resolving disputes constructively. Understanding how different types respond to stress can de-escalate tensions. For example, a Type 1 may become overly critical under pressure, while a Type 6 might react with anxiety. Recognizing these responses helps teams navigate conflict with more patience and perspective, focusing on resolution rather than blame.

Cultivating a Healthy Work Culture

Organizations prioritizing self-awareness and personal growth create a culture of trust and psychological safety. Employees who feel seen and understood are more likely to be engaged, productive, and committed to the company’s mission. The Enneagram fosters an environment where individuals are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, leading to greater job satisfaction and long-term retention.

The Enneagram in Action: How Each Type Strengthens a Team

Here are three key contributions each Enneagram type brings to a team when they are at their best:

• Type 1 – The Perfectionist: High standards, organization, and a strong sense of ethics.
• Type 2 – The Helper: Empathy, relationship-building, and a generous leadership style.
• Type 3 – The Achiever: Goal-oriented, efficient, and motivational.
• Type 4 – The Individualist: Creativity, deep emotional awareness, and authenticity.
• Type 5 – The Investigator: Analytical thinking, independent problem-solving, and expertise.
• Type 6 – The Loyalist: Preparedness, dependability, and strong teamwork.
• Type 7 – The Enthusiast: High energy, creativity, and excitement for innovation.
• Type 8 – The Challenger: Confident leadership, advocacy for the team, and fairness.
• Type 9 – The Peacemaker: Mediation, open-mindedness, and a calming presence.

A Workplace Example

Imagine a marketing team launching a new campaign. The Type 7 Enthusiast brings fresh, creative ideas, while the Type 6 Loyalist ensures every risk is considered before moving forward. The Type 3 Achiever keeps the team on track with goals and deadlines, and the Type 9 Peacemaker mediates tensions. Meanwhile, the Type 1 Perfectionist ensures high-quality standards, the Type 5 Investigator provides data-driven insights, and the Type 8 Challenger ensures the campaign is bold and impactful. The Type 2 Helper nurtures team morale, and the Type 4 Individualist infuses the campaign with emotional depth and authenticity when each type plays to their strengths.

When all these types work together, they create a workplace that balances structure, spontaneity, big ideas, and careful planning. Embracing the Enneagram isn’t just about personality types—it’s about creating a workplace where people understand and support each other. Try it out, and you might see your team become more connected, collaborative, and celebrated for who they are.