The Significance of the Enneagram Test
The Enneagram is a powerful tool for understanding personality types and enhancing self-awareness. It goes beyond surface-level traits, offering deeper insights into core motivations, fears, and desires. By identifying your Enneagram Type, you can understand how you perceive the world, interact with others, and approach challenges. This framework promotes personal growth and strengthens relationships by fostering empathy and understanding. Whether you’re looking to improve communication or embark on a journey of self-discovery, the Enneagram provides a comprehensive map for personal and professional development.
The Nine Enneagram Types at a Glance
Below is a brief description of each Enneagram Type, focusing on key traits and how they manifest in work settings.
- Type 1: The Reformer – Conscientious and ethical, they have a strong sense of right and wrong.
- Type 2: The Helper – Empathetic and warm-hearted, offer unconditional support and care for others.
- Type 3: The Achiever – Self-assured and charming, they are often seen as role models who inspire success in others.
- Type 4: The Individualist – Self-aware, reserved, and highly creative, they can transform personal experiences into meaningful insights.
- Type 5: The Investigator – Insightful and curious, they are often ahead of their time in thinking and problem-solving.
- Type 6: The Loyalist – Security-oriented and reliable, they provide stability and champion themselves and their teams.
- Type 7: The Enthusiast – Extroverted and energetic, they focus their talents on pursuing worthwhile goals.
- Type 8: The Challenger – Confident and assertive, they use their strengths to protect and improve the lives of others.
- Type 9: The Peacemaker – Accepting and trusting, they bring harmony by helping people find common ground.
Team Insights: Personal Reflections
Type 1’s:
Adri’s Reflection: Type 1 Reformer here. As a Type 1, I like order and organization and never want to make a mistake. When I do, it hits hard because I strive for perfection and don’t want to disappoint anyone. If you know me, this doesn’t sound like me at all, right? HA! I have high expectations for myself and my team and work to mentor and guide us all toward a goal/north star. Things are challenging to process and navigate without a sense of direction or understanding of purpose. Having a mission and feeling helpful in accomplishing that mission is what drives me. While these qualities make me a great leader, an organized human, and someone you want on your team, they can also result in a lot of stress and frustration when things don’t go as planned. I am learning to relax, go with the flow, and find opportunities to take my time. Also, I need to find new ways to manage my anger and frustration so I don’t alienate others. Additionally, I need to be patient and not expect people to change overnight, and focus less on what other people are doing and more on the progress we’re making and the direction we’re headed.
Lindsey’s Reflection: As a Type 1 on the Enneagram, I’m all about striving for excellence and continuous improvement at work. My attention to detail and commitment to high standards drive me to deliver quality results. While I can be a bit particular at times, I’m actively working on communicating feedback constructively and embracing diverse perspectives. I’m learning that embracing imperfection is okay and that mistakes are simply growth opportunities. Practicing self-compassion helps me maintain a light-hearted approach, reminding me that flexibility and empathy are just as important as my pursuit of excellence.
Sailer’s Reflection: My Enneagram test showed I was a Type 1. At first, I was shocked because I believed I was very laid back, but when I took time to reflect, I realized I strive to be as perfect as possible. Here’s one idea I strongly resonate with: “They strive after ‘higher values,’ even at the cost of great personal sacrifice.” I’ve been in situations where I chose to give up comfort, security, and personal gain based on my morals—which I see as a positive choice. My commitment to do what is right gives me a strong sense of purpose. As for striving for perfection, I have learned that growth comes from balancing those high standards with self-compassion.
Sam’s Reflection: When I took the Enneagram Test, I was surprised to be labeled Type 1. I’ve taken the test in the past (when I was just starting in my career), and at the time, I was a Type 2w3, The Hostess. This means I had traits of both The Helper (Type 2) and The Achiever (Type 3). 2w3 personality types are proactive, generous, caring, ambitious, and determined. Their weaknesses include worrying too much and feeling the need to appease everyone. After reading my new personality type, I can see how much I’ve grown personally and professionally. Type 1s have a strong sense of purpose and are driven by their morals. Seeing my new personality type has shown me how I’ve become more confident in myself and my career without realizing it. I’m still ambitious and determined like a 2w3, but I’ve gained a stronger sense of purpose.
Austin’s Reflection: Having taken this exam multiple times in my life, I have been labeled more than one Enneagram Type. The most recent test said that I am an Enneagram Type 1. Type 1s are motivated by wanting to be correct, to strive high and improve everything, to be consistent with their ideals, to justify themselves, and to be beyond criticism so as not to be condemned by anyone. In the work environment, I find myself ensuring that campaigns are structured and have well-planned strategies that align with the client’s goals and ethical standards. As a Type 1 and the Digital Media Manager at ANDERSON, my attention to detail ensures that our efforts and relationships with clients and partners are successful. That said, the need for perfectionism can cause stress, and knowing that not everything is in my control can be a challenge. The biggest takeaway from being a Type 1 in my environment is that it is okay to do things a certain way if you know they work for YOU. However, being flexible will allow for solid collaboration with team members in a fast-paced landscape.
Type 3’s:
Chelsea’s Reflection: The first time I took the test in 2019, I was an Enneagram Type 3 Wing 2, also known as the Charmer. But years later, Wing 2 dropped, and my most recent results confirmed that I was just a plain old Type 3. It’s never easy to read descriptions of your personality type and realize they likely describe who you are. As a Type 3, I’m described as self-assured, competent, and energetic, but also driven by a fear of being worthless, which pushes me to be more competitive—something that feels all too familiar. What resonated most were the key motivations, which align with both my role as an Account Executive at ANDERSON and as a Cheer Coach. Type 3s strive to stand out, seek attention, and aim to impress others, and I see this reflected in how I approach both my work and coaching.
Type 7’s:
Maddy’s Reflection: I am an Enneagram Type 7. This is described as a restless explorer. As a Type 7, I always go after whatever makes me feel alive. They describe me as a Pandora’s Box: no one knows what’s coming next. I would agree to some extent; I interpret that as meaning I can be very spontaneous, versatile, and curious. Overall, I’m just a very open-minded person. Though I thrive in stability because everything intrigues me, I need to set personal boundaries to avoid getting overwhelmed. I think this makes me a great addition to any team because I want to learn and grow in whatever position I’m put in (but I do need to have some interest in the topic or field, or know why what I am doing is helpful; it motivates me when I understand how my work contributes to the greater good of whatever company, team, or project I am working on—no matter its size). It also says I love new and intense things, which is very true—except my will to live is very strong, and I will not do anything intense that could put me in danger. For example, the idea of bungee jumping is amazing to me, but will I ever do that? HELL NO!
Enneagram in Action: Enhancing Collaboration
At ANDERSON, we are a diverse group of people. Understanding each other’s strengths, communication styles, and motivations allows us to foster a more empathetic environment, which leads to more innovative creativity and well-rounded campaigns. Not only does the Enneagram Test highlight how people work together, but it also bleeds into the overall culture of the agency as we see how to boost morale throughout the team in a way that appeals to everyone.
How the Enneagram Shapes Creativity
The Enneagram significantly influences creativity by providing a framework that highlights how each type brings a distinct perspective to the brainstorming process. For instance, Individualists contribute innovative ideas with their unique viewpoints, while Achievers ensure these ideas are effectively executed, creating a valuable synergy that balances creativity with practical implementation. By fostering an understanding of each Enneagram type, teams can cultivate an open environment where members feel comfortable sharing and exploring their ideas. Adapting feedback methods to align with each type’s preferences is essential for refining creative concepts and enhancing collaboration. Moreover, support from diverse Enneagram types encourages team members to take creative risks, knowing they have the backing of colleagues who recognize their strengths. This acknowledgment not only boosts enthusiasm and commitment to projects but also empowers teams to tackle challenges from various angles, leading to more innovative and effective solutions.
Practical Tips for Applying the Enneagram in Teams
Incorporating the Enneagram into your workplace culture can enhance communication and promote harmony within teams. Start by familiarizing everyone with the nine personality types and encouraging team members to take an assessment to share their results. Create a visual team map to highlight strengths and potential conflicts. Foster open communication by encouraging sharing and practicing active listening. Tailor team dynamics by leveraging each type’s strengths and adapting communication styles accordingly. When conflicts arise, recognize different motivations and promote collaboration. Encourage personal growth by setting development goals and providing resources. Finally, celebrate progress and gather feedback to continually improve team dynamics. By implementing these strategies, teams can create a more cohesive and supportive work environment.
Summary
Since our Accounts Team has taken the Enneagram test we have been able to understand each other’s personality traits better, connect on a deeper level, and identify opportunities for growth. If you’re looking for innovative ways to strengthen your team dynamics and explore how your colleagues think, we highly recommend this test. Take the test, schedule a meeting, bring your favorite snacks, and enjoy some engaging conversations together!
