Being a new manager or entrepreneur of an expanding team, is a thrilling yet daunting task. The complexity of managing individuals with diverse personalities often becomes a source of anxiety. In this exploration, we delve into the profound insights offered by the Enneagram, a personality system with ancient roots and modern psychological perspectives, to empower emerging your understanding and navigating the intricacies of human behavior.
Teodora Paucean, our training partner, is an experienced personalities and relationship coach with many years of conducting training for managers and companies in Europe and America.
Watch the video below to start!
Video transcript:
The Enneagram, like the MBTI, is a personality system rooted in spiritual wisdom from ancient traditions. It’s a complex, philosophical, and intuitive system that many have contributed to over time. Despite its age, modern psychology has further developed it, emphasizing that each person is an expert in a coping mechanism reflecting insecurities, fears, and growth opportunities.
The Enneagram suggests that each person carries a lost message from childhood, shaping their need for love. For instance, if we lacked the assurance of love, we might feel compelled to prove our worth. It identifies nine types, each with dominant characteristics, yet we resonate with elements from various types.
Contrary to misconceptions, the Enneagram, like the MBTI, doesn’t box individuals; it illuminates patterns and growth potential. It delves into the dynamic aspects of personality, introducing the concept of Essence, our true self, beneath the mask of fears, beliefs, and reactions.
Understanding our Enneagram type offers benefits, helping us comprehend triggers, move past insecurities, and become more confident, compassionate, and empathetic. However, caution is advised against extreme typology use as an excuse for bad behavior. Flexibility is crucial, considering factors like culture, education, age, and maturity also influence how a person expresses their type.
Cultivating awareness, a lesson for all types, facilitates letting go of self-imposed limitations. Recognizing when we are in the trance of our personality enables us to move past triggers and insecurities, fostering personal growth.
As a type two, I often feel the need to please others. Acknowledging this helps me pause, reflect, and choose responses consciously. This self-awareness isn’t immediate; it’s a gradual process requiring time and patience.
An overview of the nine Enneagram types reveals distinct characteristics. For example, type one is the reformer or perfectionist, type two is the helper or giver, type three is the achiever, and so forth.
Enneagram types categorize individuals into distinct personality archetypes. Type 1 is recognized as the reformer or perfectionist, emphasizing a desire for autonomy through self-control. Type 2, the helper or giver, seeks validation through acts of kindness and support. Type 3, the achiever, focuses on success, striving to be outstanding in various aspects of life. Type 4, the individualist or romantic, craves authenticity and uniqueness, embracing introversion.
Moving on, the Enneagram divides these types into three groups or Triads: the heart Triad, head Triad, and instinctual Triad. The heart Triad, comprising types 2, 3, and 4, centers on self-image, shame, and ego defenses. Common to this group is a deep-seated feeling of inadequacy, prompting them to adopt specific behaviors for love and acceptance.
Type 5, 6, and 7 belong to the head Triad, characterized by concerns about security and safety. Suppression of anxiety is a shared trait as each type adopts strategies to find support and guidance. Type 5 seeks safety through knowledge mastery, driven by the fear of being useless. Type 6, the loyalist, craves support and guidance, fearing a lack thereof. Type 7, the enthusiast, driven by a fear of being trapped in pain, seeks happiness through constant novelty.
The final group, the instinctual Triad, encompasses types 8, 9, and 1, emphasizing autonomy or independence. Common to this group is a resistance to control, whether internal or external. Type 8, the challenger, seeks autonomy by controlling the external environment, often found in managerial roles. Type 9, the peacemaker, avoids conflict to maintain inner peace and stability. Type 1, the reformer or perfectionist, strives for autonomy through self-control, aspiring to be seen as having integrity.
In conclusion, the Enneagram is a tool for self-education, offering insights into personal and interpersonal dynamics. However, balance is key, ensuring it doesn’t become an excuse but rather a guide for personal growth.