As 2021 comes to a close, many of us are reflecting on the past year and exploring how we can better ourselves in the year ahead. Maybe you want to be a better leader, a better teammate, a better parent, or a better friend. Whatever it is, there’s a tool that can help you with your transformation: the Enneagram.
What is Enneagram?
I was first introduced to the Enneagram years ago, but it wasn’t until I read Ian Morgan Cron’s The Road Back to You that I really understood how powerful a tool it can be.
Enneagram is it’s an ancient personality typing system that has been around for a long time. It’s been modernized a bit over the last 50 years, but it breaks down nine personality types. The types include:
- The Reformer / Perfectionist
- The Helper / Caretaker
- The Achiever / Performer
- The Individualist / Tragic Romantic
- The Thinker / Observer
- The Loyalist / Questioner
- The Enthusiast / Epicure
- The Leader / Challenger
- The Peacemaker / Mediator
Through taking this assessment, I discovered that I’m a type three – the Achiever / Performer. And what was so powerful about understanding that was I was able to really dig into what it means to be a three. Enneagram really nailed everything from things in my childhood that influenced me, to how I behave socially, to how. I react psychologically, to what I should watch out for, and more.
Enneagram will help you get really clear on who you are, how you show up both personally and professionally, your gifts, and your gaps, and your blind spots. I truly believe the first step to being a better leader is self-awareness, so lean in and use this tool to up your game.
Enneagram as a Team-Building Tool
Enneagram is also a powerful tool for leaders to utilize to better understand their teams.
When a new person joins my team, I always start by having them take the Enneagram assessment. As a team, we share our results and it helps us to really understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and preferred ways of working together.
Now, it doesn’t mean that Enneagram is a silver bullet to peg someone’s personality. There are opportunities, for people to have what they call a wing of another type or lean into tendencies of other types. Everyone is a little different after all.
However, taking the time to understand your team’s personality will help you learn how they show up when they’re healthy or stressed, and what types of projects might be best suited to them. It’s even a great tool for understanding your spouse, partner, or family better and learning how to improve empathy and communication.
Ian Morgan Cron
I was so honored to have Ian Morgan Cron on my podcast and to be on his podcast, Typology. Ian is an Enneagram expert and has written several books on Enneagram including the aforementioned The Road Back to You, which is sort of a fable that breaks down all nine personality types. It’s an awesome read that I highly recommend.
Ian will be our special guest for our Game Changer Leadership Huddles on December 15 from 1-2 pm EST! This is such a unique opportunity to be able to talk to Ian directly. He will share with us how the information gleaned from your Enneagram results can truly transform your relationships. If you’re not a Huddle member yet, join today and use the code ENNEAGRAM for $10 off the first month.
If you want to check it out and jump in and join us for Ian it’s going to be a special treat. He’s a wealth of knowledge around these personality assessments and we’re going to keep it real, right? It’s going to have some opportunity for some interventions with people to really break down their styles and I’m doing some giveaways.
More on Enneagram:
- Episode 74- Ian Cron on The 9 Enneagram Personality Types
- Fulfillment NOT Achievement with Molly Fletcher
- Molly Fletcher on the Enneagram as a Game-Changer
The Molly Fletcher Company inspires leaders, teams, and organizations to kick-start growth. A keynote speaker and author, Molly draws on her decades of experiences working as a sports agent. The Energized Leader Training helps you and your team align your energy with the important and avoid costly burnout. Game Changer Negotiation Training workshops teach business people the framework for successful negotiating so that you can close more deals while building stronger relationships. Her Leadership Huddles are a monthly group coaching community to guide you towards your full potential. Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter and subscribe to the Game Changers with Molly Fletcher podcast on iTunes.