Invest in your work
What is an Enneagream?
You may have heard of the Enneagram, but what exactly is it and how can you benefit from knowing your Enneagram number?
The Enneagram is an ancient personality typing system that defines nine basic personality types in the world. Each of us displays behavior from all nine types in the Enneagram, but we naturally gravitate more towards one, which we learn during childhood, and which helps us navigate the complex world of relationships.
Each of the nine types identified have a unique way of thinking, feeling and reacting to situations. By understanding which type you are, you can begin to understand yourself, your triggers and behavior more clearly so that you can, in turn, communicate with those around you more effectively.
This is particularly helpful in the workplace. Research shows that increased self-awareness at work improves communication, creates healthier cultures, reduces conflict, facilitates collaboration and much more. This becomes even more valuable when we consider that many of us are working remotely, conducting meetings via a screen and are no longer able to reap the benefits of building relationships via in-person meetings.
How Do I Find My Enneagram Number?
Finding out your personality type of the Enneagram is a quick and easy process. The test has 36 statements of opinion that you must rate on a five point scale, of how much you agree with each. Simple right?
There are lots of resources available online, but we like Truity as a starting point. Give yourself around 10 minutes to take the test and be sure to answer the questions as truthfully as possible - the test is anonymous and will only help you if you can be honest in your answers!
I Know My Enneagram Type, What Now?
So you’ve taken the test and have the results. What next? You’ll likely have one or two types that you are most closely matched with. Here is a brief description of each:
One
Type 1 can be thought of as The Perfectionist. One’s place a lot of emphasis on following the rules and doing things correctly.
Two
Type 2 can be described as The Giver. Two’s want to be liked and find ways that they can be helpful to others so that they can be loved and belong.
Three
Type 3 is also known as The Achiever. Three’s want to be successful and admired by other people, and are very conscious of their public image.
Four
Type 4 is known as The Individualist. Four’s want to be unique and to live life authentically, and are highly attuned to their emotional experience.
Five
Type 5 is described as The Investigator. Five’s seek understanding and knowledge, and are more comfortable with data than people.
Six
Type 6 is also known as The Skeptic. Sixes are preoccupied with security, seek safety, and like to be prepared for problems.
Seven
Type 7 is described as The Enthusiast. Seven’s want to have as much fun and adventure as possible and are easily bored.
Eight
Type 8 is also known as The Challenger. Eight’s see themselves as strong and powerful and seek to stand up for what they believe in.
Nine
Type 9 is also called The Peacemaker. Nine’s like to keep a low profile and let the people around them set the agenda.
Your test results will let you know how closely you match to each of the numbers in the Enneagram. There are plenty of resources online that can give you more detailed information on your Enneagram type, and help you gain greater self-awareness. It’s important to remember that knowing your Enneagram number does not put you into a “box”. It merely offers a way for you to understand who you already are and to use that information to better communicate with the world around you.
Whether you're a Perfectionist or a Challenger, a Peacemaker or a Skeptic, understanding how you instinctively think, feel and act in situations will help you to nurture successful working relationships and hopefully bring a little less stress to your work life and beyond.
You can learn more about the Enneagram at The Enneagram Institute.
The Enneagram is an ancient personality typing system that defines nine basic personality types in the world. Each of us displays behavior from all nine types in the Enneagram, but we naturally gravitate more towards one, which we learn during childhood, and which helps us navigate the complex world of relationships.
Each of the nine types identified have a unique way of thinking, feeling and reacting to situations. By understanding which type you are, you can begin to understand yourself, your triggers and behavior more clearly so that you can, in turn, communicate with those around you more effectively.
This is particularly helpful in the workplace. Research shows that increased self-awareness at work improves communication, creates healthier cultures, reduces conflict, facilitates collaboration and much more. This becomes even more valuable when we consider that many of us are working remotely, conducting meetings via a screen and are no longer able to reap the benefits of building relationships via in-person meetings.
How Do I Find My Enneagram Number?
Finding out your personality type of the Enneagram is a quick and easy process. The test has 36 statements of opinion that you must rate on a five point scale, of how much you agree with each. Simple right?
There are lots of resources available online, but we like Truity as a starting point. Give yourself around 10 minutes to take the test and be sure to answer the questions as truthfully as possible - the test is anonymous and will only help you if you can be honest in your answers!
I Know My Enneagram Type, What Now?
So you’ve taken the test and have the results. What next? You’ll likely have one or two types that you are most closely matched with. Here is a brief description of each:
One
Type 1 can be thought of as The Perfectionist. One’s place a lot of emphasis on following the rules and doing things correctly.
Two
Type 2 can be described as The Giver. Two’s want to be liked and find ways that they can be helpful to others so that they can be loved and belong.
Three
Type 3 is also known as The Achiever. Three’s want to be successful and admired by other people, and are very conscious of their public image.
Four
Type 4 is known as The Individualist. Four’s want to be unique and to live life authentically, and are highly attuned to their emotional experience.
Five
Type 5 is described as The Investigator. Five’s seek understanding and knowledge, and are more comfortable with data than people.
Six
Type 6 is also known as The Skeptic. Sixes are preoccupied with security, seek safety, and like to be prepared for problems.
Seven
Type 7 is described as The Enthusiast. Seven’s want to have as much fun and adventure as possible and are easily bored.
Eight
Type 8 is also known as The Challenger. Eight’s see themselves as strong and powerful and seek to stand up for what they believe in.
Nine
Type 9 is also called The Peacemaker. Nine’s like to keep a low profile and let the people around them set the agenda.
Your test results will let you know how closely you match to each of the numbers in the Enneagram. There are plenty of resources online that can give you more detailed information on your Enneagram type, and help you gain greater self-awareness. It’s important to remember that knowing your Enneagram number does not put you into a “box”. It merely offers a way for you to understand who you already are and to use that information to better communicate with the world around you.
Whether you're a Perfectionist or a Challenger, a Peacemaker or a Skeptic, understanding how you instinctively think, feel and act in situations will help you to nurture successful working relationships and hopefully bring a little less stress to your work life and beyond.
You can learn more about the Enneagram at The Enneagram Institute.