The Potential of the Enneagram and Business
Using the Enneagram can be a powerful approach to impact leaders and employees in the business world. The Enneagram is a personality framework that can provide insights into individuals' motivations, behaviors, and emotional patterns. When applied to business, it can help leaders develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their team members, leading to improved emotional intelligence and more effective leadership. A recent study from Cornell University of senior executives at companies concluded that, "A high self-awareness score was the strongest predictor of overall success." According to the Harvard Business review, "while most people believe they are self-aware, only 10-15% of those studied actually are."
The Enneagram is a personality typology system that can be used to increase self-awareness in various aspects of life. It provides a framework for understanding different personality types, their motivations, strengths, and areas for growth. When applied to business, the Enneagram can help individuals and teams improve communication, collaboration, and overall performance. Here's how the Enneagram can be used to increase self-awareness for business purposes:
Growing in Self-Awareness
The Enneagram helps leaders understand their core motivations, fears, and desires. By identifying their Enneagram type, leaders can gain insights into their strengths and challenges. This self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence.
Understanding Team Members
The Enneagram can also be used to understand the personalities and motivations of team members. This knowledge enables leaders to tailor their communication and management styles to better resonate with each individual's needs.
Understanding Different Communication Styles
Each Enneagram type has a different communication preference. Leaders who understand the communication styles of their team members can adapt their approach to ensure effective and empathetic communication. This understanding helps to create a more harmonious work environment where team members strengths are recognized and used to their fullest potential.
Conflict Resolution and Team Dynamics
The Enneagram highlights how different types might react under stress or conflict. Leaders can use this knowledge to anticipate potential conflicts and approach them with empathy and understanding. The Enneagram equips leaders with a comprehensive tool kit to address communication challenges. By understanding the Enneagram types of team members, leaders gain insights into potential sources of conflicts and pathways to resolution.
Motivation and Recognition
Each Enneagram type is motivated by different factors. Leaders who recognize and acknowledge the unique motivations of their team members can provide targeted rewards and recognition, boosting morale and productivity.
Understanding Leadership Styles
Different Enneagram types have natural leadership tendencies. By recognizing their own type's leadership strengths and potential blind spots, leaders can adapt their style for optimal effectiveness.
Creating Balanced Teams
A diverse team of different Enneagram types can provide a well-rounded set of perspectives. Leaders can leverage this diversity to foster creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving.
Personal Growth
Through using the Enneagram, leaders can identify areas for personal growth and development. As leaders work on their own personal challenges, they become better equipped to guide and support their team members.
Resilience and Adaptability
The Enneagram's insights into how different types react to change and challenges can help leaders build their resilience and adaptability. This, in turn, enables them to navigate uncertainty and lead their teams through transitions.
Remember that while the Enneagram can be a valuable tool, it's important to approach it with sensitivity and with a growth mindset. It's not a rigid label but a tool for creating greater self-awareness. Consider working with a trained Enneagram coach or expert who can provide deeper insights and guidance tailored to your specific business context. If you are interested in learning about how I use the Enneagram to work with businesses, you can email me juliepkehl@gmail.com
and request that I send you my Enneagram Training for Business Development Service Sheet.
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