The Enneagram in project management
During the daily stand-up meeting, two team members go off-topic again, revisiting a conflict from a few days ago. The Enneagram can be used to understand why these two personality types relate to each other in this way and why conflicts keep arising.
The Enneagram (from the ancient Greek ennea - 'nine' and gramma – ‘that which is written’) is a personality model that can be used to classify people into nine different personality types. The structure of the Enneagram can be used to categorise people and provide explanations for team development.
The Enneagram (from the ancient Greek ennea - 'nine' and gramma – ‘that which is written’) is a personality model that can be used to classify people into nine different personality types. The structure of the Enneagram can be used to categorise people and provide explanations for team development.
Content
History of the Enneagram
The Enneagram could have its origins in antiquity, but also in Christian or Islamic mysticism. In fact, its origins are unknown and everything that has been written about it is ultimately pure speculation.
The current form of the Enneagram can be traced back to Georges I. Gurdjieff, who first introduced it in 1916. He described the Enneagram as a process-oriented tool for self-development, but not yet as an instrument for symbolising different personality types. It was first used as a model for personality typing by Oscar Ichazo in the 1960s.
The current form of the Enneagram can be traced back to Georges I. Gurdjieff, who first introduced it in 1916. He described the Enneagram as a process-oriented tool for self-development, but not yet as an instrument for symbolising different personality types. It was first used as a model for personality typing by Oscar Ichazo in the 1960s.
Application of the enneagram
The Enneagram can be used as a type model limited to human beings. On the one hand it shows potential for change and development and can therefore be used for personal development and self-awareness, but it also shows how personality types influence each other. Some types have a positive and supportive effect on others, while others have a negative and restrictive effect. This knowledge can be used in teamwork on a project, for example, to better understand conflicts between team members. It can also be used to learn more about the motivation of certain personality types. It can therefore be used to explore intra- and interpersonal areas in depth and comprehensively, but also very precisely.
Classification of types
The nine personality types, for which various terms are used in practice, can be described as follows:
Enneagram type 1: Perfectionist - moralist - organiser - innovator
They like to follow rules and try to live up to their own high standards, whether at work, in their hobbies or in their dealings with others. Precautions are taken to avoid mistakes and they become frustrated if the result does not meet their high expectations. The attention to detail and desire for flawless results makes this type appear to others as a single-minded perfectionist because they are hardworking, serious and honest. The inner fear of failing to live up to the highest moral standards often leads to a high degree of discipline and self-control, and a tough attitude towards themselves. There is often an incredible ability to concentrate and a natural tendency to be supportive.
Self-image: I am right.
Main motivation: Endeavouring to behave as correctly as possible, to be good and worthy and to lead a life with high goals.
Challenge: Anger
Enneagram type 2: Helper - altruist - great friend
This type is friendly, outgoing, generous and caring towards others. As well as a willingness to help and get involved in other people's lives, there is a strong desire to have real value in the eyes of others and to be loved. Fear of being alone and unloved often prevents them from saying no, and sometimes they want to be at the centre of other people's lives too much, making them seem dramatic and possessive. At the same time, this type is often an excellent team member, volunteer and activist.
Self-image: I help.
Main motivation: Feeling loved and appreciated, showing love and care for others.
Challenge: Pride and arrogance
Enneagram type 3: Achiever - motivator - doer - status type
This type shows an impressive range of achievements in different areas of life, the result of a desire to be important and to excel. This is achieved through a tight work schedule, high levels of activity and exercise. To others, this comes across as dedicated, ambitious, confident and charismatic. However, this image masks a lack of self-confidence and a fear of failure. Social conventions are scrupulously observed in order to make a good first impression. The fact that this person is very goal-oriented goes well with their adaptability and does not prevent them from improvising.
Self-image: I am successful.
Main motivation: To strive for success in all areas of life in order to gain attention and admiration and to prove themselves.
Challenge: Lying
Enneagram type 4: Individualist - romantic - aesthete - creative
Type 4 has a need to be special and is very concerned with individuality. This type strives for aesthetics and uniqueness, sometimes eccentricity, extravagance and exoticism. The 'light melancholy' lies like a fog over life and is characterised by sensitivity, expressiveness and artistic talent. Sometimes it brings sadness and suffering instead of happiness. Being aware of these traits will help you to focus on them and find the niche where you can live out your individuality and earn the appreciation of others.
Self-image: I am different.
Main motivation: Striving for uniqueness, developing individuality and expressing it to show that you are different.
Challenge: Envy
Enneagram type 5: Investigator - thinker - expert
Type 5 tends to come up with new, often provocative and innovative ideas. The urge to discover leads them to scrutinise everything down to the smallest detail. Before they approach a subject, they think about it thoroughly in order to give well-formulated and insightful answers. The high level of in-depth knowledge in the area of interest means that attention to detail and good listening skills are required. At the same time, this type is independent and draws clear boundaries between private life and work, family and friends. Contact with the outside world is kept to a minimum as it drains energy and prevents concentration on important matters. This type can appear mysterious and isolated to others because they lead a minimalist lifestyle and their inner world is well protected from strangers.
Self-image: I see through things.
Main motivation: Learning to know as much as possible and gaining a deep understanding of issues, as well as appearing independent and competent.
Challenge: Greed
Enneagram type 6: Loyalist - realist - anxious sceptic
Type 6 is characterised by a need for security and the way you constantly prepare for problems you might encounter and need to avoid. For this type, the world is full of danger and they are always on their guard. To reassure themselves, they are constantly looking for a source, such as a book or organisation, that can provide reliable answers. At work, this type is responsible and an excellent team player. In relationships, one partner can rely on the loyalty of the other. Friendships are very warm and deep, and loved ones receive a lot of support. If the connection to a group or community is not good, this type can appear anxious and suspicious.
Self-image: I do my duty.
Main motivation: Seeking safety and security in a group that can be trusted and being completely loyal to that community.
Challenge: Fear
Enneagram type 7: Enthusiast - adventurer - connoisseur
Life is a gift and optimism and childlike joy are not foreign words. Curiosity, spontaneity, a wide range of interests and being always on the go are all characteristics of this type, because life should be enjoyed to the full. This can sometimes come across as a little absent-minded, especially when dancing at several weddings at once. Disarming charm, relaxation, good humour, creativity, cheerfulness and playfulness are qualities that protect against fear and pain.
Self-image: I am happy.
Main motivation: To avoid boredom and suffering, you seek inspiration and happiness.
Challenge: Intemperance
Enneagram type 8: Challanger - boss - leader
This type appears confident, strong and powerful, and this sense of power can be transferred to those around them. If something is wrong, unfair or someone is dishonest, this is recognized relatively easily and responded to with determination and sometimes even belligerence. Confident, energetic, strong-willed and sometimes stubborn behaviour, passion, determination and perseverance impress others and persuade them to follow instructions. Weaker team members who need support will receive it by standing protectively in front of them.
Self-image: I am strong.
Main motivation: To protect oneself and suppress any weakness in oneself, one must be in control of one's own life in order to be master of the future.
Challenge: Shamelessness
Enneagram type 9: Peacemaker - reserved mediator - healer
This personality can range from friendly and reserved to independent and strong. This type has a reassuring, open-minded and calming effect on those around them. Along with a certain stubbornness, this type is also characterised by an ability to make peace. Others are accepted as they are, and this makes them feel understood and accepted. These people can therefore be employed as impartial mediators, as the positive aspects of both sides can be seen and appreciated.
Self-image: I am satisfied.
Main motivation: The need for inner balance and peace of mind characterises this person. Getting along with other people and avoiding conflict is the goal.
Challenge: Inertia
Enneagram type 1: Perfectionist - moralist - organiser - innovator
They like to follow rules and try to live up to their own high standards, whether at work, in their hobbies or in their dealings with others. Precautions are taken to avoid mistakes and they become frustrated if the result does not meet their high expectations. The attention to detail and desire for flawless results makes this type appear to others as a single-minded perfectionist because they are hardworking, serious and honest. The inner fear of failing to live up to the highest moral standards often leads to a high degree of discipline and self-control, and a tough attitude towards themselves. There is often an incredible ability to concentrate and a natural tendency to be supportive.
Self-image: I am right.
Main motivation: Endeavouring to behave as correctly as possible, to be good and worthy and to lead a life with high goals.
Challenge: Anger
Enneagram type 2: Helper - altruist - great friend
This type is friendly, outgoing, generous and caring towards others. As well as a willingness to help and get involved in other people's lives, there is a strong desire to have real value in the eyes of others and to be loved. Fear of being alone and unloved often prevents them from saying no, and sometimes they want to be at the centre of other people's lives too much, making them seem dramatic and possessive. At the same time, this type is often an excellent team member, volunteer and activist.
Self-image: I help.
Main motivation: Feeling loved and appreciated, showing love and care for others.
Challenge: Pride and arrogance
Enneagram type 3: Achiever - motivator - doer - status type
This type shows an impressive range of achievements in different areas of life, the result of a desire to be important and to excel. This is achieved through a tight work schedule, high levels of activity and exercise. To others, this comes across as dedicated, ambitious, confident and charismatic. However, this image masks a lack of self-confidence and a fear of failure. Social conventions are scrupulously observed in order to make a good first impression. The fact that this person is very goal-oriented goes well with their adaptability and does not prevent them from improvising.
Self-image: I am successful.
Main motivation: To strive for success in all areas of life in order to gain attention and admiration and to prove themselves.
Challenge: Lying
Enneagram type 4: Individualist - romantic - aesthete - creative
Type 4 has a need to be special and is very concerned with individuality. This type strives for aesthetics and uniqueness, sometimes eccentricity, extravagance and exoticism. The 'light melancholy' lies like a fog over life and is characterised by sensitivity, expressiveness and artistic talent. Sometimes it brings sadness and suffering instead of happiness. Being aware of these traits will help you to focus on them and find the niche where you can live out your individuality and earn the appreciation of others.
Self-image: I am different.
Main motivation: Striving for uniqueness, developing individuality and expressing it to show that you are different.
Challenge: Envy
Enneagram type 5: Investigator - thinker - expert
Type 5 tends to come up with new, often provocative and innovative ideas. The urge to discover leads them to scrutinise everything down to the smallest detail. Before they approach a subject, they think about it thoroughly in order to give well-formulated and insightful answers. The high level of in-depth knowledge in the area of interest means that attention to detail and good listening skills are required. At the same time, this type is independent and draws clear boundaries between private life and work, family and friends. Contact with the outside world is kept to a minimum as it drains energy and prevents concentration on important matters. This type can appear mysterious and isolated to others because they lead a minimalist lifestyle and their inner world is well protected from strangers.
Self-image: I see through things.
Main motivation: Learning to know as much as possible and gaining a deep understanding of issues, as well as appearing independent and competent.
Challenge: Greed
Enneagram type 6: Loyalist - realist - anxious sceptic
Type 6 is characterised by a need for security and the way you constantly prepare for problems you might encounter and need to avoid. For this type, the world is full of danger and they are always on their guard. To reassure themselves, they are constantly looking for a source, such as a book or organisation, that can provide reliable answers. At work, this type is responsible and an excellent team player. In relationships, one partner can rely on the loyalty of the other. Friendships are very warm and deep, and loved ones receive a lot of support. If the connection to a group or community is not good, this type can appear anxious and suspicious.
Self-image: I do my duty.
Main motivation: Seeking safety and security in a group that can be trusted and being completely loyal to that community.
Challenge: Fear
Enneagram type 7: Enthusiast - adventurer - connoisseur
Life is a gift and optimism and childlike joy are not foreign words. Curiosity, spontaneity, a wide range of interests and being always on the go are all characteristics of this type, because life should be enjoyed to the full. This can sometimes come across as a little absent-minded, especially when dancing at several weddings at once. Disarming charm, relaxation, good humour, creativity, cheerfulness and playfulness are qualities that protect against fear and pain.
Self-image: I am happy.
Main motivation: To avoid boredom and suffering, you seek inspiration and happiness.
Challenge: Intemperance
Enneagram type 8: Challanger - boss - leader
This type appears confident, strong and powerful, and this sense of power can be transferred to those around them. If something is wrong, unfair or someone is dishonest, this is recognized relatively easily and responded to with determination and sometimes even belligerence. Confident, energetic, strong-willed and sometimes stubborn behaviour, passion, determination and perseverance impress others and persuade them to follow instructions. Weaker team members who need support will receive it by standing protectively in front of them.
Self-image: I am strong.
Main motivation: To protect oneself and suppress any weakness in oneself, one must be in control of one's own life in order to be master of the future.
Challenge: Shamelessness
Enneagram type 9: Peacemaker - reserved mediator - healer
This personality can range from friendly and reserved to independent and strong. This type has a reassuring, open-minded and calming effect on those around them. Along with a certain stubbornness, this type is also characterised by an ability to make peace. Others are accepted as they are, and this makes them feel understood and accepted. These people can therefore be employed as impartial mediators, as the positive aspects of both sides can be seen and appreciated.
Self-image: I am satisfied.
Main motivation: The need for inner balance and peace of mind characterises this person. Getting along with other people and avoiding conflict is the goal.
Challenge: Inertia
Criticism of the Enneagram
The Enneagram is undoubtedly a powerful tool, but like any tool it can be used for good or for bad. But what is it about the Enneagram that is criticised or perceived as problematic? There are four main points of criticism:
People are put into boxes
The Enneagram does not pigeonhold people, it shows which box they are in and explains the world from that perspective. It describes the basic characteristics of the box and the rules and laws that apply within it. But it also shows that there are other boxes that are completely different, and it shows ways out of a box.
People no longer approach others without prejudice
This is true, but forming prejudices in order to develop survival strategies is an important function of our brain. It allows the process of "forming prejudices" to take place constantly and unconsciously, and it unconsciously influences our reaction patterns and our behaviour. With or without the Enneagram, we can never be free of prejudice, but working with the Enneagram makes it possible to examine and objectify subjective, prejudiced perceptions.
Nine types can never represent the diversity of being human
It is true that the Enneagram cannot describe the individual person in their individuality. It only describes people in their patterned, repetitive, automatic mode. However, if we are in automatic mode, then the Enneagram can describe us very well.
Is the Enneagram scientifically sound?
There are many studies on the Enneagram, but unfortunately it is not possible to verify whether they meet the requirements of scientific validity. What is known, however, is that the Enneagram has been used for decades to provide guidance, explanations and impulses for personal development and to improve relationships.
People are put into boxes
The Enneagram does not pigeonhold people, it shows which box they are in and explains the world from that perspective. It describes the basic characteristics of the box and the rules and laws that apply within it. But it also shows that there are other boxes that are completely different, and it shows ways out of a box.
People no longer approach others without prejudice
This is true, but forming prejudices in order to develop survival strategies is an important function of our brain. It allows the process of "forming prejudices" to take place constantly and unconsciously, and it unconsciously influences our reaction patterns and our behaviour. With or without the Enneagram, we can never be free of prejudice, but working with the Enneagram makes it possible to examine and objectify subjective, prejudiced perceptions.
Nine types can never represent the diversity of being human
It is true that the Enneagram cannot describe the individual person in their individuality. It only describes people in their patterned, repetitive, automatic mode. However, if we are in automatic mode, then the Enneagram can describe us very well.
Is the Enneagram scientifically sound?
There are many studies on the Enneagram, but unfortunately it is not possible to verify whether they meet the requirements of scientific validity. What is known, however, is that the Enneagram has been used for decades to provide guidance, explanations and impulses for personal development and to improve relationships.
Conclusion
The Enneagram can be viewed from many angles and used in many areas. Of course, the goals that can be pursued with it depend on the people using it and the problems they are facing. From personal development to team building, from identifying motivators to resolving conflicts, the applications of the Enneagram are many and varied. The Enneagram is therefore an essential part of every project manager's toolbox.
Author: Dr. Roland Ottmann
Keywords: Project management, Enneagram