In this episode of Enneagram at Work, we continue the 9 Types Overview Series with a fast-paced, insightful look at Enneagram Type 3: Striving to Feel Outstanding, often known as The Achiever or, in the Awareness to Action model, The Pacesetter.

We’ll explore how Type 3s bring drive, confidence, and high performance to the workplace, and how their desire to succeed and be seen as capable influences their leadership style, communication, and relationships at work.

Pulling from real client examples and team dynamics from recent workshops, we'll look at what helps Type 3s thrive, what derails them, and how teams can support the “go-getters” who keep everyone moving forward.

What You’ll Learn When You Tune In:

• The core motivation behind Type 3’s drive to feel outstanding
• Why Type 3s are often seen as natural leaders and high performers
• How their strengths - drive, focus, adaptability - become blindspots when overused
• Key characteristics of the Pacesetter Leadership Style
• What energizes vs. drains Type 3s at work
• How instinctual biases (Preserving, Navigating, and Transmitting) create three distinct flavors of Type 3
• Growth practices using their arrows to Type 6 and Type 9
• How to give feedback in ways that build trust, not defensiveness

Try This at Work: Quick Experiments

• If you’re a Type 3: Track how you showed up, not just what you achieved. Practice slowing down long enough to rest, reflect, and reconnect with your own values.
• If you work with a Type 3: Acknowledge accomplishments and effort. Set clear, meaningful goals. Invite authenticity by asking how they’re doing behind the successes.

For Teams & Leaders

Type 3s bring momentum, optimism, and ambition to the workplace. They raise the bar, inspire confidence, and help teams deliver results. But they also carry the weight of constant expectation, both from others and themselves.

Teams that work well with Type 3s create space for connection, authenticity, and rest, not just performance. A healthy Type 3 doesn’t just do great work; they model sustainable success and motivate others to grow with them.

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🗓️ Book a Guided Enneagram Workshop for your team retreat at work:
https://www.enneagrammba.com/enneagram-team-workshops

✏️ Get an overview of all nine types inside the Understanding People at Work Cheat Sheet
https://www.enneagrammba.com/cheatsheet