In this episode of Enneagram at Work, we continue the 9 Types Overview Series with a focused look at Type 5: Striving to Feel Detached, as described in the Awareness to Action framework.

We'll’ll explore how Type 5s bring clarity, analysis, and innovation to the workplace, and how their need for independence, energy conservation, and mastery can shape communication and collaboration on a team.

Whether you are a Type 5 or work closely with deep thinkers who prefer a bit more space and autonomy, this episode offers practical ways to support their strengths and growth in real-world work environments.

What You’ll Learn When You Listen In:

• The core motivation behind Type 5’s drive to feel detached
• How Type 5s process information and determine when they’re “ready”
• Why they avoid emotional pressure and interruptions
• The strengths they bring to teams: expertise, curiosity, and clear analysis
• Overused strengths that become withdrawal or over-observing
• The role of The Strategist as a leader
• How instinctual biases create different expressions of Type 5
• Growth practices through their arrows to Type 8 and Type 7
• How to give feedback in a way that feels respectful and empowering

Try This at Work: Experiments

• If you’re a Type 5: Share ideas sooner, perfection isn’t required to be valuable. Connect even when you’d prefer to retreat.
• If you work with a Type 5: Give advance notice before asking for input. Respect their need for boundaries and solo focus time.

For Teams & Leaders

Type 5s bring wisdom and vision that help teams make smarter decisions and avoid risks others overlook. They are steady under pressure and masterful at breaking down complex information.

But when energy feels scarce or expectations feel intrusive, they may retreat into their minds, leaving teammates unsure how to engage.
Teams thrive when they invite Type 5s in without demanding too much too fast.

Have a request for a future episode? Drop a text here!

🗓️ 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