Enneagram at Work

Derailers (the things that can get us off track) can be some of the most challenging aspects of our personality patterns to confront.

For Type 5s, growth isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about learning to step out of your head and into the moment, even when it feels uncertain or emotionally demanding.

Your ability to observe, analyze, and think deeply is a major strength. But when those gifts become a way to disconnect or protect your energy at all costs, they can quietly hold you back at work — especially in environments that call for collaboration, visibility, or emotional presence.

These derailers represent common challenges for Fives. While they may not apply to every individual Five or apply all the time, they reflect general tendencies that can surface when you feel overwhelmed, under-resourced, or overly self-reliant.

If you’re still figuring out your dominant Enneagram type, noticing a few of these patterns may offer some helpful clues.

If you already identify as a Type 5, what helps you get back on track when you find yourself withdrawing, overthinking, or disconnecting from the team? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.

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

Derailers (the things that can get us off track) can be some of the most challenging aspects of our personality patterns to confront.

For Type 6s, growth often means learning to trust — not just other people, but also yourself. Your thoughtfulness, loyalty, and ability to anticipate problems make you an incredible asset on any team. But when those strengths get tangled up in fear or worst-case-scenario thinking, they can start to work against you.

Derailers for Type 6s often show up as overthinking, second-guessing, or struggling to move forward without full certainty or reassurance. And while those patterns may feel protective, they can quietly erode confidence, momentum, and trust — both in yourself and in your team.

These derailers represent common challenges for Sixes. While they may not apply to every individual Six or all the time, they reflect general tendencies that can emerge under pressure, stress, or uncertainty.

If you’re still figuring out your dominant Enneagram type, seeing some of these patterns in yourself might offer helpful insight.

If you already identify as a Type 6, what helps you get back on track when fear, doubt, or overanalysis start taking the wheel? I’d love to hear what helps you re-center and move forward with clarity and courage.

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

The Enneagram isn't a crystal ball, but no personality assessment is.

We recently came across an article titled “Why You Shouldn’t Always Trust Personality Tests,” and it hit a nerve—in the best way.

In this quick episode, we unpack why the Enneagram isn’t a tool for making predictions (especially not in hiring or promotion decisions), and how it’s much more useful as a problem-solving and growth-guiding framework.

It’s not about labeling people. It’s about understanding what’s underneath the behavior so we can lead and collaborate better.

"The Enneagram doesn’t tell you what will happen—it helps you understand why something did happen."

--> Psychology Today Article: 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/clearer-thinking-today/202504/why-you-shouldnt-always-trust-personality-tests

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Derailers (the things that can get us off track) can be some of the most challenging aspects of our personality patterns to confront.

It’s easy to admire the drive, efficiency, and results-oriented mindset of a Type 3. But growth for Threes often isn’t about achieving more — it’s about slowing down long enough to notice why they’re pushing so hard in the first place.

Real growth doesn’t always come from doing. Sometimes it comes from being honest about the patterns that are quietly running the show underneath our successes — the ones that can lead to burnout, disconnection, or chasing validation over authenticity.

These derailers represent common obstacles for Threes. While they may not apply to every individual Three or apply all the time, they reflect general tendencies that can surface when we’re out of alignment with our core values or worth.

If you're still figuring out your dominant Enneagram type, seeing a few of these patterns in yourself might help narrow things down.

If you already identify as a Type 3, is there anything you’d add to the “getting back on track” section? What helps you realign when you notice yourself slipping into image management, overworking, or tying your worth to achievement?

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

It’s often easier to talk about the strengths and generosity of a Type 2 — their rapport-building, willingness to help out when needed, and desire to support and develop others. But personal and professional growth for a Two doesn’t always mean doing more of that. Sometimes it means recognizing when those same strengths might be working against you.

Our growth path is often less about adding and more about uncovering — removing what’s in the way of becoming the most effective, balanced version of ourselves.

For Type 2s, this means reflecting on the recurring patterns that may stem from their core desire to be liked, needed, or appreciated — and how those patterns can unintentionally derail them at work.

These derailers represent common obstacles for Twos. While they may not apply to every individual Two or show up all the time, they reflect general tendencies that can surface under stress or when we're not fully aware of our patterns.

If you're still figuring out your dominant Enneagram type, noticing a few of these in yourself might help bring some clarity.

If you already identify as a Type 2, is there anything you’d add to the “getting back on track” section? What helps you reset and reconnect with your healthiest self when you feel yourself slipping into people-pleasing, overextending, or resentment?

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

Derailers (the things that can get us off track) can be some of the most challenging aspects of our personality patterns to confront.

It's easier to share the strengths and skills of each Type, but most of the time our path for growth isn't about getting better at something. It's more about removing what's in the way of where we are now so we can get to where we want to go.

Taking an honest look and reflecting on where some of our recurring challenges are isn't easy. But it can be incredibly helpful in our personal growth and in our professional development.

These derailers represent common obstacles for Ones. While they may not apply to every individual One or apply all the time, they reflect general tendencies that can arise for this Type.

If you're still working to uncover your dominant Enneagram type, seeing a few of these in yourself may help you narrow it down.

If you already identify as a Type 1 is there anything you'd add to the "getting back on track" section that's been helpful for you?

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

When you’re leading an internal leadership or manager development program, understanding who’s in the room is just as important as what you’re teaching. And that’s where the Enneagram can be a game-changer.

In this episode of Enneagram at Work, we’re looking at how training & development managers can use Enneagram team mapping to:

• Understand the general energy of a leadership program cohort
• Identify group strengths that will enhance learning & collaboration
• Recognize potential challenges, resistance, or engagement barriers
• Adjust facilitation techniques to match group dynamics

I’ll be breaking down a real program map with a heavy Type 6 and Type 9 presence—what that means for learning styles, teamwork, and how facilitators can make the most of this dynamic.

If you run leadership programs, corporate training, or group coaching experiences, this episode will give you practical ways to integrate the Enneagram into your facilitation toolkit.

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

What makes a great leader—confidence and speed, or preparation and caution? 

If you’ve ever worked under a Type 3 (The Pacesetter) or a Type 6 (The Guardian), you know these two approach leadership differently. 

Type 3 might say: "Go big, go fast, and don’t look back!"
Type 6 could be heard saying: "Slow down, assess the risks, and ensure we’re prepared!"

So… who actually makes the better leader? In this episode of Enneagram at Work, we break it down:

• Why Type 3s make exciting, inspiring leaders
• How Type 6s bring preparation, trust, and strategic thinking
• Where they struggle (Too impulsive? Too hesitant?)
• How to balance action with caution to become the best leader possible
• Which leadership style is best for different team environments

🎯 Whether you’re a Type 3 pushing for results, a Type 6 double-checking each move, or just trying to figure out how to work with these leadership styles, this episode will give you real-world insights to navigate both.

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Some team members fire off ideas like a creativity machine while others sit back, take it all in, and analyze before making a move. 

If you’ve ever worked with a Type 7 (The Enthusiast) or a Type 5 (The Strategist), you know there are some key differences to the way they approach work, including when it comes to generating new ideas and brainstorming. 

Type 7 might say: "Let’s put all the ideas out there - no judging them yet!"
Type 5 might say: "Let’s think this through logically before jumping in."

In this episode of Enneagram at Work, we’re looking at: 

• The strengths of Type 7s in the innovation process (visionary, energetic, adaptable)
• How Type 5s bring strategy, depth, and expertise to decision-making
• Where they each struggle (Too scattered? Too withdrawn?)
• How to find the balance between big-picture thinking and deep analysis
• The best way to work with both styles in a team setting

Whether you’re a fast-moving innovator or a deep-thinking strategist, this episode will help you become aware of your own tendencies and help you navigate your co-worker relationships. 

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Type 3 & Type 4 at Work: When Efficiency Meets Emotion

Ever been in a meeting where one person wants just the bullet points while the other wants to share the full backstory first? If so, you might be witnessing a classic Type 3 & Type 4 workplace dynamic! (But definitely not limited to these two types.)

In this Coworker Compatibility episode, you'll get a breakdown of:

• The core motivations & strengths of Type 3 (The Achiever) & Type 4 (The Individualist)
• Why Type 3 values efficiency & action, while Type 4 thrives on depth & meaning
• The friction point of communication styles—quick summaries vs. storytelling
• Practical tips to work better together without frustration

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