As therapists and business consultants, we are in the business of helping people and teams be the best version of themselves.
Our over 66 years of experience in this field has shown us that when a person or group is trying to make a change they’ll get the most traction when it happens in the context of a relationship grounded in understanding, compassion and trust.
A number of amazing things can happen when these elements are present in relationships.
People are free to be more creative.
They are more comfortable stepping outside their comfort zone.
They are better able to hear others’ points of view.
They are more willing to invest in each other.
They more easily collaborate with each other.
They are more motivated to help each other accomplish their goals.
In short, those invisible but real connections that constitute trust and understanding between two people are the building blocks for achieving hard things.
That’s one of the many reasons organizations can benefit from learning about the Enneagram. This ancient personality system gets to the core of what shapes our perspectives and drives our behaviors. With Enneagram knowledge in your pocket, you have a relatively quick way to learn some very basic but profound things about yourself and others which leads to understanding and compassion which creates stronger and more trusting relationships resulting in productive and rewarding teamwork.
We got to see this in action recently, when we had the pleasure of introducing the Enneagram to the staff at Summit Hotel Properties. Even with just the basic information about the Enneagram’s nine different personality types, you could feel the energy in the room change. As we guided participants through an activity of using the strengths of each personality to solve a problem, we enjoyed watching them connect with their coworkers in unique and meaningful ways.
The interactions that occur between people after learning about the Enneagram are unique because they are based in substance. You’re not just learning about someone’s hobbies or favorite food. You learn their core motivation and why they interact with the world in the way they do. All in an affirming way that promotes acceptance and empathy.
But the learning doesn’t stop there. Studying the Enneagram provides a space for loving acceptance of who you are now while guiding you to be your whole self – not just your personality. When we can do this for ourselves, we make space for others to do the same.
If your team could use some relationship strengthening, consider using the Enneagram as a vehicle for doing this. Let us know if we can help.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash