The Enneagram System: Know Yourself to Become More Productive

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Often the productivity we receive becomes a mass of contradictions in the mind as we continue to gather tips and information. Examples of such contradictory advice include such gems as:

• Do this specific thing each day, without fail, but be prepared to embrace failure.
• Perfect is the enemy of the good, but the devil is always in the details.
• Do what you’re good at, as long as you’re passionate about it.

Most of us realise that our issues with productivity stem from personal issues which might be better addressed through therapy than a quick fix. Nevertheless, we turn to life hacks because we wish the path to becoming more productive to be easy. After all, we have deadlines looming, and our hopes and dreams will continue slipping through our fingers if we don’t manage to meet our goals.

The problem with most advice is that it’s not personalised. While one person may need a kick in the pants to help them get started on a project, another may have too much on their plate and need to delegate something so they can get on with their work without feeling overwhelmed. It all depends on the kind of person you are.

This is where the Enneagram comes in. The Enneagram is a tool that allows you to work in a more practical, consistent, and meaningful way that suits you best.

In the rest of this post, we’ll explore how finding your Enneagram type can help you work in the way most suited to you and your personality so that you can become more productive. First, though, let’s find out what the Enneagram is.

What is the Enneagram?

The Enneagram is a system designed to help you discover which of the nine designated personality types fits you the best. It identifies patterns in how people interact with the world and deal with their emotions.

Each of the nine personality types is defined by the way in which people feel the world works. That central belief fundamentally shapes your worldview and is the basis of your fears and motivations.

These core beliefs, whilst not necessarily incorrect, can be limiting. Understanding our Enneagram type can help broaden our perspective and adapt more effectively to the situations we find ourselves in.

We can use the Enneagram personality type system to discover why people typically undertake a set of actions and make the decisions they do. Their Enneagram type may explain behaviour that may at first appear confusing and help us gauge how we might react in stressful situations. Discovering which of the nine types you are can afford you opportunities for personal growth and help us better understand those around us. Before we go on to discuss each of the nine types, let’s see how it works and detail its history.

How it Works   

Your personality type is influenced by biological and environmental factors. Under the Enneagram system, a number is assigned to each type. No single number is superior to another.

You may find you relate to more than one, but your personality type doesn’t change as you go through life. You can, however, identify more strongly with particular traits if your state of health alters.

You can use your new-found knowledge to further your personal development and pinpoint your motivations to improve your skills in many areas of life, such as conflict solution, problem-solving, and leadership.

Many have also used it to develop their career and help discover ways they can work more effectively.

History of the Enneagram System

The roots of the Enneagram system are disputed. Some believe that it originates in classical Greek philosophy from around 2,500 years ago, while others hold the view that its roots date back even further to the lost city of Babylon 4,500 years ago.

The modern iteration of the system was created by a mystic by the name of Georg Ivanovich Gurdjieff, in the 1930s. It came to the attention of America in the 1960s. It was introduced into the field of psychology, and more recent research concentrates on the psychological aspects of the system, rather than its spiritual elements.

It’s time to delve deeper into each personality type.

The Nine Enneagram Types

Here is a summary of each of the personality types as defined by the Enneagram. Which one do you think you are? See which patterns of thought you recognise in yourself. A warning though, prepare to be offended and flattered in equal measure. It shows us both our vices and virtues, so to find out, you must be willing to be uncomfortable.

Off we go.

Type One: The Reformer/Perfectionist

People who are type one see the world in black and white. They want the systems and people around them and their own behaviour to align with their values. This kind of person is hardworking and inspiring and can make huge sacrifices for what they consider a worthy cause.

They are their own harshest critic and are impatient with others who fail to live up to their exacting standards.

Knowing you’re a type one Enneagram can help you realise your inner critic will often be harsher than the reality of the situation. Having said that, a zeal to continuously improve yourself and the systems you work with can yield fabulous results.

The core belief of someone with a type one personality is that they are good because they do things well and in the right way.

At work, they are typically honest, meticulous, and diligent, but their black and white view of the world makes it hard to compromise with others, their work ethic makes them prone to burnout and their perfectionism can cause them to procrastinate.

Productivity Tips for Type Ones:

• Schedule time to relax.
• Decide what needs to be done and what can be ‘good enough‘ and what must be done perfectly.
• Ask for help.

Want to know hacks you can employ to get results fast? Check out our post on marvellous mind hacks for more.  

Type Two: The Helper/Mentor  

People who have this type of personality gauge their self-worth through their relationships with others. They work to connect with people and are excellent at doing so. They are caring and supportive and get on well with co-workers.

When a relationship is in question, their sense of self-work can be undermined they can annoy others by seeking approval by serving others. They tend to overexert themselves in this endeavour.

Type two people need to learn that they are not unworthy of respect and love if they self themselves. That is how they develop.

The core belief with a type two personality is that they are good because others need them.

At work, they are caring and perceptive and create a caring culture in the workplace. On the debit side, they can overcommit themselves to help others and be resentful when they feel underappreciated.

Productivity Tips for Type Twos:

• Practice saying no to things, so you don’t overcommit.
• Work out why you wish to do something. Do you expect anything in return?
• Remember to make your own needs clear.

Type Three: The Performer/Achiever

These people get things done and adapt easily to different environments by figuring out what’s expected of them and striving to exceed them. They have an excellent work ethic, good stamina, and what to be useful and admired.

The drawback is that type three people may become so focused on success that they can lose sight of what they want. Insecurities, doubts, and emotions can become a drag and they can be irritated when others fail to keep up with or match their success. They are prone to overworking themselves and grow when they come to recognise the value of emotions and wisdom.

The core belief of type threes is that they are good because they are successful.

At work, they are practical, hardworking, and charming, but are prone to burnout and are likely to get frustrated when their journey to success is slowed down by the needs of others.

Productivity Tips for Type Threes:

• Consider what you want, rather than focusing only on what other people want you to do.
• Take up journalling or meditation to give yourself space to reflect.

Take a look at our post exploring whether meditation is good for productivity, to see more of the benefits.

Type Four: The Original

Type fours view life as a work of art, which should be original and beautiful. They seek to find the truth in human experience. They are artistic, romantic, creative, and honest. On the other hand, they can be prone to depression, seek refuge from real-life in fantasy and can resent not being special.

Type fours grow when they learn to find satisfaction and feel special when they perform everyday acts of kindness.

Their core belief is that they are good because they are special.

At work, they are not afraid to tackle difficult topics, are sensitive to beauty, and are visionary. They tend to find mundane tasks demeaning and often procrastinate because they are lost in their own world.

Productivity Tips for Type Fours:

• Create a beautiful environment to work in.
• Remember that ordinary tasks can be fulfilling when done in beautiful surroundings.
• Remember that practical work often lays the foundations for inspiration and creative endeavours.

Type Five: The Thinker/Observer  

People who fit in the type five personality seek the truth, through objective study. Their principal traits are diligence and thoughtfulness. They are in their element in a world of facts and ideas which is uncomplicated by demands and unordered emotions.

They may ignore the emotions of others as well as their own to remain objective and may be threatened by strong emotions. They develop by recognising that part of the reason they are so comfortable in their own heads is that they fear making mistakes. Moving out of thought and study and into action is a wonderful way for them to grow,

The core belief that drives type five people is that they are good because they know the truth.

At work, they are fantastic at objective analysis, wonderful at research and are endlessly curious. They can underappreciate the opinions of others if ideas are put forward with passion and can appear aloof and uncaring.

Productivity Tips for Type Fives:

• Before beginning research, write down what you need to know and why.
• Do something active to stay in touch with your emotions.
• To avoid staying in your own head too long, offer your team members help.

Type Six: The Loyalist

Type six personalities spend energy striving for the sense of safety they crave. They seek safety in their relationships, ideology, and community. They are good at anticipating and solving problems before they crop up. They are supportive, loyal members of a team who work out and make for the best sort of friends.

They can have fraught relationships with authority and may become reactionary, defensive, and pessimistic when anxious or doubtful. Sixes develop and grow by accepting that not everything is within their control. When they do this, they can come to exemplify courage in the face of difficulty.

Their core belief is that they are good if they are safe.

At work they are great, loyal team members who will stick with a project through thick and thin. They tend to over-research to avoid making mistakes and anxiety and stress can lead to procrastination. They can also lack the courage of their convictions.

Productivity Tips for Type Sixes:

• Create routines that have boundaries. You can use the Pomodoro Method to do this.
• List when you accomplished each day, alongside a to-do list for the following one.
• Practice meditation to deal with anxiety.

Type Seven: The Visionary

Type sevens derive their sense of self-worth from the excitement life offers. They focus on the positive, love to meet new people, and increase your store of knowledge.

Sevens have great energy and bring a sense of fun with them but are likely to over-plan to subdue anxiety and be reluctant to face the darker aspects of life. They grow when they slow down and take time to reflect.

Their core belief is that they are good because they are happy and joyful.

At work they have truckloads of positive energy, can motivate others, and are eager to learn new things. However, they may struggle to finish what they start, dismiss negative emotions, and have a tendency to overcommit.

Productivity Tips for Type Sevens:

• Make a list of pros and cons before you jump into a new project. Work out how you would deal with the cons.
• Promise less, so you can deliver more than people expect and avoid disappointing people.
• Find ways to minimise distractions when you work.

Type Eight: The Protector

These people view themselves as protectors of their team as well as themselves. They don’t shy away from conflict and are action-orientated, forthright, and honest. They often need to feel they are in charge and can challenge and inspire teammate to strive for better results.

They can be arrogant and disdainful. They may be vengeful if they feel someone has been disloyal. Eights develop when they can differentiate between threats to their ego and threats to themselves and their team.

Their core belief is that they are good because they are in control.

At work, they have the power to inspire others and are productive, confident, and persuasive. They can be impatient and domineering and intolerant of weakness in others.

Productivity Tips for Type Eights:

• Consider the strengths of others so you can delegate work effectively.
• Develop the skills of being a good listener.
• Choose your battles and try to solve disputes diplomatically rather than forcefully.

Type Nine: The Peacemaker

Nines are happy when their actions, thoughts, and the community around them are all in harmony. They are good at understanding multiple points of view and at reconciling different ideas and people.

They tend to minimise and ignore conflict and may sacrifice things to make themselves agreeable, which may give rise to a growing feeling of resentment. To grow, nines must unearth their deep-seated beliefs and act. They can become inspiring leaders who appreciate the input of others and can bring together different skill sets to achieve a common goal.

Their core belief is that they are good because they are peace-loving.

At work, nines understand many opinions, mediate well, and have an easy-going manner. They will procrastinate to avoid arguments and agree with views they might not share to avoid disagreement.

Productivity Tips for Type Nines:

• Decide what to finish next, not what to do.
• Don’t hide your resentment and anger, let it illuminate your true opinion so you can share it with others. It may also help motivate you.
• Value your opinions as much as you would anyone else’s.

Wrapping Up

We’ve covered what the Enneagram System is, discussed how it works delved into its history and origins. Hopefully, you can use this article to identify which personality type best fits you and use that knowledge and the tips we’ve shared to improve your productivity. Good luck!

Found your personality type as defined by the Enneagram system? Let us know which type you are in the comments.