Using Enneagram at Work

[highlander]

Does anybody do this? Do you try to type people? How to you use it?

I have always thought it primarily to be a tool for self development but perhaps there are other uses.

 

[21%]

I think it can be useful to know your colleague's Enneagram type so you will be able to motivate them better and create a positive, nurturing work environment for everyone. However, I think it will be a bit harder to be 'properly introduced' to the workplace, though, because while the MBTI can be put in a positive way, the Enneagram talks about basic fears and needs that might make people uncomfortable.

I've also found it a lot harder to guess people's E-types if you don't know them intimately.

 

[EJCC]

I'm casually involved in campus ministry at my old university (i.e. the university I graduated in May) -- and just about everyone else I've talked to who's involved in campus ministry work, in the city, has been OBSESSED with the Enneagram. Using it for spiritual development and whatnot. Talking about it in workshops. But not workshops with the general public -- workshops with other people involved in campus ministry (lay and ordained).

I found it very surprising, hearing what other peoples' types were. It gave me the impression that campus ministers, if they aren't Nines, will take on Nine-like behavior. Merging with the person in need, disregarding the self in lieu of being wholly there for the other. It was bizarre, only knowing someone from that behavior, and then finding out they're a 3w4.

But to answer your question [MENTION=8936]highlander[/MENTION], I think in my case it only made sense in a work environment because personal growth was an inherent part of the job, and of the job culture.

 

[Elfboy]

Does anybody do this? Do you try to type people? How to you use it?
I have always thought it primarily to be a tool for self development but perhaps there are other uses.

I type people compulsively
of course, it's only a rough estimation until I get to know them better, but, both in terms of MBTI and Enneagram, I've found it useful in figuring out how to deal with people

 

[brainheart]

I'm a solo worker so I don't, but I know I would if I had a job. I think it is difficult to figure out other people's etypes though. For example, I think I just figured out my mom which really shouldn't be that difficult. Some people are tricky, though, especially if they are the countertype instinct wise.

Enneagram is definitely used in business, though. Here's one of many websites about it: http://theenneagraminbusiness.com/index.html

 

[Evo]

I passed this out at work and asked everyone what one they thought they were. It was easy. I don't work in a huge office though. I only did it with about 15 ppl. They thought it was fun. ha ha

I think it's definitely helped me. Especially since now, I'm realizing, I work with a lot of E2's and E4's. I phrase things differently to them now, so it's not so abrasive sounding to them. And I give the E8's the quick follow up/results they want.

 

[spirilis]

My workplace has some thing called "Print" they're using... after taking the Print test, scoring primary 5 and secondary 9, it's pretty obvious that it's just the Enneagram redressed to look all "corporate"-y.

There was supposed to be a workshop session to attend to discuss this with the ladies (don't really know them, assuming they're HR or something) and other peers who've just taken it, but they were having "technical difficulties" that day and didn't notify me for a followup session. From talking about it with my fellow IT folks, they all sneered and laughed a bit at it.

 

[Kasper]

I find it's a useful tool with understanding anyone who plays a large enough role in your life, as we spend so much time at work that is no exception. It helps show different priorities and focuses, explains behaviours and helps with resolving conflicts. E-type generally becomes pretty obvious after time and seeing people under stress to see what fears are driving them. Once known you can use that knowledge in any number of ways, both positive and underhanded.

 

[Galena]

Some people you can pin down based on the everyday, and some people you cannot.

 

[skylights]

Actually the first time I ever heard of it was at my on-campus job as an undergrad. My boss had a penchant for typology. I think she had me pegged as a 6 but I never really found out because unfortunately they did the official Enneagram testing session while I was studying abroad.

As for at work... I don't think that people should be forced to share their type if they don't desire to. Obviously some are going to relate with their types more than others, and I don't think it's useful to force a categorization. But it would be interesting if they wanted to share. I like to turn Enneagram and MBTI over in my head while I'm bored at work and I think I have at least a good guess for a fair number of my immediate coworkers' types. I try to use it to improve communication and avoid unintentionally hurting them.