This weekend we had our last real estate workshop of the year, and it was powerful. If you were able to make it, I am so glad you were there! If not, then I hope you will join us next year!
Now that the event has finished, for the next few weeks, I will be teaching on business and entrepreneurship. I teach on this topic a lot, and in the past, I’ve done a series on the Myers-Briggs personality types and business. I have recently learned of a new personality test called the Enneagram. If you haven’t heard of it, it divides people into nine different numbers, all with different personality traits. Though I do still lean more towards the accuracy of the Myers-Briggs, I know that this series will also be insightful for my readers.
In today’s post, I am going to walk through the first three personality types, and every Monday for the next few weeks, I will touch on the next three. If you haven’t taken the Enneagram, there are many tests, both paid and free, but I have used this one in the past. For type descriptions, I referenced the Enneagram Institute, which also has the best paid test.
The Enneagrams in Business – Part 1
1 – The Reformer
Type One’s are often the moral thinkers of each generation. Some examples are Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela, and Margaret Thatcher. Their highest need is to be good, as they have a strong sense of what is right and what is wrong. They can make great leaders and are often advocates for change. They are great at building support behind their moral activism, and if used for good, can really change the world.
In business, Reformers work great as consultants and in higher positions. If they notice certain business practices they don’t agree with, it could be challenging to keep them around. However, if they’re in a position where they can make a change, then they thrive. They are also work great with others in a leadership role.
2 – The Helper
Type Two’s are generous people-pleasers who’s highest need is to feel appreciated. Some famous examples are Bishop Desmond Tutu, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nancy Reagan, and Elizabeth Taylor. They go out of their way to help wherever they can, and often desire praise for that help. They are incredibly positive and often work well with others.
In business, you will always need a Type Two around. These people will help your business grow, and work great communicating with customers or clients. However, you have to be sure that you are providing enough validation for these members of your team because if they feel unappreciated, they can pull back.
3 – The Achiever
Type Three’s are excellence-driven, practical people. Their work is what drives them, and they are often very ambitious. Well-known examples are Tony Robbins, Oprah, and Mitt Romney. Similar to Type Two’s, Three’s also value appreciation for their hard work. They don’t want success because of what it will bring to them, but because of the feeling of accomplishment itself.
In business, you will usually always see Type Three’s at the top. Their hard-work and desire to be the best often drive them up the ladder in a business, or they might have their own! If you’ve read my book, Organizational Mastery, then you know that you can either classify people as a leader or as a manager. Three’s are going to be great managers, but can struggle at being good leaders. Their success is what matters to them most, not their relationships with others.
Do you see yourself in any of these personality types, or have you taken the Enneagram test before? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget that I will be diving deeper into Enneagram Types 4-6 next Monday!
