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Enneagram 101: A Simple Guide to Understanding Yourself and Others
I get asked all the time: What is the Enneagram? You can easily Google it, but you’ll face a rabbit hole of information from a plethora of sources, both legit and otherwise. As a Certified Integrative iEQ9® Enneagram leadership and team coach (which is a long and formal way of saying I seriously love the Enneagram and all the ways we can apply it to our lives to shine our brightest), I’m happy to break it all down for you into simple and relatable terms. Shall we?
What is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is a map of transformation—a powerful framework that helps us understand ourselves and others. It consists of nine core personality types that define and describe our identity: who we are and why we do what we do. It helps answer three fundamental questions:
Who are you?
Why are you here?
How will you serve?
The Enneagram is an ancient symbol (over 2,000 years old!) that consists of a circle, nine core types, and connecting lines that illustrate our growth and stress patterns. Each type has its own unique desires, fears, motivations, defense mechanisms, values, and worldviews.
And just like any map, you need to know where you are to use it effectively. The Enneagram shows you your current position and provides multiple pathways for growth, professional development, and self-discovery.
How Can the Enneagram Be Applied?
The Enneagram is useful in nearly every aspect of life, including:
Leadership coaching – Enhance your leadership style by leveraging strengths and addressing blind spots.
Entrepreneurship – Develop self-awareness to build a business that aligns with your values.
Team development – Improve collaboration, communication, and workplace culture.
Facilitation – Use Enneagram insights to create dynamic and effective training or coaching sessions.
Professional development – Gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others to foster personal and career growth.
Strengths assessment and leadership assessments – Identify natural talents and areas for growth.
Wherever there are humans, there’s an application for the Enneagram.
What the Enneagram is NOT:
A simple personality test
A made-up, “woo-woo” tool
A box to put yourself or others in
The Enneagram Symbol Explained
Different variations of the Enneagram symbol depend on the school of thought. The one I use is from Integrative9, a comprehensive Enneagram training provider with decades of research behind it. Let’s break it down:
Core Types (9 total): Each type has its driving motivations, fears, and behaviors.
Centers of Intelligence: Feeling, Thinking, and Action. Everyone has all three, but we tend to be more dominant in one.
Lines: Think of these as roads of growth and stress—where we go when we are our best selves and the place we head towards when we are at our worst.
Wings: The types adjacent to your core type that influence your personality.
Subtypes: Self-preserving, intimate, and social. These explain why two people of the same type can behave very differently.
Fascinating Facts About the Enneagram
The symbol dates back over 2,000 years and has been found as far back as 600 BCE.
Its exact origin is unknown (how mysterious!), but it has a rich history spanning multiple cultures, philosophies, and spiritual traditions.
No one “owns” the Enneagram—it’s open-source. Because collaboration is where the magic happens.
The word "Enneagram" comes from the Greek words "ennéa" (nine) and "gramma" (figure).
The modern personality typing system originates from the work of Oscar Ichazo (1931–2020), a Bolivian philosopher.
The Enneagram continues to evolve as scholars study its applications in coaching, leadership, teams, and even global systems.
Truth Bomb: You Are NOT Your Type
This might feel like a mind spin, but hear me out: You are not your type. Your type is simply the identity expression you developed to navigate life.
How Does That Happen?
We are all born in our essence—our true selves, full of light, strengths, and natural gifts. But around age five, we begin forming a sense of self based on external influences. If we’re told we’re “too much” (too loud, too quiet, too sensitive, too questioning), we react by adapting to fit in. Over time, this adaptation becomes our Enneagram type—a form of protective armor to help navigate life’s challenges.
So, the person you believe yourself to be? The default patterns you feel stuck in? They are not set in stone. Growth is always possible. Our work—as humans, entrepreneurs, and leaders—is to return to our essence, our natural strengths, and radiance. The Enneagram is the map that helps us get there.
Ready to Discover Your Type?
Many Enneagram tests are available, but I recommend this comprehensive and accurate assessment that I use in my work. Take the test and begin your journey of self-discovery.
By understanding the Enneagram, we gain a tool for deeper self-awareness, stronger relationships, and more intentional leadership. Have questions? Drop me a note — I’d love to chat.
Why the Enneagram Stands Out Among Leadership and Personality Assessments
With so many personality and leadership assessment tools available, how do you choose the right one? Many tests focus solely on behaviour – what we do – but true transformation comes from understanding motivation – why we do it.
When we change our motivation, we create sustainable change.
This is where the Enneagram excels. Unlike other assessments, it explores both behaviour and core motivation, offering a deeper approach to personal and professional growth.
Why Choose the Enneagram?
Motivation + Behavior: It reveals what you do and (almost more importantly) why you do it – helping you recognize patterns, strengths, and blind spots.
A Growth Roadmap: The Enneagram evolves with you, providing insights that support a lifetime of development.
Versatile Applications: Used in leadership, coaching, team development, therapy, and personal relationships.
Strengths + Shadows: While many tests highlight strengths, the Enneagram also uncovers blind spots – offering a more complete picture for understanding ourselves more deeply.
Time-Tested Framework: With roots dating back 2,000 years and modern psychological research supporting its insights, it has a depth that few other tools can match.
How the Enneagram Compares to Other Assessments
CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder)
Developed by Gallup, this test identifies your top five strengths out of 34 possible traits. It’s research-backed and widely used in workplaces and helps individuals and teams focus on their strengths to improve performance. What this one ignores are the weaknesses and blind spots, which limits the potential for deeper personal growth. Essentially, it provides only half the picture – knowing strengths is helpful, but understanding challenges is essential for balanced leadership.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
One of the most widely used assessments for categorizing personality types. This one groups people into 16 types based on preferences like introversion/extroversion and thinking/feeling. It’s common in corporate settings and self-discovery but it focuses on surface traits rather than motivation. With no clear framework for growth, it’s more of a self-awareness tool than a developmental guide. It can feel overwhelming or too rigid, with 16 distinct types and letter codes that may seem impersonal.
Human Design
A newer framework (1992) that blends astrology, I Ching, Kabbalah, and chakra systems. It categorizes people into four "energy types" to guide decision-making and life purpose. It lacks scientific validation and research backing since it originates from mystical experience rather than empirical studies. This one can be fun and informative for self-exploration but not a reliable tool for leadership or professional development.
The Bottom Line
The Enneagram is a powerful tool if you’re looking for an assessment that goes beyond behavior to uncover motivation. Whether you're a leader, coach, or team builder, the Enneagram provides actionable insights for personal and professional growth that evolve with you over time.
It doesn’t just tell you who you are – it guides you toward who you can become.
Understanding the Enneagram: A Guide to the Nine Types
The Enneagram is a personality framework that offers insights into motivations, behaviors, and personal growth. It is a powerful tool for coaching, leadership coaching, and team development. While each of the nine types has unique traits, it’s important to remember that personality is fluid, influenced by experiences, culture, and personal history.
This guide offers an overview of each type. It’s designed to help teams and individuals enhance professional development and self-awareness by identifying and understanding their strengths and leadership styles.
Type 1: The Reformer (aka: The Strict Perfectionist)
Core Motivation: Strives for integrity and improvement.
Strengths: Ethical, responsible, detail-oriented.
Challenges: Can be perfectionistic, critical, and rigid.
Growth Path: Embracing flexibility and self-compassion.
Focus of Attention: Distinguishing between right and wrong, good and bad, correct and incorrect.
Core Desire: Goodness, dignity, wholeness.
Core Fear: That there is something intrinsically wrong with them, being defective and “not good enough.”
Vice: Anger expressed as irritation, frustration, resentment, and self-righteousness.
Notes from a Coach: Effective in leadership coaching and facilitation by promoting high standards and accountability.
Type 2: The Helper (aka: The Considerate Helper)
Core Motivation: Seeks love and appreciation by supporting others.
Strengths: Empathetic, generous, nurturing.
Challenges: Can be people-pleasing, intrusive, or overextended.
Growth Path: Prioritizing self-care and setting healthy boundaries.
Focus of Attention: The needs of others and providing help and support in a dependable way.
Core Desire: To be liked.
Core Fear: Being unwanted, unloved, rejected, and abandoned.
Vice: Pride expressed through inflated self-importance in service to others, using seduction and subtle manipulation.
Notes from a Coach: Ideal for team development, fostering collaboration and trust.
Type 3: The Achiever (aka: Competitive Achiever)
Core Motivation: Driven by success and recognition.
Strengths: Ambitious, adaptable, goal-oriented.
Challenges: May struggle with authenticity and burnout.
Growth Path: Valuing self-worth beyond accomplishments.
Focus of Attention: Being successful and ensuring the high regard and respect of others.
Core Desire: To win, to be successful.
Core Fear: Failure; wondering if people will still love them without their success and accomplishments.
Vice: Deceit and vanity, tricking themselves and others into believing they are their self-made image.
Notes from a Coach: Useful in helping individuals balance ambition with well-being.
Type 4: The Individualist (aka: The Intense Creative)
Core Motivation: Seeks meaning and identity.
Strengths: Creative, introspective, emotionally deep.
Challenges: Can be self-absorbed, melancholic, or envious.
Growth Path: Finding joy in the present moment and connection with others.
Focus of Attention: Expressing themselves authentically and focusing on what has meaning and depth.
Core Desire: Being unique and meaningful.
Core Fear: Being without identity or significance.
Vice: Envy and fantasy, longing for what they are not or don’t have, dissatisfaction with the ordinary.
Notes from a Coach: Beneficial in recognizing the value of emotional intelligence.
Type 5: The Investigator (aka: The Quiet Specialist)
Core Motivation: Desires knowledge and autonomy.
Strengths: Analytical, perceptive, independent.
Challenges: May withdraw, struggle with emotional expression, or overanalyze.
Growth Path: Engaging with emotions and building trust in relationships.
Focus of Attention: Conserving resources and minimizing demands on time and energy.
Core Desire: Need to know and understand.
Core Fear: Being dependent, exhausted, overwhelmed, and incapable.
Vice: Avarice (or greed) which is expressed via managing personal energy and resources, detaching from engagement in life.
Notes from a Coach: Strength in identifying strategic and analytical strengths in teams.
Type 6: The Loyalist (aka: The Loyal Skeptic)
Core Motivation: Seeks security and support.
Notes from a Coach: Loyal, responsible, prepared.
Challenges: Can be anxious, skeptical, or overly cautious.
Growth Path: Cultivating inner trust and adaptability.
Focus of Attention: What can go wrong and constructing worst-case scenarios.
Core Desire: Being safe and prepared.
Core Fear: Being alone in a threatening world, unable to survive.
Vice: Doubt, focusing on worst-case scenarios in everyday life or relationships.
Notes from a Coach: Key in team development by fostering reliability and resilience.
Type 7: The Enthusiast (aka: The Enthusiastic Visionary)
Core Motivation: Pursues experiences and joy.
Strengths: Energetic, optimistic, spontaneous.
Challenges: May avoid discomfort, be scattered, or overcommit.
Growth Path: Practicing mindfulness and embracing deeper experiences.
Focus of Attention: On what excites them, future possibilities.
Core Desire: Freedom and joy.
Core Fear: Being limited, restricted, or not living a full life.
Vice: Gluttony for new experiences to avoid pain or confinement.
Notes from a Coach: Useful in coaching to encourage balance between enthusiasm and focus.
Type 8: The Challenger (aka: The Active Controller)
Core Motivation: Desires strength and autonomy.
Strengths: Assertive, decisive, protective.
Challenges: Can be confrontational, domineering, or resistant to vulnerability.
Growth Path: Embracing vulnerability and collaboration.
Focus of Attention: Ensuring no one can control them, focusing on solutions and results.
Core Desire: Being strong.
Core Fear: Being weak, vulnerable, or controlled by others.
Vice: Lust for control can lead to excess and difficulty in connecting with others.
Notes from a Coach: Helps to refine assertiveness into effective leadership.
Type 9: The Peacemaker (aka: The Adaptive Peacemaker)
Core Motivation: Seeks harmony and stability.
Strengths: Adaptable, diplomatic, reassuring.
Challenges: May avoid conflict, struggle with decisiveness, or be passive.
Growth Path: Asserting personal needs and embracing active participation.
Focus of Attention: Ensuring everyone feels heard, respected, and considered.
Core Desire: Peace and harmony.
Core Fear: Being controlled, in conflict, or facing chaos.
Vice: Self-forgetting, procrastination, avoidance.
Notes from a Coach: Effective in facilitation, supporting harmony in teams and leadership settings.
Whether you know your type or not, the above information provides a window into how we can all assess ourselves in our relationships with others and the world. The Enneagram is not about putting people into boxes – it’s a tool for self-awareness and personal development. Each type has strengths and challenges, and growth comes from understanding and balancing these aspects. By approaching this framework with curiosity and compassion, we can deepen our relationships with ourselves and others. Whether used for leadership coaching, facilitation, or team development, the Enneagram supports professional growth and helps individuals and teams thrive.
What’s the Best Enneagram Test? A Breakdown of the Top Three
Back in the pre-internet days (remember those?), discovering your Enneagram type was a deep, introspective journey. You’d work with a teacher, study the framework, and observe your behaviors over time before identifying your core type. Today, life moves faster. While self-reflection is still key, online Enneagram tests offer a helpful starting point – guiding you toward your type in as little as 30-40 minutes.
Not all Enneagram tests are created equal, though. Some provide deep insights, while others give a broad overview. Let’s explore three of the most common tests to help you choose the best fit for your journey.
1. RHETI (Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator)
Perhaps the most well-known Enneagram test, RHETI was developed by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson, authors of The Wisdom of the Enneagram. This test provides a 16-page report highlighting your top three types, plus a spread of all nine types.
Accuracy: A 2009 study found it to be 72% accurate on average. Some people test as their stress type rather than their core type. From my experience with this test, I find that people can sometimes get a result of their stress line, not their actual type. (For example: According to the RHETI test, you are a type 4 but in reality are a 1.)
Pros:
✔️ Provides a clear ranking of your top three types
✔️ Covers fundamental traits and tendencies
✔️ Affordable ($20 USD)
Cons:
❌ Uses complex “Enneagram speak,” which may be hard for beginners
❌ Doesn’t cover subtypes, integration levels, or stress/strain profiles
❌ The report is text-heavy and not visually engaging
Best for: Traditionalists who enjoy classic Enneagram teachings, have some prior knowledge, and don’t mind a chance of mistyping.
2. Truity Enneagram Test
Truity is a modern, tech-savvy approach to personality testing. Founded in 2012, this company offers a range of assessments, including the MBTI. Its Enneagram test is streamlined, visually appealing, and organized by Centers of Expression, offering a fresh perspective. Its also a women-founded company, which we love.
Accuracy: No published accuracy rating, but user reviews suggest high reliability. My experience found it to be accurate.
Pros:
✔️ Easy to understand, beginner-friendly
✔️ Offers a free core type result; full report is reasonably priced ($29 USD)
✔️ Modern user experience with strong visuals
Cons:
❌ General information lacks depth on integration levels and subtypes
❌ No stress/strain profile or growth exercises
Best for: Enneagram beginners, tech-savvy users who appreciate great UX, and those looking for a general personality test rather than a deep dive.
3. Integrative9 Enneagram
As a seasoned Enneagram practitioner, this is my personal favorite. Integrative9 offers a robust and comprehensive test ideal for personal and professional growth. It provides a personalized, data-driven report, including a stress/strain profile that pinpoints external and internal stressors affecting your life.
Accuracy: Commissioned external research by psychologists and statisticians reports 95% accuracy. The test adapts as you take it, ensuring greater precision.
Pros:
✔️ Highly accurate, personalized insights
✔️ Includes stress/strain profile, helping you identify growth barriers
✔️ Engaging report with visuals, exercises, and practices
✔️ Professional version includes leadership, conflict, and coaching insights
Cons:
❌ Most expensive option—$60 USD for standard, $125 USD for professional
Best for: Leaders, professionals, and those serious about deep Enneagram work. If you want data-driven insights and practical exercises, this is the test for you.
Which Enneagram Test Is Right for You?
If you’re new to the Enneagram and want a quick, affordable introduction, Truity is a solid choice. If you’re looking for a traditional but straightforward test, RHETI may work. But if you’re serious about applying the Enneagram to leadership, team development, or professional coaching, Integrative9 is the most comprehensive and insightful option.
No test is perfect, but they all serve as valuable tools to point you in the right direction. The real transformation comes from self-reflection, coaching, and applying what you learn. Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or people leader, understanding your Enneagram type can unlock new levels of leadership and team synergy.
Curious about your type? Let’s talk! As an experienced Enneagram practitioner, I can help you interpret your results and apply them in a meaningful way. Reach out to explore coaching or team development sessions.
Happy typing!
Enneagram Leadership Styles: How Your Type Shapes Your Leadership Strengths and Blind Spots
Leadership is not one-size-fits-all. Each individual brings unique strengths, traits, and challenges to the table. Understanding your leadership style is a key component of personal and professional development, especially when you are working in a team or leading others.
One of the most insightful frameworks to assess leadership styles is the Enneagram, a powerful tool used in leadership coaching, team development, and professional assessments. By examining each Enneagram type, leaders can identify their strengths, potential blind spots, and how to maximize their effectiveness with the help of a well-rounded team.
Enneagram 1: The Perfectionist Leader
Detail-focused and process-oriented leaders, 1s care about the look and feel of things. They are disciplined leaders who will see goals and projects through to completion, but they need time to think things through and be able to get it just right. Excellent at writing in most capacities, from magazine articles to workplace policies, they are very values-driven.
They will take the time to pause and check in to see if values are still aligned.
They can be critical of others, setting high performance expectations. They want things to be perfect, including the people around them; they may be rigid and difficult to work with as a result. They can say (and definitely think) things like, “Why can’t you just get it right?” but they are hardest on themselves. Similarly, their ability to critique makes them great at curating projects.
A 1 will thrive in environments with time and space to take care of details and think things through. They need structure in their schedule and the ability to manage their time as their own. A clean, well-organized space is key for a 1.
Practice: Embrace acceptance. Learn to let go of perfection and allow creativity to flourish. Bring in support from other types to balance your approach and help you remain flexible.
Enneagram 2: The Caregiver Leader
2s are leaders who put people first; they have big hearts and lead with great care and love for their teams, clients, and work. They tend to focus on how they can be as helpful as possible with clients and how they can over-deliver in their work. They are people-focused, generous, and full of empathy – they prioritize relationships and are highly attuned to the needs of others. Their natural ability to connect helps build trust and loyalty within their teams.
They’re always happy to help, but are they helping themselves?
A 2s tendency to over-give can lead to burnout. They may struggle to set healthy boundaries, and their desire to help can sometimes prevent others from developing their own capabilities. While they are generous with their time and energy, they can tend toward going over scope or over-giving in a self-sacrificing way. When asked how they are as bosses, the response give often begins with, “They’re a nice person but…” which is never a great start to that answer.
The environment that 2 leaders thrive in is warm and inviting, a place for others to sit and have a tea. Surrounded by momentos of love (cups with positive messages, pictures of family) and a box of tissues at the ready. Ideally, that space includes a door that closes so they can maintain good boundaries.
Practice: Learn to pause before offering help. Empower others by asking if they need assistance rather than automatically jumping in. Respect and maintain your boundaries to maintain long-term effectiveness.
Enneagram 3: The Achiever Leader
The leadership style of a 3 is ambitious, goal-driven, and action-oriented. They are great at implementing big ideas and keeping the motivation high for the team. They care deeply about others doing their best work and, as a result, help teams set goals and take action. They love plans, strategy, operations, and especially a challenge to solve – 3s are great problem solvers. Put them in front of the crowd or a camera, and they will shine – sharing ideas, speaking to the media, you name it – they love the spotlight.
3s are people who want to accomplish (a lot).
A fear of failure can cause them to be overly focused on success and status, which can sometimes lead to a lack of vulnerability or reluctance to acknowledge mistakes. Their drive to win can also create a competitive atmosphere that may feel draining to others. They can stew in near mistakes and worry about self-image.
A competitive and energetic environment is where a 3 will feel the most motivated. Ideally, it involves variety and the structure to be able to set and crush BHAG (big hairy audacious goals)
Practice: Find balance by spending time away from work to recharge and recalibrate your sense of success. Embrace vulnerability and allow room for failure as a part of growth.
Enneagram 4: The Individualist Leader
The leadership style is purpose-driven and deeply creative. They bring unique perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, making them valuable for brainstorming and problem-solving. Their ability to empathize with others makes them exceptional at providing emotional support and fostering authenticity within teams. They are great listeners who encourage others to be authentically themselves while creating a feeling of safety and trust.
When things are hard in life, 4s will always show up.
Their emotional intensity can lead to reactive decision-making and a tendency to focus on what’s missing or wrong in a project. They may also struggle with feelings of inadequacy or not doing enough, which can create anxiety and self-doubt.
Their ideal environment is creative; they appreciate beauty and want things to look good. Think: colour-coded spreadsheets, well-decorated lunch room, they want form AND function. There should be autonomy and space to share and test out ideas.
Practice: Cultivate gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your work and team. This will help you maintain balance, celebrate the people you work with, and have a more positive outlook.
Enneagram 5: The Investigator Leader
The 5 leader is strategic, analytical, and highly knowledgeable. They excel at deep thinking, research, and data-driven decision-making. Their curiosity and thirst for knowledge often lead to groundbreaking insights and innovative solutions.
They can be quiet leaders who aren’t celebrated or appreciated enough in society.
Blind Spots: They can become emotionally detached and overly protective of their time and energy, which may make them appear uninterested in collaboration. Their tendency to hoard information can hinder team collaboration and growth.
They are best suited to environments with a quiet place to think, plenty of autonomy, and abundant resources. They also love data! They need and want to be able to analyze and process so as not to rush decisions – ideally, in an uncluttered and simple space that includes the newest tech.
Practice: Focus on connecting emotionally with others (rather than overthinking) and allow yourself to engage more with people outside your immediate expertise. This will help you develop deeper relationships and build stronger teams. Consider a tech-free walk or watching a sappy movie.
Enneagram 6: The Loyalist Leader
Exceptional at risk assessment and crisis management, the 6 is loyal and dependable. Their careful planning makes them great leaders in high-stakes environments. They build strong trust within their teams and always look out for others' safety and security.
Be brave and trust your gut.
Their tendency to overthink and doubt their decisions can slow down action and cause indecisiveness. Their fear of risk may also discourage their team from taking necessary actions when opportunities arise.
The ideal environment for a 6 is warm and inviting for others to come in. They also love spreadsheets on a wall or a printed year-long calendar to reference at a glance. Places stocked with highlighters and post-it notes make it easy to keep up with their to-do lists.
Practice: Build courage by taking calculated risks and trusting your intuition. This will help you overcome indecision and empower your team to act confidently.
Enneagram 7: The Enthusiast Leader
7 leaders are warm, joyful and crave variety. With big ambitions and big dreams, they are full of ideas, boundless energy, and optimism. They inspire teams with their contagious enthusiasm and love for new challenges. They bring creativity, fun, and spontaneity to any team environment.
They will throw spaghetti at the wall without thinking it through.
Their tendency to jump from one idea to another or to think things out loud can create confusion among their team. They may also avoid difficult conversations or situations, preferring to focus on the positive and ignore the negative.
A fun, dynamic environment lets a 7 leader shine – innovative spaces (think: colourful, bright, upbeat music) with an open door. Ideally, it would include a mini fridge with the latest healthy sodas and snacks.
Practice: Develop discipline and focus by creating actionable plans for your ideas. Learn to prioritize follow-through and provide clear direction for your team.
Enneagram 8: The Challenger Leader
Fiery, passionate leaders who want to take action. They are confident, decisive, and assertive leaders who thrive in high-pressure environments. Their ability to take charge and make quick decisions makes them effective in crisis situations. They are passionate about protecting their team and achieving results.
“The time is now!” could be the 8s motto.
Their desire for control and directness can make them seem intimidating and less approachable. They may struggle with trusting others and allowing them to take the lead, which can lead to micromanaging. Tendency to be controlling of outcomes and results makes for a stressful work environment.
A calming environment helps the 8 leader stay grounded. Places that are dynamic but still have the structure and space for focus. Ideally, there’s a gym nearby for them to blow off steam when things get spicy.
Practice: Let go of the need for control and embrace a more collaborative approach. Allow others to lead and create space for emotional vulnerability. Show your softer side and let someone else order lunch.
Enneagram 9: The Peacemaker Leader
9 leaders are easygoing, diplomatic, and supportive. They have a strong sense of integrity and care deeply about harmony, community, and giving back. While they excel at creating calm, balanced environments and ensuring that team members feel valued and heard, their relaxed demeanor can mask their internal state of worry.
Remember, it’s okay to speak up (and to say “no”) – it can create more harmony in the long run.
Blind Spots: Their fear of conflict can prevent them from addressing issues head-on, and their tendency to avoid difficult conversations can create unresolved tension. They may also struggle with assertiveness, leading to miscommunication and missed opportunities.
The ideal environment for a 9 leaders is calm, creative, and clean. A place that is both quiet and visually appealing – clean lines and balanced colours – matter to them.
Practice: Practice assertiveness by speaking up early in situations. Encouraging open dialogue will foster a more harmonious work environment.
No matter your Enneagram type, understanding your leadership strengths and blind spots is key to professional development and creating high-performing teams. The goal is not to “fix” weaknesses but to leverage the strengths of others through effective facilitation and coaching. Consider getting to know your leadership style better; learning more about yourself clarifies how you can complement your team’s dynamic. Whether you are in the C-suite or managing a small team, embracing the Enneagram framework can lead to a deeper understanding of your leadership potential and improve team collaboration.
Want to learn more about your leadership style and how to build stronger teams? Reach out for personalized leadership coaching and team development facilitation. Let’s work together to unlock your full potential and build a team that shines.
The Best Enneagram Books and Podcasts for Growth, Leadership, and Team Development
If you're looking to deepen your Enneagram knowledge—whether for personal growth, leadership coaching, facilitation, or team development—there are countless resources available. I’ve put together a list of the best Enneagram books, podcasts, and Instagram accounts to support your professional development and leadership journey.
Must-Read Enneagram Books
Enneagram for Black Liberation by ChiChi Agorom
A powerful and insightful book that offers well-written descriptions of all nine types through a social justice lens. Agorom introduces the concept of the Enneagram as a form of armor, making it easy to understand and cultivate compassion for yourself and others. While the book is written with the Black community in mind, its wisdom is applicable to anyone seeking personal and leadership development.
The Complete Enneagram by Beatrice Chestnut
If you're looking for an Enneagram bible, this is it. Chestnut, a leading expert in the field, provides a thorough and accessible foundation for understanding the Enneagram and each of the nine types. This book is perfect for both beginners and seasoned Enneagram enthusiasts who want an in-depth look at how the system can enhance professional development and leadership coaching.
Nine Types of Leadership by Beatrice Chestnut
A must-have for any leader, coach, or facilitator. This book focuses on how each Enneagram type leads, highlighting strengths and blind spots. It’s an excellent resource for teams looking to use strengths assessments and leadership development strategies in the workplace. Keep it on your desk or in your team library for quick insights into different leadership styles.
The Journey Toward Wholeness by Suzanne Stabile
For those interested in a more spiritual perspective, Stabile’s book offers a detailed, empathetic approach to personal growth. Her writing encourages self-inquiry and reflection, making it a great resource for coaches and facilitators who want to integrate a holistic view of the Enneagram into their work.
Top Enneagram Podcasts
Soulful CEO Path (Episode with Me!)
Hosted with my bestie Kristin Constable, I share my thoughts about Unlocking Business Growth with the Enneagram. The Enneagram is more than just a personality assessment—it’s a powerful tool for growth and self-awareness that can profoundly impact your business.
We Can Do Hard Things (Episode with Suzanne Stabile)
Hosted by Glennon Doyle, this two-part episode is perfect for Enneagram types 4, 2, and 7—or anyone interested in a compassionate, engaging take on the Enneagram. It offers valuable reflection prompts and insights that apply to both personal and professional growth.
Do It For The Gram with Milton Stewart
A well-produced podcast with a mix of type-specific episodes and broader Enneagram discussions. Stewart provides engaging and informative content that applies to coaching, leadership assessments, and team facilitation.
Best Enneagram Instagram Accounts to Follow
@enneagram.empaths (Melissa Kircher)
Melissa Kircher’s account features visually engaging and deeply informative content. Perfect for those looking to integrate the Enneagram into their emotional intelligence and leadership coaching practices.
@enneagramwithjb (Jackie Brewster)
Brewster’s content covers both personal and professional Enneagram applications. Her posts are easy to understand and fun to share, making her a great follow for teams and organizations.
@alignedsoulco
This account integrates the Enneagram with modern self-help wisdom, offering approachable and practical insights that can enhance coaching, facilitation, and professional development.