🪩 What Is the Enneagram? Your Clear Guide to Motivations, Growth, and Self-Awareness

Why do some people always push for perfection, while others avoid conflict at all costs? Why do some thrive on achievement, while others long for security or significance?

These patterns go deeper than behavior. They’re driven by core motivations—the hidden “why” behind how we think, feel, and act. The Enneagram is a framework that uncovers those motivations so we can grow, lead, and connect with greater compassion.

💥 The Shattered Scene

Without understanding motivations, teams get stuck in frustrating loops:

• The perfectionist slows progress.

• The peacemaker avoids tough conversations.

• The achiever burns out chasing success.

These behaviors aren’t flaws—they’re people stuck in autopilot. When we don’t understand the “why” behind actions, we misinterpret each other and miss chances for growth.

🌈 The Shine Ahead

Now imagine a team where people see not only what they do—but why they do it. The perfectionist channels integrity, the peacemaker creates harmony without silence, and the achiever inspires with vision instead of overwork.

The Enneagram offers a roadmap for both personal development and team understanding, helping individuals recognize patterns and move toward healthier, more effective ways of working and relating.

🔎 The Spotlight

The Enneagram describes 9 core types, each with gifts and growth edges:

1. The Reformer (1): Strives for integrity and improvement.

2. The Helper (2): Cares deeply and seeks to meet others’ needs.

3. The Achiever (3): Driven, adaptable, success-oriented.

4. The Individualist (4): Expressive, creative, authentic.

5. The Investigator (5): Analytical, observant, private.

6. The Loyalist (6): Security-focused, responsible, cautious.

7. The Enthusiast (7): Optimistic, spontaneous, future-focused.

8. The Challenger (8): Bold, decisive, protective.

9. The Peacemaker (9): Easygoing, supportive, harmony-seeking.

Every type has strengths and blind spots, plus stress and growth paths that show how they shift in different situations.

⚡ The Alignment Moves (Actionable Strategies)

• Reflect on your “why.” Ask yourself: “What fear or desire is driving my reaction right now?”

• Spot patterns on your team. If someone avoids conflict, they may be a 9. If another always steps up to take charge, they might be an 8. Use this awareness to respond with empathy instead of frustration.

• Practice growth moves. If you’re a Type 1, try letting go of perfection in one task this week. If you’re a Type 7, commit to finishing one project before starting the next.

✨ Quick Sparkles (Fast Wins)

• Ask a teammate what motivates them most at work—you’ll get an Enneagram clue right away.

• If you know your type, share it with your team along with one thing that helps you thrive.

• Notice your stress behaviors this week and name them. Awareness is the first step to change.

🌟 Why the Light Matters

The Enneagram helps us move beyond surface behavior into true self-awareness. When teams understand motivations, they stop taking things personally and start supporting each other’s growth. That creates healthier leaders, stronger teams, and workplaces where people feel both challenged and cared for.

🪩 Thoughts From Inside the Disco Ball

The Enneagram doesn’t put you in a box—it shows you the box you’re already in, and how to get out. I’ve seen leaders break lifelong patterns just by recognizing their type’s blind spots—and I’ve watched teams deepen trust by seeing each other’s motivations with compassion.

The Enneagram is just the beginning of understanding your team’s brilliance. We’re creating a space where you’ll get step-by-step clarity on the Enneagram (and other assessments!) so your team can shine. Want early access? Join the waitlist by filling out the form below.