Pt. 2: How to Use the Enneagram in Your Business
Now that you know a bit more about the Enneagram from part one of this series, how do you use this self-assessment? How do you connect your personality with a business, service, and/or product?
As entrepreneurs, we are the face behind each part of our business. Who you are as a business owner defines so much of your company's values, visual presentation, and goals.
Bringing in personality assessment and self-actualization helps identify person-centric aspects. Whether it's sales pitches, employee meetings, or client calls, almost all business centers around communication.
Even in moments where you're not interacting with others, you're dealing with your own head talk. You may find that you're excellent at creating rapport with clients, but lack the same positivity and harmony when you're alone.
Finding the obstacles and imbalances within you and taking the necessary steps to resolve them will benefit your company and you as its leader.
So how do you utilize the Enneagram in your business?
1. Start with Y-O-U
Self-awareness is crucial to your personal and professional growth. Becoming more self-aware through tools like the Enneagram has the potential to transform the way you relate with others and function in the world.
Your words and behavior set the tone with others. It's easy to point out the flaws in a client's expectation or unideal habits of an employee. Focusing instead on how you can craft a more clear service introduction or create a positive by productive conversation on improvement is more valuable.
Step one is to take an Enneagram test and study up on your type. You'll learn about yourself more deeply by identifying habitual patterns that don't serve you (or others) and personal strengths to capitalize on.
Additionally, by figuring out your Enneagram type, you will find language to express your core motivations, fears, and desires.
Your words and behavior set the tone with others. It's easy to point out the flaws in a client's expectation or unideal habits of an employee. But focusing instead on how you can craft a more clear service introduction or create a positive by productive conversation on improvement is invaluable.
2. Learn your communication style
Everyone has a unique worldview that shapes how they communicate. Some numbers are more assertive (Type 8), while others are slow to speak (Type 9). Discovering your communication style will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses when conversing or approaching conflicts.
When I take on a new client, we collaborate for at least a Quarter (3 months), going back and forth, asking and answering questions, giving feedback, making suggestions, etc. As I become more aware of myself, I'm better able to clearly communicate and show compassion in my communication style.
Getting to know your type and familiarizing yourself with the other eight types can help you become a better listener, problem-solver, communicator, and business owner.
3. Find the "why" in what you do
The Enneagram helps us understand other people's "why's"—why they think, talk, act, approach things, etc. a certain way—as well as our own.
Maybe you doubt yourself as an entrepreneur, a boss, the quality of the services you provide or even question your identity. Without recognizing your "why," you're a boat without a motor.
For instance, learning that I was a Type 3w4 (three wing four) helped explain my creative energy and knack for writing poetry. I finally honed in that passion and published my debut poetry book: silent storms.
Find your why and use it to create momentum in your business and personal life. Maybe you'll find a way to connect multiple passions into your current business or realize you're ready to take on a new project.
4. Encourage team self-exploration
It's been said that people don't leave jobs—they leave teams and managers. Empower your team to grow and develop together with the help of the Enneagram.
The more self-aware people you hire, the stronger your team will be in communicating and collaborating. Encourage your team to explore their Enneagram types then come together for a meeting where you have an open discussion about it.
Knowledge leads to understanding, which leads to compassion.
The Enneagram Institute has compiled a helpful resource called the Enneagram Type Combinations, which explains how different types are likely to interact with each other.
Knowing why one employee needs detailed feedback while another needs extra validation will help you meet the needs of your team and create the right environment for them to thrive.
5. Never stop learning
When you look at the most successful people in the world, they understand that learning is the key to success.
As an entrepreneur, continuously look for ways to improve yourself and your business through ongoing education. As a leader, make learning a part of your company culture. Give your team opportunities to pursue professional development and improve their skillsets.
Consider the following Enneagram resources for entrepreneurs as you begin trailblazing a path towards self-actualization:
The Entrepreneurial Enneagram with Ian Morgan Cron (podcast episode)
Ready to apply what you've learned and identify your business's personality and brand archetype? Contact Selah Creative Co. to schedule a 120-minute brand strategy session today!
