How to Deepen Business Relationships with Each Enneagram Personality Type

Lately, you may be hearing a lot of buzz about Enneagram personality types. Like the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the more commonly used DISC Assessment in business settings, the Enneagram is a system to describe people’s personalities and how they move through life. There are 9 Enneagram personality types that help us better understand people’s driving forces, motivations, and fears.

Many people are familiarizing themselves with their Enneagram personality type and bringing the test into the workplace to better understand their colleagues as well. In this article, I am sharing my thoughts on how to deepen business relationships with each Enneagram personality type. But, before we dive in, let’s go over each type briefly.

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The 9 Enneagram Personality Types

1 - The Perfectionist. Also known as The Reformer, Ones have strong morals and like to follow the rules. They are inclined to be very rational, using sound reason and logic to make decisions. They fear being imperfect and can be very rigid as a result.

2 - The Giver. Also referred to as The Helper, Twos are very generous and enjoy helping others. They fear being unloved and are likely to people please.

3 - The Achiever. Threes are driven by success and tend to care a lot about their image. They fear failure and can get wrapped up in their career.

4 - The Individualist. Fours are more philosophical in nature, tending to spend a lot of time alone, experiencing deep thoughts and emotions. They fear being flawed and often think they are different from everyone else.

5 - The Investigator. Fives are data-driven, focusing a lot on learning, innovating, and understanding the world around them. They fear being overwhelmed and can isolate themselves because of this.

6 - The Skeptic. Also known as The Loyalist, Sixes are very prepared and driven by a sense of security. They fear being unsafe, which can make them anxious.

7 - The Enthusiast. Also referred to as The Epicure, Sevens enjoy having fun and going on adventures. They fear sadness and can become distracted when trying to avoid difficult emotions.

8 - The Challenger. Also known as The Boss, Eights are strong, confident, and opinionated. They fear being powerless, so they can be controlling or confrontational as a result.

9 - The Peacemaker. Nines are the easygoing ones of the bunch, apt to go with the flow and avoid conflict. They fear being seen as too needy, so they often push people away.

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How to Determine Your Enneagram Personality Type

Based on these simple descriptions, you probably have an idea of one or two personality types that fit you and the way you move through life. However, there is always one that stands out from the bunch. If you want to take the test to learn your Enneagram personality type, there are plenty of free versions like this one.

When it comes to learning other people’s Enneagram personality types, you can share the test and talk about your results with one another. If you become more familiar with the types and know someone well enough, you can probably pinpoint their Enneagram without having them take the test. For example, my colleague knew that I was a 3w2 because I am very career-driven but I also like to help others. The “w2” is a wing Two, meaning I am a Three who leans towards the Two vs. the Four personality type.

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How to Deepen Business Relationships with Each Enneagram Personality Type

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Okay, now that we have a better understanding of the Enneagram and the 9 different personality types, here are my tips to help you deepen business relationships with each Enneagram personality type.

1 - The Perfectionist. Ones are very rational and logical. If you want to build a deeper relationship with a One, you should learn more about their morals and how they perceive right and wrong. Always follow through with your commitments and admit if you make a mistake. As a perfectionist, they also appreciate acknowledgment for their hard work and diligence, and sometimes need a gentle reminder that they do not need to be perfect 24/7.?

2 - The Giver. Twos love affirmation and acknowledgment for their kindness. If a Two helps you out (which they most likely have or will), you should be thankful and show your appreciation either through words, a handwritten card, or a gift. Twos also often need a reminder to take care of themselves and can benefit from a gift that encourages self-care.

3 - The Achiever. Threes are typically work-oriented and like to be praised for their successes. If you want to build a deeper relationship with a Three, compliment them on their skills and celebrate their successes. Perhaps they closed a deal recently and you can offer to take them out for a drink or dinner to celebrate. If you have a Three as an employee, they most likely will love a promotion, title change, or a raise. And remember, do not get in a Three’s way when they are working to accomplish a goal.

4 - The Individualist. Fours are deeply emotional and often feel different from those around them. If you want to become closer to a Four, you will need to be patient and allow them to open-up by asking questions and being curious. They will most certainly have some interesting thoughts and perspectives to share with you.

5 - The Investigator. Fives love to learn and understand the world around them. After building a rapport, try striking up a conversation about some bigger-picture topics or inviting them to an educational event. Just remember that they often like to spend time alone to recharge and have a hard time dealing with difficult conversations.

6 - The Skeptic. Six appreciate safety and preparation. If you want to make more plans with a Six, choose something within their comfort zone and have a well-laid-out plan. If you have a client who is a Six, you will need to assure them that everything is okay and accounted for. Sixes want to know you are committed and need a lot of verbal reassurance.

7 - The Enthusiast. Sevens like to be positive and have fun. If you want to build a deeper relationship with a Seven, then you should consider inviting them to a fun event or outing. Just remember, this has nothing to do with whether they are extroverted or introverted—meaning, what they consider fun is dependent on the individual. One Seven may find a pottery class as a fun, new adventure, while another may want to go for a hike. Others may be interested in an exciting event, like a happy hour at a cool venue.

8 - The Challenger. Eights make for strong leaders, so chances are you know a lot of Eights in the business world. Eights like to make decisions and are up for challenging conversations, so if you can let them take the reins you will see them thrive. They appreciate directness and people who also have strong convictions.

9 - The Peacemaker. Nines like to go with the flow and hate conflict. They tend to ignore their own needs, so I would encourage you to learn more about what they enjoy and lean into their interests. Be patient and attentive as they talk, as they may seem distracted or unsure of themselves. This will make them feel special and less of a burden.

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What is your Enneagram personality type? Have you found this test useful for your self-development or in the workplace? Did you learn anything new or interesting from this article? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your thoughts in the comments below.?