Workplace Personalities 101: ?? Who’s Who on Your Team?

(Because Teamwork Is Easier When You Understand the Players)

Welcome back! In the last article, we talked about how the Enneagram can help you understand your team and create stronger connections at work. Now, it’s time to meet the stars of the show: the nine Enneagram types.

Each type has its strengths, quirks, and let’s call them “growth opportunities.” Recognizing these patterns in yourself and others can make you a better communicator, collaborator, and leader. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Meet the 9 Enneagram Types in the Workplace

Type 1: The Perfectionist

• Strengths:?Hardworking, detail-oriented, and rule-following.
• Challenges:?Can be overly demanding (they expect?a lot?from themselves and others).
• Motivation:?Doing things?right.

????At Work:?Need someone to fix that chaotic project? Call Type 1—they’ve probably already color-coded a solution.

Type 2: The Helper

• Strengths:?Warm, caring, and the first to ask, “Need a hand?”
• Challenges:?They can overcommit and forget to take care of themselves.
• Motivation:?Feeling needed.

???At Work:?Perfect for team-building exercises, but remind them to take breaks!

Type 3: The Achiever

• Strengths:?Ambitious, productive, and focused on success.
• Challenges:?Can push themselves (and others) too hard in their pursuit of excellence.
• Motivation:?Recognition and achievement.

???At Work:?Celebrate their wins—they thrive on acknowledgment.

Type 4: The Individualist

• Strengths:?Creative and deeply empathetic.
• Challenges:?Can be moody or overly focused on being “unique.”
• Motivation:?Expressing their true self.

???At Work:?Let them lead creative projects—they’ll shine.

Type 5: The Investigator

• Strengths:?Analytical, independent, and knowledge-driven.
• Challenges:?May come across as distant or overly private.
• Motivation:?Learning and understanding.

???At Work:?Give them space to research and work solo. They’ll come back with gold.

Type 6: The Loyalist

• Strengths:?Reliable, problem-solving, and deeply prepared.
• Challenges:?Can be anxious or overly cautious.
• Motivation:?Security and stability.

???At Work:?Trust them to spot risks you didn’t even know existed.

Type 7: The Enthusiast

• Strengths:?Energetic, optimistic, and always buzzing with ideas.
• Challenges:?Impulsive and easily distracted.
• Motivation:?Happiness and variety.

???At Work:?Perfect for brainstorming sessions but pair them with someone who keeps them on track.

Type 8: The Challenger

• Strengths:?Bold, decisive, and fiercely protective of their team.
• Challenges:?Can come off as confrontational or domineering.
• Motivation:?Strength and control.

????At Work:?They’re natural leaders—just don’t sugarcoat feedback.

Type 9: The Peacemaker

• Strengths:?Calm, diplomatic, and excellent mediators.
• Challenges:?May avoid confrontation at all costs.
• Motivation:?Peace and harmony.

???At Work:?Rely on them to handle tricky team dynamics with grace.

Ready to Enneagram Your Team?

Understanding these nine types isn’t about putting people in boxes—it’s about creating a shared language for growth and connection.

???How many of these Enneagram types do you see in your team? Comment below and tag someone you think would love to read this too!