Using the Enneagram in Business | Virtual Assistant
How can Use the Enneagram in Business you ask?
Ohhhh the Enneagram. A phenomenon that took Instagram by storm back in 2019 and has lingered to this day in various shapes & forms. What is the Enneagram? And how can you us it in business?
As someone who took a deep dive into the Enneagram back in the day and emerged with way more knowledge than I will ever need, consider me your guide in to all things Enneagram in business.
What the f*ck is the Enneagram??
Before you can use this as a business tool, you have to know what it is.
The Enneagram is essentially a personality quiz. So WHY did it take the world by storm? Because it bases it’s results NOT on your behaviors, but your motivations. Which allowed people to identify to their “number” on a deeper level.
How does it work? Why are there numbers and lines? Send help!
I want you to ignore the lines and the mystery charts that look like they are straight out of the Nicolas Cage movie, National Treasure. You don’t need to get into all of that for it to be helpful. (But you probably will once you’re invested because it’s kind of enthralling and addicting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
The numbers are the results. You “are” a certain number, And then you have tendencies that relate to the numbers on either side of you, which are called “wings”. For example, you can be a Type 3, with a 2 or 4 wing.
Confused yet? That’s okay! With a little digging, it will all make sense I promise!
So what is my type?!
You will identify your type by reading through the types and determining which one is the most true for you. I recommend taking the quiz from The Enneagram Institute, and also using them as a reference for reading about the types. They are kind of the gold standard for info regarding this test.
The thing that helped me the most in identifying my number was to not look at their “behaviors” so much (because those can be very stereotypical) but look at their fears/desires.
The Enneagram in Business
Once you know your type, you can start learning about strengths and weaknesses. Specifically how that affects your communication, organization and priorities.
You will start noticing things you need to work on so you can relate with a wider array of clients. You will find yourself identifying client’s numbers more easily (some photographers even ask for Enneagram numbers on their questionnaires!) and this will help you serve them better!
For example, if you have a Client who is a 6, you know you might need to provide more data and reassurance in the sales process. Versus a 2, you might focus on relational connection.
Using the enneagram in business is a powerful tool.
Not only does it help you relate to more clients, and provide for their specific needs better. It also helps you understand what kind of internal systems you need in place to be more efficient.
For example, I am an 8. Which means I highly value autonomy and being a leader in my own life. Which helps me know I have to have really good work/life boundaries or I start feeling like other people are dictating my time & energy and that leads to burnout for me.
Anything that will help you understand YOU better, is beneficial for your business.
Remember, we want to work with our natural tendencies. Not against them.
What do you think? Will you take the Enneagram? Do you already know your number?
