Getting Along with Coworkers Based on Their Enneagram

Everyone has had a coworker who they haven’t gotten along with. Humans are complex creatures, and not everyone is the other’s cup of tea (if you will). But let’s say that you’ve finally landed that dream job and it’s now imperative that you DO get along with a coworker with whom you don’t see eye to eye. Don’t fret! Here are some helpful ways to get along with coworkers based on their enneagram type. If you don’t know your coworker’s type, ask them to take the enneagram test (HERE), or suggest it as a team-building exercise (knowing everyone’s type can’t hurt!)

Let’s first start with what an Enneagram is... and do keep in mind that the Enneagram system is complex. But for our purposes, we’re only going to talk about the main nine types.

The Enneagram is a model of personality types organized by the personality center. The three personality centers are: Instinctive, Feeling, and Thinking. Each center is home to three personality types. Types 1, 8, & 9 live in the Instinctive Center, types 2, 3, & 4 live in the Feeling Center, and types 5, 6, & 7 live in the Thinking Center.

Enneagram 1: The Reformer

My best advice for keeping the type Ones in your work life happy is to meet the deadlines that they assign you. Ones are rule-following and dependable hard worker. It may seem inconsequential to the types that tend to wear rose-colored glasses, but for type Ones, it creates a flaw connected to them and lets in possible critique; something that the perfectionist in Ones cannot handle.

Enneagram 2: The Helper

Twos are the human embodiment of “Hello... How can I help you?” This can cause problems for Twos because they struggle to complete their work when they are otherwise occupied checking on or helping others with their tasks. So how do you help The Helper? Give them a task that will help the team or company in a meaningful way, instead of “busy work”.

Enneagram 3: The Achiever

Threes are the workaholics, who desire to be respected or admired. Your Three is probably a busy bee, taking initiative on projects, bringing the energy to the project (and the coffee), while making sure things are getting done, and done well. However, your three’s seemingly never-ending productivity is a product of the fear of being seen as incompetent or a failure. Threes are very image-focused, and love being complimented on a job well done since they directly connect their work to their sense of self-worth. The best thing you can do for your Three is to show appreciation for their work.

Enneagram 4: The Individualist

Fours are the expressive creatives, also craving affirmation. You’ll probably need to adjust some of your expectations for the Four in your life, as they march to the beat of their own theremin (it’s not even a drum, they’re that far off the beaten path). They’ll most likely do their work in bursts, as they need creative breaks to be inspired for their next task. The best thing to do for your Four is to allow them creative freedom. Let them decorate their workspace, and let them work at their own pace. Their work will be some of the most innovative when given the right environment to bloom. 

Enneagram 5: The Investigator

Fives are the observers, the human embodiment of “Get to the point...” It’s not their intention to be rude, but Fives aren’t going to begin a conversation unless they’ve had time to think (deeply) about whatever the subject of discussion is and don’t have the energy in them for surface-level small talk. To maintain a space where they can have those deep thoughts, never put a Five on the spot for anything. Deep thoughts take time and requesting on-the-spot decision is not going to end in positive results from a Five.  

Enneagram 6: The Loyalist

Sixes are extremely committed; they are a security-oriented type. Because of their commitment to their job, manager, company, etc. they need to know that the commitment is reciprocated. The best way to keep your Six happy is to display trust so they feel secure in their commitment to you. They will have questions, many questions, it’s just their way of airing out any possible threats to their sense of security. Answering a few…. or a lot… of questions is a small price to pay for a very loyal employee who can transform and help grow companies.

Enneagram 7: The Enthusiast

Sevens need their ideas and fun-loving energy appreciated. You know when a Seven isn’t at work for the day, because the light they shine is irreplicable. To keep their mentality about their role at the company a positive one, it may be best to give your type Seven coworkers’ ideas an enthusiastic try. Sevens thrive in more short-term projects or quick tasks, instead of five-year plans.

Enneagram 8: The Challenger

When it comes to Eights, the best thing to do is give them the space they need to prove their strengths. Eights can be very competitive, so providing a little healthy competition can be the turbo boost needed to get your Eight in gear. In an Eights perfect world, they would work for themselves, so giving them tasks and projects where they can be their own boss or lead a group is where they thrive. Best to not be in an Eights way, as they go through obstacles, not around them.   

Enneagram 9: The Peacemaker

Nines are very accommodating, tend to live up to their name, and have very peaceful energy to be around. Nines make great team players (just don’t ask them to lead) with their great problem-solving skills and ability to roll with the punches. You might not think there’s ever a problem with the Nines in your life, that’s because they don’t like conflict. Help the Nines in your life by encouraging them to voice their opinions and by taking the time to confirm their position on projects being worked on. Their silence during the brainstorming meeting doesn’t mean they agree with what was discussed; they’re trying to always keep their peace, and the peace around them.