Enneagram and Feedback in the Workplace: Valuable Insights

Learning about the connection between the Enneagram and feedback in the workplace can be a great tool for employers and employees alike, as it reveals how different personality types deliver and interpret information. As such, it can reduce conflicts and misunderstandings and foster effective communication, work engagement, and team performance.

Keep reading to discover more insights about the Enneagram and workplace feedback styles, including how to give feedback based on this theory and receive it in a way that supports your professional growth.

How Each Enneagram Type Gives and Receives Feedback at Work

Each Enneagram type gives and receives feedback at work in a unique way. A study by Krasman found that people’s feedback-seeking behavior can be partially attributed to their personality. Similarly, each personality type’s approach to feedback depends on their core motivations and traits; some see it as an opportunity for improvement, whereas others take it as a personal attack.

So, here’s a quick comparison of how each Enneagram type gives and receives feedback:

Now, let’s discuss the Enneagram and feedback in the workplace in greater detail, covering typical feedback styles by personality type:

Enneagram 1

Enneagram Ones strive for improvement yet fear being wrong, so their relationship with workplace feedback is slightly tricky.

While they don’t hesitate to dish out criticism to others, they can sometimes internalize negative feedback due to their perfectionism; still, you wouldn’t be able to tell, as they remain composed at all times. That said, they value growth and can take constructive feedback pretty well,especially if the person delivering it focuses on facts rather than emotions.

Because Ones hold themselves and others to incredibly high standards, they can be both critical and self-critical. To ensure others receive their feedback well, it may be a good idea for Ones to soften delivery; one way to do this is to acknowledge what the other person is doing correctly before discussing areas for improvement.

Enneagram 2

The compassionate Enneagram 2 yearns for love and acceptance. It’s no wonder, then, that they prioritize relationships over performance at work, regardless of how seriously they take their careers. Although they often deliver feedback gently and diplomatically, they may hesitate to express negative feedback directly, especially if it could hurt the other person.

Similarly, these individuals may find it difficult to receive negative feedback, even when it’s constructive, as they tend to interpret it as disapproval.

When it comes to the Enneagram 2 and feedback in the workplace, it’s important to understand that it is essential for people’s growth and development; therefore, there’s nothing wrong with giving or receiving it. To ensure their empathy doesn’t get in the way when giving critical feedback, Twos should rehearse what they plan to say in advance.

Enneagram 3

Threes are motivated by success and recognition, so it’s not uncommon for them to build impressive careers, step into leadership roles, and mentor others.

They usually give feedback directly, focusing on results and solutions, yet their communication style may seem a bit impersonal or condescending. Threes can improve it by toning down their bluntness and acknowledging effort instead of fixating on results.

Now, when it comes to receiving feedback in the workplace, Enneagram Threes usually appreciate well-thought-out, constructive comments from people they respect.

Still, critical feedback can threaten their self-esteem and image, so they may take it more personally than expected, especially when they’re unhealthy. Because they equate their worth with their performance, they can become defensive or desperately try to prove their worth. Recognizing their talents and successes may help avoid this.

Enneagram 4

Introspective, creative, and perceptive, Enneagram Fours value individuality and give thoughtful, in-depth feedback packed with suggestions that others may not have even considered.

However, their feedback style may fluctuate with their mood, and it’s not unusual for them to be subjective when delivering it. For this reason, Fours should consider focusing more on objective data, such as measurable outcomes, when giving feedback.

That said, these individuals often struggle with accepting feedback, even when it’s constructive and professionally delivered. This is because they perceive it as a rejection of who they are; after all, they often consider their career as part of their identity.

As such, they may withdraw or react emotionally until they learn to see criticism as valuable information about their performance rather than as an attack on their identity.

Enneagram 5

Those belonging to Type 5 value knowledge and competence above all else; analytical and perceptive, they give feedback concisely and objectively.

Fives focus on factual data and often offer insightful observations and solutions, yet their delivery can feel a bit dry and detached. They can refine their feedback style by tailoring their tone and overall communication to the person, making their insights feel more personal.

When receiving feedback in the workplace, Enneagram Fives expect depth, detail, and efficiency; these individuals prefer clear, rational, to-the-point communication. Fives may, however, ignore feedback that comes from people they deem incompetent or who lack depth.

Enneagram 6

Since Enneagram 6 craves safety, security, and predictability, they often give thoughtful feedback meant to anticipate and prevent risks.

They focus on potential problems and blind spots, yet they may deliver feedback in an overly pessimistic way. It’s also not unheard of for them to focus too much on future predictions and worst-case scenarios instead of discussing the here and now. Keeping a positivetone, sticking to present issues, andoffering actionable advice can enhance their feedback style.

Moreover, Sixes may take feedback as a threat to their career; they’re prone to anxiety and overthinking, so they may worry about losing their job. Because of this, it’s best to offer plenty of reassurance when giving constructive criticism to this type.

Enneagram 7

Optimistic Enneagram Sevens are driven by new opportunities, so they focus on future possibilities and solutions when giving feedback. They try to keep the conversation upbeat, whether through light jokes or a supportive tone.

However, because they avoid negative emotions, these people may refrain from delivering negative feedback, preferring that others do so for them. Real growth happens when Sevens learn to face negativity without distractions; as such, it’s important that they don’t ignore issues and learn to give constructive criticism when needed.

Receiving feedback in the workplace can be challenging for Enneagram Sevens; they may even shift the conversation to another topic. Yet, they can learn to accept feedback more gracefully by making a point of sitting with discomfort rather than escaping into toxic positivity.

Enneagram 8

The independent, bold, and decisive Enneagram Eight has a direct communication style that is also apparent in their approach to giving feedback.

Eights aren’t ones to sugarcoat; they deliver feedback clearly and concisely, providing honest observations and actionable solutions. That said, some may find their communication and feedback style too blunt and intense.

To improve it and maximize their leadership potential, Eights should adopt a more diplomatic approach; practicing tact and inviting dialogue can help them appear less intimidating.

Furthermore, Type Eight desires control, autonomy, and power, so they may not always receive feedback well. This is especially true for unhealthy ones, who may become confrontational. Instead of seeing feedback as an attempt to control them, they should learn to view it as strategic information that can help them advance their careers.

Enneagram 9

Enneagram 9 has a strong desire for peace and harmony, both within and outside of themselves. As such, Nines often deliver feedback in a gentle, supportive, and tactful manner, ensuring the other party receives it well. However, they may avoid discussing difficult issues out of fear of causing tension.

Nines can enhance their feedback style by not glossing over difficult topics. Being direct, specific, and transparent doesn’t create conflict; instead, it brings clarity and builds trust.

Moreover, when receiving feedback in the workplace, Enneagram Nines can be overly agreeable. They may struggle to stand up for themselves, instead agreeing unconditionally with others. Therefore, it’s important to ask them for their honest opinions when giving them feedback and help them feel more comfortable by acknowledging their concerns and perspective.

Now that we’ve discussed the Enneagram and feedback in the workplace at length, let’s find out why understanding this topic is important.

Why Understanding Feedback Through the Enneagram Matters

Understanding feedback in the workplace through the Enneagram matters because it can help you give and receive it more effectively.

According to a study by Cotič et al., feedback is among the key factors contributing to work engagement. Furthermore, a study by researchers at the University of South Africa suggests that it plays a pivotal role in employee development, helping them advance to managerial roles.

However, if we can’t give or receive it well, feedback can fuel tension rather than motivation. Too often, people ignore or dismiss it because it feels like a rejection, an attack on their personality, and so forth.

Gaining a clear understanding of the connection between the Enneagram and feedback in the workplace can help you tailor your message to different personalities. Simply put, giving feedback based on the Enneagram helps you communicate in a way that motivates your colleagues rather than threatens them, ensuring your comments are received as intended.

Likewise, you can learn to accept it more gracefully once you understand the root of the resistance, which is encoded in your personality type.

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Key Takeaways

And that covers everything you should know about the Enneagram and feedback in the workplace!

Before you leave, let’s go over the key points we covered today:

• Each Enneagram type approaches feedback in a distinct way that is largely shaped by their core motivations.
• Types 1, 3, and 8 can sometimes be too harsh when delivering feedback, whereas Types 2, 7, and 9 often refrain from telling bad news and criticizing others.
• Besides helping you accept constructive criticism professionally, understanding workplace feedback through the Enneagram can also help you tailor your message so it’s truly heard.

Enneagram Feedback in the Workplace FAQs