How to Deal With Your Boss Based on Your Enneagram Type

Applying Enneagram insights when dealing with your boss can significantly improve your workplace relationships by helping you refine your communication style and avoid common pitfalls. This is because each Enneagram type has a different attitude toward authority, feedback, conflict, and stress.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to deal with your boss based on the Enneagram, providing personalized tips to help you navigate workplace dynamics with ease.

The Role of Personality in Workplace Relationships

Personality plays a pivotal role in shaping workplace relationships, as it influences your communication style, stress responses, collaboration strategies, and approach to conflict.

It explains why some people prefer direct communication and address conflicts head-on, while others take a more diplomatic approach, preferring to avoid confrontation. Similarly, introverted personalities favor independent work, whereas extraverts thrive in group settings.

Moreover, personality determines how you approach and respond to workplace conflict. For instance, a study done by Welbourne et al. suggests a significant link between agreeableness, workplace incivility, and emotional exhaustion. As such, people with this trait are highly sensitive to incivility and are unlikely to engage in it, contributing to a harmonious work environment.

Managers’ personalities also play an important role in managing workplace disagreements. A study by Guerrero Calle et al. reveals that managers with high extraversion and openness to experience may help prevent or reduce task and relationship conflict thanks to their flexibility.

Furthermore, your personality shapes your attitude toward authority figures. A study by Sutton et al. found that Enneagram Type 8, for example, places little importance on conformity but values power more than most other personality types. Therefore, people with this type may show more resistance to authority, as they prefer leading over being led.

How to Deal With Your Boss Based on Your Enneagram Type

Here’s how to deal with your boss based on your Enneagram typeto ensure a harmonious workplace relationship:

Enneagram 1

As an Enneagram 1, you value structure and clarity, so you may come into conflict with your boss if their directions or expectations are ambiguous. Therefore, asking for precise instructions and clarifying goals before starting tasks is key to preventing misunderstandings.

Another useful tip on dealing with your boss as an Enneagram 1 is to avoid harsh criticism. Ones respect authority figures but have little tolerance for mistakes and incompetence, which can lead to frustration and a loss of respect. To ensure your boss receives your feedback well, frame it respectfully and focus on solutions rather than flaws.

Enneagram 2

No one is as supportive as the Enneagram 2 at the workplace. However, if you belong to this type, you may be prone to overextending yourself, which can lead to burnout. To avoid this, it’s essential that you set clear boundaries with your boss and learn to ask for help when you need it.

Furthermore, instead of anticipating your boss’s needs, make a habit of asking them directly what they want. This way, you can avoid resentment that creeps up when your efforts go unnoticed.

Enneagram 3

If you are a Type 3, you take your career very seriously and generally admire authority figures, often finding them inspiring.

The key to dealing with your boss as an Enneagram 3 is to communicate your goals and progress without exaggerating your achievements. Recognizing other people’s contributions can prevent you from appearing overly competitive, self-centered, or self-promoting.

To avoid workplace conflict, learn to accept feedback without resistance. Demonstrating your commitment to continuous growth can help you earn your boss’s recognition and support.

Enneagram 4

At work, Enneagram 4 stands out for its creativity, but not all bosses may see your unique perspective and ideas as something worth pursuing. Therefore, when expressing your vision, it may be a good idea to focus on practicality (i.e., benefits and results) rather than personal significance.

Moreover, your sensitivity can cause you to take criticism personally, increasing the risk of tension and conflict. To maintain a good working relationship with your boss, try to view feedback as guidance and an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack.

Enneagram 5

As a Type 5, you prioritize competence over workplace relationships, even though professional connections often aid career growth. This, coupled with the fact that you prefer independent work, can make it somewhat challenging for you to get along with your boss, especially if they attempt to micromanage you or aren’t as competent as you expect them to be.

The solution is to share your plans, progress, and results openly instead of withdrawing. This can help you win your boss’s trust, allowing for more autonomy in how you get your job done.

Enneagram 6

The security-focused Enneagram 6 tends to be loyal to authority, which is why they rarely get into conflict with their bosses. That said, Sixes are very cautious, and their caution can turn into anxiety when they’re unhealthy.

As such, the best tip for dealing with your boss as an Enneagram 6 is to frame your concerns constructively, focusing on solutions rather than risks. By doing so, you can present yourself as a thoughtful, competent employee who anticipates challenges without creating unnecessary tension.

Enneagram 7

If you belong to the Enneagram Type 7, you may run into some unique career challenges, such as getting bored at work to the point where you abandon projects or feeling frustrated with overly restrictive bosses. What can help you deal with your boss effectively is clear and open communication.

When you feel like you’re losing motivation, for example, don’t simply give in to distractions. Instead, ask your boss to assign you a different task to change things up while reassuring them that you’ll get everything done by the deadline. This can help you not only sustain enthusiasm but also gain and maintain their trust, reducing the risk of conflict.

Enneagram 8

Dealing with authority can be challenging if you’re an Enneagram Type 8, as you are assertive, decisive, and fiercely independent. As such, you may find it difficult to follow other people’s orders. This is especially true if you view your boss as lacking strong leadership skills.

So, the most effective way to deal with your boss as an Enneagram 8 is to be tactful. Take ownership of your projects and assert your ideas without overstepping boundaries, as doing so can lead to unnecessary conflict and power struggles.

Enneagram 9

If you’re an Enneagram 9, maintaining harmony in the workplace is your greatest priority, so you likely respect authority and go out of your way to avoid conflict, even if it means suppressing your own opinions, preferences, and needs. However, this can lead to frustration and missed growth opportunities.

Remember that you can balance your desire for harmony with a more proactive approach. Communicating with your boss in a gentle yet assertive way won’t disrupt the peace; if anything, it’ll show that you are an engaged employee who cares about their job, rather than a passive observer.

Now that you know how to deal with your boss based on your Enneagram type, let’s see how you can improve your relationship with them based on their personality type.

How to Deal With Your Boss Based on Their Enneagram Type

And here’s how to deal with your boss based on their Enneagram type:

Enneagram 1

Enneagram 1 bosses have high standards, so make sure to show that you take your work seriously. Meeting deadlines, taking accountability, accepting feedback gracefully, and following instructions to a T can help you earn their trust and respect.

Enneagram 2

Empathy, loyalty, and mutual respect go a long way when dealing with an Enneagram 2 boss. So, don’t hesitate to show them your support and appreciation for their efforts. However, avoid flattery; these compassionate leaders can easily spot emotional manipulation.

Enneagram 3

Enneagram 3 bosses value ambition, so showing initiative at work will immediately get their attention and respect. Highlight measurable results and tangible contributions to the team’s success when communicating with them, but avoid overselling yourself; let your achievements speak for themselves.

Unhealthy Threes can be very demanding, so if your boss pushes you to take on more than you can handle, it’s critical that you set strict boundaries.

Enneagram 4

If your boss is an Enneagram 4, they value authenticity above all else. As such, you should prioritize genuine communication; sucking up to them won’t earn you their respect. Still, they can be moody and sensitive, so don’t forget to mind your tone.

Enneagram 5

If there’s one thing that can get on an Enneagram 5 boss’s nerves, it’s emotional appeals in professional communication. These leaders appreciate self-sufficient employees who communicate concisely, think logically, and demonstrate expertise. So, make sure to do your research well before presenting ideas and solutions!

Enneagram 6

While all bosses value loyal employees, Enneagram 6 leaders consider dedication, reliability, and trustworthiness as non-negotiables. As such, you should practice transparent communication and never make important decisions or take risks without consulting them first.

Enneagram 7

The key to strengthening your relationship with an Enneagram 7 boss lies in optimism; these individuals have little tolerance for negativity, so it’s best to keep your communication light-hearted. Even when you’re addressing serious issues, try to put a positive spin on your points to keep them engaged.

Enneagram 8

Enneagram 8 bosses value accountability, independence, and competence, so they appreciate proactive employees who solve problems and follow through on commitments with minimal oversight. Direct communication can help you earn their trust and respect; it’s no secret that beating around the bush is the easiest way to frustrate them.

Enneagram 9

Peace and harmony are of utmost importance to Enneagram 9 bosses, so the last thing you want to do is cause unnecessary conflict, tension, or pressure when communicating with them. To earn their trust, maintain a calm, gentle demeanor; they appreciate clear yet soft communication.

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Key Takeaways

After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of how to deal with your boss based on the Enneagram.

So, let’s recap what we’ve covered today:

• Personality influences workplace relationships by shaping your communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration style.
• Learning about your own and your boss’s personality types can promote mutual respect and understanding, fostering a positive work environment.
• Enneagram 2, 4, 7, and 9 bosses favor gentle communication, whereas other types prefer communicating directly.

How to Deal With Your Boss Based on Enneagram FAQs

#1. Can knowing my boss’s Enneagram type improve communication?

Yes, knowing your boss’s Enneagram type can improve your communication with them. Learning about their personality can help you tailor your tone and communication style, promoting trust and reducing the risk of conflict and misunderstandings. Therefore, exploring the Enneagram at work can be a great team-building activity that strengthens collaboration.

#2. What Enneagram type makes the best leader?

No single Enneagram type makes the best leader, as each has different strengths. While Type 8 leaders excel at taking decisive action, for example, Type 2 leaders are phenomenal at creating a welcoming and supportive work environment. Therefore, any Enneagram type can thrive in leadership roles, provided they’re healthy.

#3. Which Enneagram type is the most controlling?

Enneagram Type 8 is often regarded as the most controlling, especially when they’re unhealthy, as this can make them domineering, uncompromising, and power-hungry. However, the tendency to exert control over others is typically a response to stress rather than a fixed personality trait. As such, other types can also be controlling.

#4. What is the hardest Enneagram type to get along with?

No specific Enneagram type is hard to get along with; it all depends on their level of healthiness, your personality type, and your preferences. For instance, Nines may seem easy to get along with. However, if you’re someone who lacks patience for indecisiveness and prefers straightforward communication, you may find interactions with them frustrating.