In the dynamic world of business, human resources (HR) leaders are constantly seeking tools to improve operational efficiency, promote a healthy work environment and enhance team performance.
In the dynamic world of business, human resources (HR) leaders are constantly seeking tools to improve operational efficiency, promote a healthy work environment and enhance team performance. Amid this incessant search, the Enneagram emerges as a powerful tool that can revolutionize the way we approach the challenges of conflict management and leadership in organizations.
For context, I am a Certified Enneagram Teacher and a Certified Enneagram Professional by the International Enneagram Association. I have been offering a variety of programs on leadership, coaching and mediation skills based on the wisdom of the Enneagram since 2019 through the Institute For Next Level Leadership.
The Enneagram is a system that goes far beyond personality and maps nine types of soul. Each soul presents an essence, with its motivations, fears, strengths and areas of development. This is all represented in a very simple circular diagram that illustrates the interrelationships between the nine types of soul and habitual movements toward stress or success. The wisdom of the Enneagram offers a clear trajectory of how we can transcend limiting dynamics and achieve greater personal, professional and collective integration.
Recently, I was the coach and mediator of a conflict within a team where one person valued order and structure while another prioritized creativity and peculiarity. This impasse was negatively impacting a crucial project for the organization, as the parties involved were unable to understand each other, wasting energy on criticizing one another instead of collaborating constructively.
By applying Enneagram principles, I recognized the fundamental differences between the personalities involved and directed them toward an exploratory conversation about a common purpose. The person who valued order and structure saw the pursuit of this purpose as something that would facilitate the organization and structure they sought. Meanwhile, the person who valued creativity and peculiarity was excited by the idea of exploring the purpose in a unique and innovative way, finding creative solutions for the project.
This example illustrates how the Enneagram works as a powerful tool for transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth and collaboration within organizations. By understanding the motivations and fears of each person’s essence, we can collaborate more effectively, valuing and learning from different perspectives.
A leader who recognizes the different essences within his team can apply Enneagram principles to resolve a specific conflict. By understanding the underlying motivations of each individual involved in the conflict, the leader can facilitate a productive discussion that leads to a constructive resolution.
The tangible benefits of this approach are evident: a more harmonious work environment, a more productive and engaged team and a healthier and more resilient organizational culture.
The Enneagram is not only a tool for resolving conflicts but also a philosophy that promotes mutual understanding, respect and collaboration, all essential to the success of any organization. The Enneagram helps us understand the motivations and blind spots of each essence, helping leaders adapt their leadership approach to better meet the individual needs of their employees.
For example, a leader who understands that a team member is motivated by the pursuit of challenges and autonomy may delegate more complex tasks and offer opportunities for professional growth, while an employee who values stability and security may benefit from a more structured approach and regular feedback.
Integrating the Enneagram into organizational culture can potentially provide a number of tangible benefits, including increased employee engagement, better interpersonal communication and, ultimately, superior results. However, it is important to highlight that the Enneagram is a tool that requires commitment and continuous practice to reach its maximum potential.
HR leaders play a crucial role in promoting awareness and facilitating effective use of the Enneagram within organizations. This may include holding workshops and training for employees at all levels, as well as providing resources and ongoing support for those who want to further explore this powerful tool for self-knowledge and personal development.
In an increasingly complex and competitive business landscape, organizations are constantly looking for ways to maximize performance and promote a culture of collaboration and innovation. The Enneagram offers a unique, holistic approach to conflict management and leadership, empowering HR leaders to better understand their teams, resolve conflict effectively and unlock human potential to achieve exceptional results. By integrating the Enneagram into organizational culture, companies can create an environment where all employees feel valued, understood, engaged and empowered to contribute fully to collective success.
