5 Things to think about when Hiring Using the Enneagram
1. What type are you and what types do you already have in the business?
As much as you might want someone that has the same strengths as you, hiring someone with the same Enneagram type might not always be the best answer. You will have similar strengths, however you will also have similar limitations.
Understanding your type and the types you already have in your business can support you to see the strengths you might be missing and can hire accordingly.
2. Do you have a Balance of types?
Got more than 1 employee? Then look at if you have a good balance of
Body (8, 9, 1),
Heart (2, 3, 4) and
Head (5, 6, 7) types
Having a good balance ensures you have multiple perspectives covered.
This is more important in larger teams.
3. What are the Strengths you desire?
Write out the list of strengths you would like in your new employee/contractor.
Want to add some creativity and uniqueness, consider someone high in 4 traits. Need someone to keep everyone organised, maybe someone high in 1 traits might be favourable.
Look at the strengths of each of the Enneagram types, understanding that they are influenced by their wings (the type of either side) and their lines.
4. Not hiring for Type specifically
When we look at the Enneagram we can initially focus on the behaviours of each type. However the Enneagram is fundamentally based on MOTIVATION not behaviour.
We don't want to rule anyone out because of their type. Type 7's stereotypically can struggle to stay on task, however this doesn't mean all 7s do or that they will be in a workplace. 7s that are conscious and in a healthy environment can strive with getting tasks done on task and at a high standard.
Knowing that if you have met someone and know their Enneagram type, you have found out what motivates them at their core. Knowing someone’s type doesn’t tell you how well they will do at their job or how well they will interact with your team.
Use the knowledge of their type as a tool to understand them and their behaviour to support them and not to limit them or put them in a box.
5. Understand Polarities
Look to the lines and wings to support polarities. If you want opposite strengths, look to the Enneagram types that are on the other end of the line or the types next to yours.
Having people with polar strengths can be a benefit, however it could also be challenging.
For example 8s are direct and action orientated, whilst 2s are typically relationship focused, which could potentially lead to friction if not understood.
The understanding of polarities can support understanding and compassion in the workplace.
“Hiring people is an art, not a science, and resumes can’t tell you whether someone will fit into a company’s culture”
Want to know more about your own Enneagram type or how you can use the Enneagram in your hiring process please click the contact me button at the top of the page.
The 9 core types:
Type 1 - Strict Perfectionist
Type 2 - Considerate Helper
Type 3 - Competitive Achiever
Type 4 - Intense Creative
Type 5 - Quiet Specialist
Type 6 - Loyal Sceptic
Type 7 - Enthusiastic Visionary
Type 8 - Active Controller
Type 9 - The Peacemaker
Hi, I’m Sam
I’m a qualified Mindset Life Coach and an Accredited Enneagram Practitioner and I am passionate about supporting my clients to understand and truly embrace all aspects of themselves.
I look forward to supporting you on your journey to Embracing your Enneagram.
