What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ)?

According to The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, emotional intelligence is “the ability, capacity, or skill to perceive, assess, and manage the emotions of oneself, of others, and of groups.”

 

Daniel Goleman, author of the influential book Emotional Intelligence, identifies five essential elements of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills.

 

Why is EQ important on the job?

More than two decades of research have reinforced the finding that higher emotional intelligence correlates to greater success for individuals, teams and leaders in the workplace.

 

What are power skills?

Power skills are in high demand in today’s workplace. They are the personal and interpersonal traits and ‘soft’ capabilities related to self-awareness and the ability to relate to others—and include effective communication and decision-making, providing effective feedback, and managing  conflict and stress.

            

Power skills differ from the hard technical skills of your job such as critical thinking, foreign languages, writing or computer skills.

 

What is the Enneagram?

The Enneagram is the most comprehensive tool for developing self-awareness and understanding of others—the building blocks of EQ and associated power skills. It’s a system organized around 9 primary character structures or “types.” Each type shares a unique set of qualities including a core motivation, dominant defense mechanism, predictable patterns of behavior and a general worldview.

 

How is the Enneagram different from other personality systems?

The Enneagram relies upon core motivations to distinguish one type from another. Behavior does not determine type. Consequently, individuals of different Enneagram types may share some characteristics — but these will be driven by different core motivations.

 

For example, type 3s and type 8s may behave similarly in organizations. Both appear quite confident, vie for leadership roles and are comfortable with competition and risk-taking. But, because of differences in their underlying motivations type 3s and 8s are also very different. Type 3s are motivated by being successful and respected—in contrast to 8s who are motivated by strength and domination of their environment. So, when facing an obstacle, a 3 is more likely to avoid conflict if possible and identify a work-around, while 8s are comfortable with conflict and may aggressively push through the obstacle.

 

What is the best way to discover my Enneagram type?

Working with a Certified Enneagram instructor—either via a 1:1 personality type assessment or a group workshop—will help you accurately identify your type. Although there are a number of online tests available, results from these can be confusing and may provide inaccurate results.  

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Isn’t Enneagram type a limiting “box” ?

It is true that the Enneagram is a typology-based system that categorizes individuals. But it’s very important to note that a basic tenet of Enneagram study is that type is not a box that you’re placed in. Instead, type is your starting point for self-awareness and understanding 8 other core motivations and perspectives. And the goal is growth beyond your primary type through understanding, compassion and greater connection.

 

When does our Enneagram type reveal itself?

It hasn’t been scientifically determined whether we’re born a certain type or nurtured toward a certain type. However, we do know that our type remains the same throughout life. It’s powerful to realize that our type is core and perpetual.

 

Is the Enneagram used globally?

Yes. Much like music, the Enneagram is a language that’s spoken around the world. Whatever your type, your global sisters and brothers of that type experience the same perspectives, motivations and defense mechanisms as you. Even though people are raised in different countries and cultures and have vastly different lives, the Enneagram system and 9 types remain consistent and predictable across continents.

 

Does Enneagram study boost self-awareness?

The Enneagram can accelerate the process toward greater self-awareness. Once you land on your type, the Enneagram will guide you to understand your strengths, challenges, automatic responses and areas of greatest opportunity for growth -- often rapidly.

 

Can you explain type traits?

Type traits are those familiar habits that have served us in some way. Over time we  tend to over-identify with these comfortable traits, over-use them and suffer negative consequences because of them.

 

For example, type 7s prefer and seek the positives in life. They are idealistic and expect life to be fun. Unfortunately, overuse of this idealism-trait can become a compulsive pursuit of pleasure coupled with great disappointment when facing negative emotions. By working with the Enneagram, a type 7 can learn to value the difficult sides of life rather than avoid them, and develop a calmer, more balanced outlook.

 

Is there an explanation for differences within type?

The Enneagram system is multi-layered. In addition to our core type, we are influenced by other types in quite predictable ways. Our two wings (the types that flank our type on the diagram), our two lines (the types that connect to our type via lines on the diagram), and our subtype all influence our personality significantly.

 

Where can I integrate Enneagram training within my organization?

Enneagram training can become a part of your culture by including it in areas such as:

 

    for individuals

    Career and professional development

    Onboarding for new hires

 

    for organizations

    Change management

    Coaching and mentoring

    Communication

    Conflict management

    Culture improvement

    Employee motivation

    Employee retention

    Leadership challenges and development

    Stress management

    Team challenges and development