The document explores the use of typologies, specifically the Enneagram, to understand different personality types in team settings. It provides a description of the nine types, focusing on their characteristics and how to effectively interact with each type. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding these personality dynamics to enhance collaboration in diverse teams.

1. COWORKER TYPOLOGY
The Enneagramm
September 2012
Jörn Hendrik Ast
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2. Why Typologies?
Humans are searching for patterns
to explain the world around them
and their fellow human beings.
It all started with Hippocrates in
ancient Greece, supposedly 460 BC:
Hippocrates invented the four temperaments in
which the four bodily fluids affect human
personality traits
After C. G. Jung wrote the book
„Psychologische Typen“ a new era of
Typology for Psychologists and
Managers arose:
Jung marked eight different psychological Types
The MBTI is based on Jungs Theory Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_temperaments
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3. Why Typologies?
Working in fluid Teams with experts from different areas requires a high
level of understanding of the different motivations and characters.
Various triggers of process gains in teams have been demonstrated
empirically by the study „Synergetic effects in working teams“ by Guido
Hertel (2011):
social support from fellow team members
the development and/or selection of experts for task and team processes
use of multiple perspectives and information
team learning, and social identification processes
To profit from these triggers, especially in complex change management
projects, the team members need to know each other very well.
Source: http://bit.ly/Emerald_Hertel
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4. The Enneagramm
For the work with ffluid, I chosed the typology
model of nine personality types: the
Enneagramm
The origins of the Enneagramm are not clear
but the mystic G. I. Gurdjieff introduced it in
1930 to the western Hemisphere:
from the Greek words ennea [nine] and grammos [something
written or drawn]
It is believed the model of the Enneagramm was passed down
by Sufi mystics over the centuries.
The Bolivian Philosopher Oscar Ichazo started using the
Enneagramm as an analysis method in 1950 at the Arica
School.
Yes, there are plenty of mystic and esoteric
stories clinging to the concept. But I like it
because of its clear and emotional language.
Typologies can never explain a character holistically but the
Enneagramm has a strong metaphorical language that can
lead to surprising insights.
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5. The Enneagramm
The Peacemaker
9
The Leader
8 1 The Perfectionist
The Adventurer 7 2 The Helper
The Questioner
6 3 The Motivator
The Thinker 5 4 The Romantic
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6. The Perfectionist (the One)
Perfectionists are realistic, conscientious,
principled
Perfectionists strive to live up to their high
ideals. But they are disappointed with
theirselves when their expectations are not
met.
How to get along with me (the One):
„Take your share of the responsibility so I don't end up with
all the work!“
„Acknowledge my achievements!“
„I'm hard on myself. Reassure me that I'm fine the way I am!“
„Tell me that you value my advice!“
„Be fair and considerate, as I am!“
„Apologize if you have been unthoughtful it will help me to
forgive!“
„Gently encourage me to lighten up and to laugh at myself
when I get uptight, but hear my worries first!“
Source: http://9types.com Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/versicolor
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7. The Helper (the Two)
Helpers are warm, concerned, nurturing,
and sensitive to other people's needs.
Helpers are able to relate easily to people
and to make friends. But they are often
unable to say no and feel drained from
overdoing for others.
How to get along with me (the Two):
„Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.“
„Share fun times with me.“
„Take an interest in my problems, though I will
probably try to focus on yours.“
„Let me know that I am important and special to you.“
„Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.“
„Reassure me that I am intersting to you.“
Source: http://9types.com Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nateone
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8. The Motivator (the Three)
Motivators are energetic, optimistic,
self-assured, and goal oriented.
Motivators are working hard to receive
appreciation for their accomplishments.
They often fear on not being succesful
and get exhausted of always being on.
How to get along with me (the Three):
„Leave me alone when I am doing my work.“
„Give me honest, but not unduly critical or
judgmental, feedback.“
„Help me keep my environment harmonious and
peaceful.“
„Don't burden me with negative emotions.“
„Tell me you like being around me.“
„Tell me when you're proud of me or my
accomplishments.“
Source: http://9types.com Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rameshng/
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9. The Romantic (the Four)
Romantics have sensitive feelings and are
warm and perceptive.
Romantics have the ability to find meaning
in life and establish warm connections with
people. But often they experience dark
moods of emptiness and despair.
How to get along with me (the Four):
„Give me plenty of compliments. They mean a lot to me.“
„Be a supportive friend or partner. Help me to learn to
love and value myself.“
„Respect me for my special gifts of intuition and vision.“
„Though I don't always want to be cheered up when I'm
feeling melancholy, I sometimes like to have someone
lighten me up a little.“
„Don't tell me I'm too sensitive or that I'm overreacting!“
Source: http://9types.com Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25297401@N08/
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10. The Thinker (the Five)
Thinkers have a need for knowledge and are
introverted, curious, analytical, and insightful.
Thinkers are always trying to stand back and view
life objectively. It‘s hard for them watching others
with better social skills, but less intelligence do
better professionally.
How to get along with me (the Five):
„Be independent, not clingy.“
„Speak in a straightforward and brief manner.“
„I need time alone to process my feelings and thoughts.“
„Remember that If I seem aloof, distant, or arrogant, it may be
that I am feeling uncomfortable.“
„Make me feel welcome, but not too intensely, or I might doubt
your sincerity.“
„If I become irritated when I have to repeat things, it may be
because it was such an effort to get my thoughts out in the first
place.“
„Help me to avoid annoyances like big parties, other people's loud
music, overdone emotions, and intrusions on my privacy.“
Source: http://9types.com Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/deboni
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11. The Questioner (the Six)
Questioners are responsible, trustworthy,
and value loyalty to family, friends, groups,
and causes.
Questioners are hardworking and
compassionate toward others but also
direct and assertive.
How to get along with me (the Six):
„Be direct and clear.“
„Listen to me carefully.“
„Don't judge me for my anxiety.“
„Work things through with me.“
„Reassure me that everything is OK between us.“
„Laugh and make jokes with me.“
„Gently push me toward new experiences.“
„Try not to overreact to my overreacting.“
Source: http://9types.com Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/77888804@N00/
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12. The Adventurer (the Seven)
Adventurers are energetic, lively, and
optimistic. They want to contribute to the
world.
Adventurers have the guts to take risks and
to try exciting adventures but often don‘t
have enough time to do all the things they
want.
How to get along with me (the Seven):
„Give me companionship, affection, and freedom.“
„Engage with me in stimulating conversation and
laughter.“
„Appreciate my grand visions and listen to my stories.“
„Don't try to change my style. Accept me the way I am.“
„Be responsible for yourself. I dislike clingy or needy
people.“
„Don't tell me what to do.“
Source: http://9types.com Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwarby
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13. The Leader (the Eight)
Leaders are direct, self-reliant, self-confident,
and protective.
Leaders are able to take charge and meet
challenges head on but sometimes they are
scaring peope away without intend.
How to get along with me (the Eight):
„Stand up for yourself... and me.“
„Be confident, strong, and direct.“
„Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.“
„Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge
my tender, vulnerable side.“
„Give me space to be alone.“
„Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.“
„I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically
assume it's a personal attack.“
„When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember
that's just the way I am.“
Source: http://9types.com Source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/terykats
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14. The Peacemaker (the Nine)
Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured, and
supportive. They seek union with others and the
world around them.
Leaders are nonjudgmental and accepting but are
often too sensitive to criticism.
How to get along with me (the Nine):
„If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I
especially don't like expectations or pressure.“
„I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advatage of this.“
„Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit.“
„Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge
me gently and nonjudgmentally.“
„Ask me questions to help me get clear.“
„Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery.“
„Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings.“
„I like a good discussion but not a confrontation.“
„Let me know you like what I've done or said.“
„Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life.“
Source: http://9types.com Source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/tolomea
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15. Sources
Description and Test: 9types.com
Origins of the Enneagramm: natcath.org
Aspekte und Symbole (german): enneagramm-studio.de
ausführlicher Test (german): bit.ly/Enneagramm_Test
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16. Contact:
Jörn Hendrik Ast
+49 (0) 40 22 63 307 41
jh@ffluid.de
@jormason
fb.me/jormason
ffluid.de
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