The Enneagram at Work: How Each Type Handles Slack Messages, Deadlines and 'Quick Calls'

It starts with a ping: “Hey, quick call?”

Your brain short-circuits. You were in the zone, maybe eating lunch or finally catching your breath after back-to-back meetings. Now you’re rereading the message like it’s a cryptic prophecy. What did you do? What do they want? Will it actually be quick?

The office world today is different from even a decade ago. Tools like Slack, Teams, email and Zoom shape how we work. Some reply instantly with follow-ups and a calendar link. Others (guilty!) stare at the screen, drafting and redrafting a response that won’t sound weird. Some thrive on deadlines and adrenaline, while others freeze or retreat into research mode.

But what if these reactions aren’t random?

The Enneagram influences how we respond when we feel secure, stressed or somewhere in between, including how we handle digital communication and those ‘got a minute?’ moments. Here’s how each type navigates Slack messages, looming deadlines and spontaneous calls—not just what they do, but why.

Type One: Structured, Precise and Low-Key Stressed

Ones crave clarity, both in what’s said and how it’s said. On receiving a Slack with a loose idea, they may respond with actionable bullet points and a suggested deadline, flagging the inconsistencies in the plan. Beneath it all is a drive to do things the ‘right’ way and help others do the same.

But ‘right’ can be a moving target. The One’s inner critic holds them to high standards and, when Slack gets chaotic or deadlines get fuzzy, their stress response kicks in. They tighten their grip, structure more and plan harder.  To teammates, this can seem nitpicky or rigid. But for a One, precision is their way of honoring the task and the team.

If you're a One: Next time you draft a message, send it quickly, even if it’s not perfect. Resist fixing small errors unless clarity is at stake.

If you work with a One: Be specific when assigning tasks. Include timelines and deliverables upfront. If they focus on minor edits, redirect to the bigger picture: “This is a solid plan; let’s move it forward.”

Type Two: Over-available and Always Caring

Twos are wired to care and rarely wait for permission. They’re the ultra-responsive colleague who is generous with their time, quick to reassure, and ready to help before others even know what they need. Their Slack messages come wrapped in warmth, from emojis and affirmations to calendar invites for a helpful check-in.

However, beneath all that helpfulness is a need to feel needed. Twos often measure their value by how indispensable they are to others. When Slack goes quiet or their support isn’t acknowledged, insecurity creeps in: Am I still valued? Did I do something wrong? Over time, this can leave them overextended, drained and resentful—giving more than they have to give.

If you're a Two: Pause before jumping in to help. Assess if someone actually requested help, or if you’re anticipating a need that isn’t yours to fill.

If you work with a Two: Express appreciation clearly and often. Even a simple “I really appreciated your support on this” means a lot.

Type Three: The Overachiever’s Overachiever

For Threes, communication is about keeping momentum and signaling competence. Their Slack messages are efficient and purposeful, often with a “next steps” summary. They move fast, often completing the brief before anyone else has even read it, and focus on what needs to be done over how others may feel about it.

Beneath that drive is a desire to succeed and be seen as successful. Threes instinctively tailor their tone, timing and presence to make the best impression. Slowing down or asking for help can feel risky, as if admitting they’re not as capable as they seem. When something feels like a threat to their image, whether an unclear feedback or some unexpected questions, the pressure kicks in.

If you're a Three: Let go of the need to appear flawless. Don’t just share your wins in team updates; also convey the challenges you’re facing.

If you work with a Three: Instead of only praising their output, acknowledge their effort, adaptability or how they helped others succeed. This helps them feel valued for more than just results and encourages a healthier, more sustainable sense of achievement.

Type Four: Thoughtful, Poetic and Misunderstood

Fours feel messages instead of just reading them. Tone and subtext matter to them, and they long for communication that reflects who they are, not merely a transactional exchange. While everyone else replies “Sounds good 👍” to that Slack message, the Four will respond with a thoughtful paragraph about their opinions, though no question was asked in the first place!

In fast-paced spaces where the thumbs-up is all that’s needed, Fours can feel unseen or misunderstood. They may compare themselves to colleagues who seem more “on script” and wonder, Why does this feel harder for me? In stress, they can withdraw and over-identify with perceived flaws. When left out of a conversation or update, for example, they may fill in the gaps with the assumption that they have been deliberately ignored or overlooked.

If you're a Four: Keep replies short in inconsequential threads. When you feel unseen, ask directly for feedback rather than interpreting silence as rejection.

If you work with a Four: Take time to reflect on their ideas or emotions. Instead of brushing off concerns, ask follow-up queries that indicate you’re engaged.

Type Five: Guarded, Genius and (Sometimes) Ghosting 

Fives think before they speak. Not only that, they often think instead of speaking. In a workplace filled with meetings, pings and ‘quick calls,’ they prefer to withdraw into silence and respond only when they have thought through all the implications of the matter. They prefer written communication because it gives them space to edit, review and share only what feels necessary (and accurate). 

Others may see this as detachment, but it’s a protective measure used to manage the Five’s energy. Fives operate with limited emotional bandwidth. Their inner world is active and complex, which makes them especially discerning about where they invest their energy. Too many meetings, vague requests or emotional interruptions can be invasive and draining. When the workplace demands too much, Fives withdraw out of preservation. They’d rather ghost than send a half-baked reply. They’d rather delay than be wrong.

If you're a Five: Practice replying before your thoughts feel complete. A simple “Received, will follow up soon” can keep collaboration flowing without draining your reserves.

If you work with a Five: Respect their processing time. Be specific in your ask and clear about timing, e.g. “Whenever you’re ready, but I’ll need this by Friday.”

Type Six: Prepping for Every Ping Like It’s the SAT

Sixes are wired for preparedness. They anticipate risks, read between the lines and assume that ‘quick call’ might be boss-speak for bad news. A casual “Can we chat?” may lead to the Six preparing notes, imagining three worst-case scenarios, and frantically checking the calendar for clues.

At their core, Sixes seek stability. In the workplace, this means clarity, structure, clear expectations and consistent communication. Give them a checklist and a timeline, and they’ll run with it. But ambiguity? Sudden changes? Vague feedback? A loop of over-analysis and second-guessing begins.

Sixes may over-communicate to feel safe, whether asking follow-up questions or double-checking deadlines. While this can make them seem anxious or indecisive, it reflects their commitment to getting things right and protecting the team.

If you're a Six: Try sending a message without rechecking it three times. When something’s unclear, ask directly.

If you work with a Six: Be consistent and clear. When things shift, offer context. Even a “This isn’t urgent” can de-escalate unnecessary stress.

Type Seven: High-Speed, High-Volume, High-Vibe

Sevens bring energy to the inbox. Their messages are fast, informal and peppered with exclamation points. The brief may have been for one idea, but the Seven will reply with six solutions, alongside an optional Loom walkthrough, two emoji-laced Slack threads, and “THOUGHTS??” in all caps.

However, beneath their high energy lies a desire to stay ahead of discomfort. Sevens instinctively move away from stagnation, repetition or anything that feels limiting. Long meetings and routine updates can feel stifling to them, and those never-ending ‘quick calls’ can be straight-up suffocating. When overwhelmed, Sevens may shift focus to something else mid-task or overcommit to the next exciting thing, unintentionally leaving loose ends behind.

If you're a Seven: Before saying yes to something new, pause to check what’s already on your plate. In ongoing message threads, practice closing the loop rather than creating new ones.

If you work with a Seven: To support a Seven’s momentum, break projects into bite-sized steps. Celebrate their progress whenever possible.

Type Eight: The Human Deadline Reminder

Eights don’t do vague. Their messages are direct and decisive, and contain all the instructions necessary to keep the momentum going, especially when the pressure is on. In meetings, they speak up. In crises, they step in. 

That intensity often stems from a deep drive to protect both themselves and others. Eights try to stay ahead of chaos as they fear what might happen if no one takes charge. When they don’t feel safe, Eights tend to armor up: leading boldly, responding quickly, and constantly pushing for clarity. But if delays or ambiguity still persist, they may react with an intensity that feels overwhelming. To others, this can feel like steamrolling, but to the Eight, it’s loyalty. It’s how they show they care.

If you're an Eight: Before jumping into problem-solving mode, pause and ask what’s actually needed. Practicing restraint shows trust in your team and helps everyone feel more empowered.

If you work with an Eight: Eights value clarity and initiative. Be open and straightforward with them, and don’t be afraid to take action yourself. This builds mutual respect and helps Eights feel they’re not carrying the load alone

Type Nine: Read It, Felt It, Will Reply Eventually

Nines move at a gentler pace. Tag a Nine in Slack, and you’ll probably get silence at first, then a thoughtful reply hours later, often with a warm “Sorry for the delay!” Their instinct is to keep the peace, both inside themselves and with others.

This makes them wonderful collaborators: receptive, empathetic and rarely reactive. Their calm presence helps teams feel heard and understood. But in fast-paced work cultures, that same calm can become passivity. Nines may defer decisions, delay responses or say ‘yes’ when they mean ‘no’ just to avoid friction.

When pressure builds, Nines tend to withdraw, unsure how to jump back in without causing a ripple. Messages pile up and tasks get pushed off, making it even harder for them to re-engage.

If you're a Nine: Start your day by picking one task to initiate. Reply to that one message you’ve been avoiding, even if it feels awkward. Small steps matter.

If you work with a Nine: Nines often need a gentle, direct invitation to share their thoughts. Ask openly and listen closely to their response, since their silence doesn’t mean they agree or don’t care. A little encouragement helps them feel safe to speak up and stay connected.