Myth-Busting Enneagram Stereotypes at Work: What People Get Wrong About Each Type

When it comes to understanding your work colleagues, the Enneagram is becoming one of the premier languages of the business world. And it is no wonder since this personality system gives us a non-personal way to talk about differences and a clear framework to understand the otherwise confusing behavior of your reports and coworkers. 

But as we become increasingly fluent in the language of the Enneagram, we run the risk of creating stereotypes and assuming behaviors patterns that aren’t always accurate.  To bust these myths, let’s take a closer look at some of the inaccurate perceptions people have of the Enneagram types in the workplace.

Type 1: Perfectionist

Myth:  Type 1s are always rule-followers.

While it is true that the Type One perfectionists of the Enneagram are known for their drive to do the right thing and their desire to clearly understand the rules, it might come as a surprise to learn they aren’t always goody two-shoes rules followers. Type 1s want to know the rules so they understand what is expected of them, but their drive to follow their own moral compass is often a better indicator of what they will or won’t do.  If they understand the regulations, but they fundamentally disagree with them, they may choose to consciously break the rules. The key is that they will be making an intentional choice with a willingness to accept the consequences.

“I'm more likely to follow rules that I believe are there for the common good or that align with my own social contracts. For example, on a flight I’ll be the one who stows my bag promptly and in the recommended place because it helps everyone on the flight. But for guidelines or procedures that I don't see as being there for the common good, such as following outdated or inefficient practices, I won't be as inclined to follow. I’m willing to break the rules and accept the consequences.” ~Kent, Type 1 News Editor

Type 2: Giver

Myth:  Type 2s are best as support players.

The big hearts of the Enneagram, Type 2s are known for their generosity, their thoughtfulness, and their relentless focus on the needs of others. With this as the backdrop, it is easy to see how they are often cast as “the power behind the throne.”  But this isn’t the full picture. Type 2s can also thrive in the spotlight and can be strong leaders who build collaborative, people-centered cultures. If you think Type 2s only exist to support others, think again.

“In my senior management roles, I absolutely loved building teams! My leadership style was very relationship-based because that’s how I operate. I led from behind, but I was definitely leading. I have always been aware that results are very important but I tried to convince my people that the chance to reach our goals was much bigger if we operate as a team. ” ~Pieter, Type 2 former Chairman of Unilever, Mexico and Korea

Type 3: Achiever

Myth: Type 3s are so busy hitting their goals, they don’t feel much.

It isn’t a myth that Type 3s are achievement oriented, and like a shark that needs to keep moving forward to stay alive, crushing their goals is fuel for this Enneagram type. But while they are focused on hitting their targets, you might be surprised to learn how emotional Type 3s can become. Just because they can compartmentalize their feelings doesn’t mean they don’t have them. 

“I don’t like to be open with my feelings at work, but I’m very emotional. I have an odd habit of getting home from work and watching YouTube videos of soldiers coming back from tours of duty and being reunited with their family or their dog. I bawl! I would never be so open at the office, but I have really intense feelings, and they have to go somewhere....” ~Erin, Type 3 founder of Erin Slutsky Coaching 

Type 4: Individualists

Myth:  Type 4s are too emotional to succeed in the corporate world.

Type 4s are known for their emotional depth and sensitivity, and while it might seem these traits are liabilities in the corporate world, this isn’t necessarily true. An authentic, thoughtful compliment from the right person can make their week the same way a subtle snub in a meeting can ruin their day, but this fragility doesn’t equal weakness. When Type 4s learn to regulate their emotions and channel them productively, they bring authenticity, creativity and a rare intuition about the emotional undercurrents in a workplace. Look around and you will find plenty of Type 4s in senior leadership where their ability to sense what others often miss becomes a powerful asset.

"Being highly sensitive is something I need to actively manage, but it doesn't affect my ambition or work ethic. It helps me see how each person is positioning themselves or their team so I'm able to effectively counter the approach. Corporate culture is a blood sport so seeing everyone's intentions, in some cases better than they can see it themselves, helps me know where to focus my attention." ~Eric, Type 4 former Vice President at a leading Omnichannel retailer

Type 5: Investigator

Myth: Type 5s are aloof and disengaged.

The thinkers of the Enneagram are famous for their deep focus and their ability to tune out distractions. Their concerns about time and energy management can make them seem like loners who don’t want to engage much with others. But while your Type 5 colleagues might not be the ones to organize the after-work team drink, they are likely more collaborative than you realize.  Their “aloofness” is actually their form of engagement as they quietly absorb, analyze, and penetrate what is being said. So next time you see your Type 5 colleague sitting quietly, understand they are deeply listening.

"People sometimes read me as aloof because I don’t speak up right away. But holding back is how I listen. I’m sensing what’s underneath, what’s missing, what’s unsaid and unresolved. This deep understanding is where my place of contribution originates." ~Joel, Type 5 Executive Coach at Joel Heller & Associates

Type 6: Skeptic

Myth: Type 6s don’t take risks.

With a habit of attention that goes to what could go wrong, the skeptics of the Enneagram have a finely tuned radar for what could go be dangerous or a threat to their security. They spend a lot of time contingency planning and have earned a reputation of being risk-adverse. But this isn’t the full picture – Type 6s seek to be prepared but when they have done their preparation, they are surprisingly willing to engage in risky scenarios.

“Feeling safe and prepared for any risk is always in the back of my mind, but I decided to keep working in Ukraine although missiles were flying over our heads every second night. I had physically and mentally prepared for all possible hardships related to electricity, gas, and water cuts, as well as for the possibility to evacuate at any time with only 10 minutes notice, but I also realised it was my duty to be there and that one cannot run away from one's fate.” ~Frederik, Type 6 EU diplomat 

Type 7: Enthusiasts

Myth: Type 7s can’t focus.

Happy-go-lucky Type 7s have a reputation for being playful, joyful, and a bit scattered. With a habit of attention that tilts to the positive side, their difficulty processing negative emotions can lead them to start lots of projects they never finish. And while this might be a true trend, plenty of Type 7s are able to hold their focus enough to get big projects over the finish line.

“I can focus when I know the outcome will make me happy and when I enjoy the work. For example, I’m really focused  when it comes to strategic planning and when I brief agencies or teams on new projects. This is because I know that the better I explain the initiative to my colleagues, the clearer the assignment is for them and thus the more I can enjoy the high quality of work they come up with.” ~Jana, Type 7  Brand/Marketing Director in the FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) industry

Type 8: Challenger

Myth: Type 8s are heartless.

It can be easy to see why the leaders of the Enneagram often get bad rap when it comes to the softer skills. Famous for their direct communication style, their willingness to engage in conflict, and their tendency to divide everyone into “friend or foe,” it can take a deep excavation to uncover softer feelings. But behind those one-word email replies and their instinct to shoot first and ask questions later, Type 8s usually have huge hearts. They care deeply about their team members even though this caring is often expressed more through protection than affection.

“I care deeply for my team of twenty. The single worst day I have had in 40 years in business was the day I had to lay all but one of them off due to the mandated COVID shutdown. The very next day I found a way to start hiring them back and in the end 100% were rehired and returned. I don’t share my feelings the way most people expect. I do it through my actions not words. I will do just about anything for a team member. I think that is why some of them have been with me for 25 years.” ~Rolf, Type 8 owner of Jerrol’s (a regional mercantile)

Type 9: Peacemaker

Myth: Peacemakers lack ambition.

While the peacemakers of the Enneagram are known for their easygoing attitude and their accommodating personalities, it would be a mistake to imagine the most powerful type in the Enneagram is lacking in ambition. They may go at their own pace, and they may value collaboration over competition, but Type 9s are plenty skilled at making it to the top. By way of example, I just did a big leadership training in the Enneagram for the top management of a division of the United States military, and while Type 8s had the highest representation, Type 9s followed with a close second, making up almost 20% percent of the team.

“When I reflect on my 50 year career as a nurse, I can see that I would rather be the boss than have one!  I entered one organization, a community health program for elders, as a clinic nurse and left it 20 years later as the chief operations officer.  That experience was a springboard for leadership roles in subsequent jobs. And, although I left that job 25 years ago, I still help organize an annual gathering of the management team — all of whom are now retired.” Kate, Type 9 former COO of On Lok Senior Health Services

In Summary

As you can see,  the Enneagram types are far more complex than a simple list of behavioral patterns. Within each type there is nuance, subtly, and multiple layers of motivation. By recognizing these nuances, we can move beyond stereotypes and appreciate the full spectrum of talents and perspectives each colleague brings to the table. Learn more about the superpowers of each Enneagram type in the workplace.