The Right Way To Start a Meeting, By Enneagram Type

Lately, the Enneagram has been taking the workplace by storm because the business world has realized that learning the Enneagram is good for their bottom line. 

This unique and complex personality system gives us a way to understand the best (and worst) work environments for every person in the office, their preferred communication styles, how to better manage teams, the leadership skills that different individuals bring to the table, and even what type of feedback someone might respond to. 

But it doesn't stop there. The Enneagram can give you a roadmap to almost any topic in the workplace—including the best way to start a meeting so that each Enneagram type is present, prepared and engaged.

Type 1 Perfectionist:  Be Organized and Efficient!  

Type Ones automatically notice what could be improved so make sure you cover the basics in your meeting preparation. Be sure to create a detailed meeting agenda and start the meeting on time. The perfectionists of the Enneagram seek efficiency so they will notice whether or not you come prepared. 

Type 1s also appreciate when you establish clear deliverables and assignments of responsibility, so follow up after the meeting with an action plan. They want to get things right so help them understand what the expectations are.

Type 2 Giver: Connect on a Human Level 

Take a few minutes at the beginning of the meeting to connect with Type Twos on a human level. Ask about their family, their hobby or their weekend. This is someone who sees the world through the lens of relationships so be sure to dedicate some time cultivating your connection before you launch into the meeting content. 

To some Enneagram types, this small talk might feel like a waste of time. However, many Type 2s will confess they can’t offer their best support until they’ve made a human connection with their colleagues.

Type 3 Achiever: State the Goals

For the Type Threes on your team, outline the goals at the beginning of the meeting and share what a “win” looks like.  Achievement and success are first and foremost in the mind of Type 3s so make sure to speak their language by outlining how they can succeed. 

This image-conscious, action-oriented individual also appreciates it when you are clear, direct and practical. They have a full schedule so be sure not to waste their time.

Type 4 Individualist: Let Them Speak

Understanding the unspoken undercurrents of a situation is this type’s superpower, and Type Fours are gifted at sensing important issues that the rest of us might miss. 

This “reading the air” might feel like uncomfortable pauses or issues that don’t have a clear path to resolution, but give them ample time to observe, share their concerns and bring up issues as the meeting gets started. The whole team benefits when all the issues are placed on the table.

Type 5 Investigator: No Surprises!  

Make sure there are no surprises by letting them know in advance of the meeting what information you plan to cover and what your expectations are around their participation. Type Fives have a heightened sense of being overwhelmed so support them by helping them get prepared. 

Be clear about the parameters of the meeting: who will be there, how long it will go and what topics will be covered. And when the meeting starts, try not to pressure the Type 5 to engage first. They sometimes need time to warm up to a room.

Type 6 Skeptic: Acknowledge the Risks 

While you don’t want to dwell on the negative, make sure you don’t shy away from issues and potential problems. Type Sixes are scanning for what could go wrong or be a threat to the project so help them relax by calling out those issues clearly and early on. If the meeting agenda includes a “worst case scenario” section, your Type 6 colleague will appreciate it. 

Also, be sure not to ignore their concerns or tell them everything will be ok. Type 6s are gifted at being able to spot problems before they fully manifest so listen carefully to their concerns.

Type 7 Enthusiast: Keep It Upbeat

It might seem like a Herculean feat to acknowledge the risks while keeping the meeting upbeat, but different habits of attention point in different directions so you’ll want to try to speak in a way everyone can hear.

Type Sevens are gifted at brainstorming and envisioning a positive future so give them space to do that in your meeting by painting a picture of what is possible. An upbeat introduction can go a long way. And don’t get irritated with their jokes and storytelling. This is their way to stay engaged.

Type 8 Challenger: Get to the Point

Blunt, direct and no-frills, Type Eights appreciate it when you just get to the point. This is someone who likes to take action so be ready to discuss next steps and a concrete action plan. 

Type 8s can sometimes undervalue the emotional world, so if you are going to take some time connecting at the beginning of the meeting, be direct about it and be clear it will just be for a few minutes. Type 8s are transparent, and they appreciate it when you are too.

Type 9 Peacemaker: Be Respectful

The Type Nine peacemakers of the Enneagram appreciate harmony so be polite and respectful as you start your meeting. Acknowledge everyone, thank them for their time and, when the meeting gets rolling, make sure that everyone, including the Type 9, has their voice heard. 

This is someone who has remarkable insight into the position of other stakeholders so don’t let their indirect and low-key communication style fool you. Nines have a lot to say so make sure they say it. 

As you can see, effective communication is a delicate dance, and the style one person prefers might be a trigger for someone else. Acknowledging different personalities is half the battle and reminding everyone that the best teams include diverse perspectives can go a long way in building trust.  As we’ve said before, the Enneagram is a verb  as much as it is a noun. When you “Enneagram” something, you offer a way to bring out the best in your team.