COWORKER TYPOLOGYThe EnneagrammSeptember 2012Jörn Hendrik Ast
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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 TheorySource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_temperaments
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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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The EnneagrammFor 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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The Enneagramm
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2
3
45
6
89
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The Perfectionist
The Helper
The Motivator
The RomanticThe Thinker
The Questioner
The Adventurer
The Leader
The Peacemaker
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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://www.flickr.com/photos/versicolorSource: http://9types.com
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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://www.flickr.com/photos/nateoneSource: http://9types.com
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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://www.flickr.com/photos/rameshng/Source: http://9types.com
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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://www.flickr.com/photos/25297401@N08/Source: http://9types.com
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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://www.flickr.com/photos/deboniSource: http://9types.com
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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://www.flickr.com/photos/77888804@N00/Source: http://9types.com
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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://www.flickr.com/photos/wwarbySource: http://9types.com
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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://www.flickr.com/photos/terykatsSource: http://9types.com
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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://www.flickr.com/photos/tolomeaSource: http://9types.com
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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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Contact:Jörn Hendrik Ast+49 (0) 40 22 63 307 [email protected]@jormasonfb.me/jormasonffluid.de
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