Enneagram Type 1: The Perfectionist/ The Reformer – A Hiring Perspective

Enneagram Type 1 individuals, often called "The Perfectionists" or "The Reformers," are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Known for their integrity, high standards, and dedication to improvement, Type 1s can be transformative assets in the workplace.

According to a study by the Enneagram Institute, Type 1s make up approximately 14% of the population, bringing their meticulous nature and ethical grounding to various professional roles.

In this post, we will explore how to identify, attract, and retain Enneagram Type 1 individuals, maximizing their strengths and addressing their challenges to build a thriving, high-performing team.

Understanding Enneagram Type 1

To effectively hire and integrate Enneagram Type 1 individuals, it's crucial to understand their core characteristics, motivations, and fears. This foundational knowledge provides insight into how these individuals operate, what drives them, and what they seek in their professional lives.

Key Characteristics

• Principled and Ethical: Type 1s have a strong moral compass and a clear sense of right and wrong. They act with integrity and expect the same from others.
• Perfectionistic: They have high standards and a keen eye for detail, often pushing themselves and others to achieve excellence.
• Self-Controlled: Type 1s are disciplined and organized, with a preference for structure and order.
• Purposeful: They are driven by a desire to make a positive impact and improve the world around them.

Motivations and Fears

• Core Desire: To be good, ethical, and right.
• Core Fear: Being corrupt, evil, or defective.

Understanding Type 1 Wings

Enneagram Type 1 individuals can have one of two wings: Wing 9 (Type 1w9) or Wing 2 (Type 1w2). These wings add specific traits to the core Type 1 personality, influencing their interactions and work approach.

Type 1w9: The Idealist

Individuals with a 9 wing are more calm, composed, and accepting of themselves and others. They approach conflicts seeking harmony and balance and combine high standards with a thoughtful approach. Their strengths include mediating conflicts, offering a balanced perspective on perfectionism, and being more relaxed. However, they might struggle with indecision and can be less assertive in pursuing goals.

Type 1w2: The Advocate

Individuals with a 2 wing are inclined to help others, often taking on nurturing roles. They blend high standards with a desire to connect and support others, making them sociable and engaging. Their perfectionism is channeled into service and improving lives. Their strengths include being highly motivated to help, building strong relationships, and inspiring others through dedication to service. Challenges include becoming overly involved in others’ problems, neglecting their own needs, and being critical when their efforts are not appreciated.

For Type 1w9s, their balanced nature can mediate and resolve team conflicts, but they should be encouraged to be more assertive in leadership roles. For Type 1w2s, their helpful nature fosters a supportive team environment, but they should ensure they don't overextend themselves, balancing their needs with the team’s needs.

Strengths of Enneagram Type 1 in the Workplace

Enneagram Type 1 individuals bring a unique set of strengths to the workplace. Their high standards, reliability, and commitment to improvement can significantly enhance organizational performance.

• High Standards and Attention to Detail: Type 1s bring meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high-quality outcomes in their work.
• Reliability and Dependability: They are consistent and reliable, often going above and beyond to meet deadlines and commitments.
• Strong Work Ethic: Their dedication and sense of responsibility make them hardworking and diligent employees.
• Commitment to Improvement: Type 1s are constantly seeking ways to improve processes, products, and services.
• Ethical Leadership: Their principled nature makes them trustworthy leaders who uphold ethical standards and promote a positive workplace culture.

For example, Michelle Obama, known for her principled stance on various issues and dedication to ethical causes, led initiatives to improve public health, support military families, and empower young people. Her commitment to high standards and ethical leadership inspired many and left a lasting positive impact on society.

Challenges of Enneagram Type 1 in the Workplace

While Type 1 employees bring numerous strengths, they also face specific challenges that can impact their work and well-being.

• Perfectionism: Their high standards can sometimes lead to overcritical behavior, stress, and burnout.
• Rigidity: Type 1s may struggle with flexibility and adaptability, finding it challenging to embrace change or differing viewpoints.
• Self-Criticism: They can be overly harsh on themselves, leading to reduced self-esteem and motivation.
• Difficulty Delegating: Their desire for control and precision may make it hard for them to delegate tasks effectively.

Balancing The Dual Sides of Enneagram Type 1 in the Workplace

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Enneagram Type 1 individuals can help managers and colleagues appreciate their contributions while also providing the necessary support to address their challenges.

Hiring Strategies for Enneagram Type 1

Attracting and hiring Enneagram Type 1 candidates requires a tailored approach that highlights your organization's ethical values and opportunities for improvement.

Attracting Type 1 Candidates

• Emphasize Ethical Values: Highlight your organization's commitment to integrity, ethics, and social responsibility in job postings and company culture descriptions.
• Showcase Opportunities for Improvement: Type 1s are attracted to roles where they can make a meaningful impact.
• Detail-Oriented Job Descriptions: Provide clear, detailed job descriptions that outline expectations and responsibilities.

Interviewing Type 1 Candidates

• Assess Ethical Alignment: Ask questions that gauge the candidate's alignment with your organization's values and ethical standards.
• Evaluate Attention to Detail: Use the attention to detail skills assessment or practical tasks to measure the candidate's meticulousness and accuracy.
• Discuss Improvement Initiatives: Explore the candidate's experience with process improvement and their approach to identifying and implementing changes.

Onboarding and Integrating Type 1 Employees

• Provide Clear Guidelines and Expectations: Offer structured onboarding processes with detailed information on roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
• Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture of open, honest communication where Type 1s feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.
• Support Work-Life Balance: Help Type 1s manage their perfectionistic tendencies by promoting work-life balance and offering support resources.

Retaining Type 1 Employees

• Recognize and Reward Excellence: Regularly acknowledge their hard work and contributions, providing positive reinforcement for their efforts.
• Offer Professional Development: Provide opportunities for growth and development, such as training programs and leadership workshops.
• Create a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Encourage a workplace culture that values and supports ongoing improvement, innovation, and ethical behavior.

Supporting Enneagram Type 1 Employees

Supporting Enneagram Type 1 employees effectively involves understanding their unique needs and providing an environment that fosters their strengths while mitigating their challenges. Managers play a crucial role in creating such a supportive environment.

Providing Clear Expectations

• Structured Feedback: Offer regular, constructive feedback that focuses on both strengths and areas for improvement.
• Defined Goals: Set clear, achievable goals that align with the employee's high standards and ethical values.

Encouraging Work-Life Balance

• Promote Downtime: Encourage Type 1 employees to take breaks and avoid overworking to prevent burnout.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Offer flexibility in work hours and locations to help them manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Recognizing Achievements

• Public Acknowledgment: Regularly recognize and celebrate their accomplishments and contributions in team meetings or company communications.
• Personalized Rewards: Provide personalized rewards and recognition that align with their values and interests.

Motivating Enneagram Type 1 Employees

Understanding what motivates Enneagram Type 1 employees can help managers and organizations create an environment where these individuals thrive. Motivation for Type 1s often stems from their desire for excellence, ethical integrity, and purposeful work.

Alignment with Values

• Ethical Projects: Assign projects that align with their strong sense of ethics and desire to make a positive impact.
• Clear Mission: Clearly communicate how their work contributes to the overall mission and values of the organization.

Opportunities for Improvement

• Continuous Learning: Offer opportunities for continuous learning and development to help them improve their skills and knowledge.
• Innovative Initiatives: Involve them in initiatives that focus on process improvements and innovation.

Suitable Career Options for Enneagram Type 1

Enneagram Type 1 individuals excel in careers that allow them to uphold high standards, work ethically, and contribute to meaningful causes. Here are some career options that are well-suited for their characteristics.

The Role of the Enneagram Test in Recruitment

Integrating personality assessments, like the Enneagram test, into your recruitment process can provide valuable insights into candidates' intrinsic motivations, strengths, and potential challenges. This section explores how using the Enneagram test can enhance your recruitment strategy and help you identify the best fit for your organization.

Benefits of the Enneagram Test

• Deeper Candidate Insights: The Enneagram test offers a comprehensive understanding of candidates' core motivations and behaviors, beyond what traditional assessments provide.
• Improved Team Dynamics: Understanding the Enneagram types of team members can help build more cohesive and balanced teams, enhancing collaboration and productivity.
• Enhanced Role Fit: By matching candidates' Enneagram types with the requirements and culture of specific roles, you can ensure a better fit and higher job satisfaction.
• Targeted Development Plans: The insights gained from the Enneagram test can inform personalized development and training plans, helping employees reach their full potential.
• Reduced Turnover: By selecting candidates whose Enneagram profiles align with the organization's values and culture, you can reduce turnover and improve retention.

Implementing the Enneagram Test

• Incorporate Early in the Process: Introduce the Enneagram test during the initial stages of the recruitment process to gain early insights into candidates' personalities.
• Combine with Other Assessments: Use the Enneagram test alongside skills assessments and traditional interviews to create a holistic view of each candidate.
• Use for Team Building: Apply the Enneagram test for team-building activities and to foster better understanding and communication among team members.
• Ethical Considerations: Ensure that the use of personality assessments, including the Enneagram test, is conducted ethically and respectfully, maintaining candidates' privacy and confidentiality.

Conclusion

Enneagram Type 1 employees, known for their high standards and strong sense of ethics, can significantly enhance your organization. They are meticulous, reliable, and committed to improvement. Remember the impact of Steve Jobs' relentless pursuit of perfection at Apple or Michelle Obama's principled leadership – these are the hallmarks of Type 1 individuals.

The Enneagram test is a powerful tool for identifying a candidate's core personality traits and characteristics. It works best when combined with other skills and knowledge assessments during the pre-employment screening process.

To conduct an Enneagram test with your candidates or current workforce, sign up for Adaface today.