What is the enneagram test?

The Enneagram test has emerged as a powerful tool in the realm of talent acquisition, offering insights that go beyond traditional assessments. With 79% of U.S. organizations now employing personality assessments as part of their hiring strategies, the importance of understanding candidates at a deeper level has never been more apparent. Research shows that personality tests can enhance hiring accuracy by up to 86%, making them a critical component in the recruitment process. This growing trend reflects a shift in focus from merely evaluating technical skills to understanding the underlying motivations and behaviors of potential hires.

The Enneagram classifies individuals into nine distinct personality types, each characterized by unique motivations, fears, and behavioral tendencies. This framework provides a nuanced understanding of how candidates may fit within an organization’s culture and interact with team members. For example, a candidate identified as a "Type 3" (the Achiever) is likely to be driven, competitive, and focused on success, while a "Type 9" (the Peacemaker) may prioritize harmony and collaboration. Recognizing these traits can help hiring managers predict how candidates will perform in various scenarios, from high-pressure situations to collaborative projects.

The integration of the Enneagram into the hiring process is not just a trend; it is a strategic move that can lead to significant benefits for organizations. 65% of employers report that personality assessments improve their hiring decisions, and companies that leverage these tools often see a 42% increase in employee retention rates. This demonstrates that understanding personality can lead to better job fit, reducing turnover and fostering a more engaged workforce.

History of the Enneagram Test

The origins and history of the Enneagram of Personality are disputed, but its modern development can be traced back to the teachings of various individuals in the 20th century:

George Gurdjieff and the Fourth Way Tradition

In the early 20th century, the Armenian philosopher George Gurdjieff first used the term "enneagram" to describe a specific nine-pointed spiritual symbol. Gurdjieff incorporated the Enneagram in his teachings about individuals' roles and purpose in life, combining theories from spirituality, psychology, and cosmology.

Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo

The first evidence of the Enneagram's use in understanding personality is in the teachings of Oscar Ichazo, a spiritual teacher from Bolivia, in the 1950s. Ichazo referred to the "Enneagram of Personality" and related concepts like passions, virtues, holy ideas, and ego-fixations under his study of an area called "Protoanalysis". Ichazo used these concepts to help people achieve self-realization and self-awareness.Chilean psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo, a student of Ichazo, then applied the Enneagram of Personality in the context of psychology. Naranjo taught the Enneagram understanding of personality in the US during the 1970s, leading to its continued use and popularity today.

Popularization in the United States

Naranjo's teachings became increasingly popular in the United States and elsewhere from the 1970s onward. Numerous other authors also published books on the Enneagram of Personality in the 1980s and 1990s, including Don Richard Riso, Helen Palmer, Eli Jaxon-Bear, and Elizabeth Wagele.The first International Enneagram Conference, initiated by Helen Palmer, was held at Stanford University in 1994. This marked a pivotal moment in the recognition of the Enneagram as an accepted and reliable personality system. The event inspired a group of early Enneagram teachers to found the International Enneagram Association.

Ancient Roots and Connections

Although the exact origins of the Enneagram remain uncertain, there is evidence that the symbol and some of its underlying concepts date back thousands of years. Scholars have linked the Enneagram to various religions and time periods, including Christian mysticism, Islamic Sufism, and Jewish Kabbalah.Fragments of the Enneagram symbol can be traced back to classical Greece, where the mathematical patterns of three, seven and nine appear as significant elements in early epics, myths, philosophy and mathematical science. Some authors even argue that variations of the Enneagram symbol can be found in the sacred geometry of Pythagorean mathematicians and mystical mathematics.The word "Enneagram" itself derives from the Greek words "enneá" (nine) and "gramma" (figure), reflecting the nine-pointed geometric figure at the core of the Enneagram system.

The Structure of the Enneagram

The Enneagram is represented as a nine-pointed geometric figure, where each point corresponds to one of the personality types. The structure includes:

• Centers of Intelligence: The nine types are grouped into three centers—Instinctive, Feeling, and Thinking. Each center reflects a different approach to processing information and emotions.
  • Instinctive Center (Types 8, 9, 1): Focuses on gut instincts and physical reactions.
  • Feeling Center (Types 2, 3, 4): Centers on emotional responses and interpersonal relationships.
  • Thinking Center (Types 5, 6, 7): Emphasizes rational thought processes and problem-solving.
• Wings: Each type has two adjacent types, known as wings, which can influence an individual's personality. For example, a Type 4 may exhibit traits of Type 3 or Type 5, depending on which wing is more dominant. This adds complexity and nuance to an individual's personality.
• Lines of Connection: Each type is connected to two other types through lines on the Enneagram figure. These connections indicate how individuals may behave under stress (disintegration) or in growth (integration). For example, a Type 1 may take on characteristics of Type 4 when stressed but may exhibit traits of Type 7 when growing.

The Nine Personality Types

The Enneagram is a sophisticated personality typing system that categorizes individuals into nine distinct personality types, each characterized by unique motivations, fears, and behavioral patterns. Understanding how this classification works can provide valuable insights into personal development, interpersonal relationships, and effective team dynamics.

1. Type 1: The Reformer
   Enneagram Type 1, known as "The Reformer," is characterized by a strong sense of ethics and a desire to improve the world. Reformers are principled, purposeful, and self-controlled, often striving for perfection in themselves and their surroundings. They are motivated by the need to be good and to uphold high moral standards, which can lead to a critical and judgmental attitude towards themselves and others when those standards are not met. While they are dedicated to making a positive impact, their pursuit of perfection can sometimes result in impatience and resentment.
2. Type 2: The Helper
   Enneagram Type 2, referred to as "The Helper," is driven by a deep desire to be loved and appreciated. Helpers are warm, caring, and generous individuals who thrive on giving and supporting others. They often prioritize the needs of others over their own, leading to a tendency to become people-pleasers. While their nurturing nature fosters strong relationships, it can also result in feelings of being unappreciated or taken for granted. Helpers seek validation through their acts of kindness and often struggle with setting boundaries.
3. Type 3: The Achiever
   Enneagram Type 3, known as "The Achiever," is characterized by ambition and a strong desire for success. Achievers are energetic, goal-oriented, and highly self-aware, often striving to be the best in their chosen fields. They are adept at adapting their image to fit different situations, which can make them appear charming and charismatic. However, their focus on achievement can lead to a fear of failure and a tendency to prioritize their image over authenticity. Achievers seek validation through accomplishments and recognition.
4. Type 4: The Individualist
   Enneagram Type 4, referred to as "The Individualist," is known for its deep emotional sensitivity and desire for identity. Individualists are introspective, creative, and often feel different from others. They seek to express their uniqueness and authenticity, which can lead to a rich inner life but also feelings of melancholy or envy. Their quest for meaning and self-discovery can result in a tendency to dwell on their emotions, making it challenging for them to connect with others. Individualists long for a sense of significance and understanding.
5. Type 5: The Investigator
   Enneagram Type 5, known as "The Investigator," is characterized by a thirst for knowledge and understanding. Investigators are analytical, curious, and independent thinkers who often prefer solitude to recharge. They seek to comprehend the world around them and are driven by a desire to be competent and knowledgeable. While their intellectual pursuits can lead to innovative ideas, their tendency to withdraw can result in feelings of isolation. Investigators often struggle with sharing their emotions and may become overly secretive or detached.
6. Type 6: The Loyalist
   Enneagram Type 6, referred to as "The Loyalist," is characterized by a strong sense of loyalty and a desire for security. Loyalists are responsible, trustworthy, and often seek guidance and reassurance from others. They are highly attuned to potential risks and dangers, which can lead to anxiety and a tendency to overthink situations. While their loyalty makes them dependable friends and colleagues, their fear of uncertainty can result in indecisiveness and a reliance on external validation. Loyalists value stability and seek to create a sense of safety in their lives.
7. Type 7: The Enthusiast
   Enneagram Type 7, known as "The Enthusiast," is characterized by a zest for life and a desire for adventure. Enthusiasts are spontaneous, optimistic, and energetic individuals who seek new experiences and opportunities. They are often seen as the life of the party, bringing joy and excitement to those around them. However, their fear of being trapped or limited can lead to a tendency to avoid negative emotions or difficult situations. Enthusiasts may struggle with commitment and can become scattered if they spread themselves too thin in their pursuit of pleasure.
8. Type 8: The Challenger
   Enneagram Type 8, referred to as "The Challenger," is characterized by assertiveness and a desire for control. Challengers are confident, decisive, and often take charge in situations. They value strength and independence, and they are unafraid to confront challenges head-on. However, their intensity can sometimes come across as aggressive or domineering, leading to conflicts in relationships. Challengers seek to protect themselves and others, but their fear of vulnerability can make it difficult for them to show weakness or ask for help.
9. Type 9: The Peacemaker
   Enneagram Type 9, known as "The Peacemaker," is characterized by a desire for harmony and inner peace. Peacemakers are easygoing, accepting, and often prioritize the needs of others to avoid conflict. They seek to create a calm and harmonious environment, which can lead them to suppress their own desires and opinions. While their ability to mediate and bring people together is a strength, it can also result in complacency and a lack of direction. Peacemakers long for connection and understanding but may struggle to assert themselves.

Levels of Development

The Enneagram also recognizes that each personality type can exist at different levels of health:

• Healthy: When individuals are self-aware and functioning at their best, exhibiting positive traits of their type.
• Average: When individuals display a mix of healthy and unhealthy behaviors, often driven by their core fears and desires.
• Unhealthy: When individuals are overwhelmed by their fears, leading to negative behaviors and patterns.

Understanding these levels can help individuals identify where they stand on their personal development journey and what steps they can take to grow.

Tailoring Interview Questions

The Enneagram can serve as a valuable tool for crafting targeted interview questions. By knowing a candidate's personality type, recruiters can ask specific questions that delve into their motivations and behaviors. For instance, a Type 6 (the Loyalist) may respond well to questions about team support and security, while a Type 4 (the Individualist) might appreciate discussions around creativity and personal expression. This approach not only enriches the interview process but also provides deeper insights into how candidates may fit within the team.

Predicting Job Performance and Retention

The Enneagram test offers valuable insights into predicting job performance and employee retention by providing a deeper understanding of candidates' core motivations, fears, and behavioral patterns. This personality assessment helps talent acquisition professionals make informed hiring decisions that align with organizational needs and culture.

Understanding a candidate's Enneagram type can illuminate their intrinsic motivations, which play a critical role in job performance. For example, research indicates that individuals classified as Type 3 (the Achiever) are often the highest earners and most likely to hold leadership positions. Their drive for success and recognition makes them goal-oriented, which can lead to high levels of productivity and achievement in the workplace. Conversely, Type 4 (the Individualist) may prioritize self-expression and creativity over traditional success metrics, potentially leading to lower earnings and less conventional career paths. Recognizing these motivations allows recruiters to predict how well candidates may perform in specific roles, ensuring a better fit between the individual and the job requirements.

Employee retention is another critical area where the Enneagram can provide insights. Understanding a candidate's personality type can help organizations identify those who are more likely to thrive within their culture. For instance, Type 6 (the Loyalist) values security and support, making them more inclined to remain with an organization that fosters a stable environment. In contrast, Type 7 (the Enthusiast) may seek variety and excitement, which could lead them to explore new opportunities if their current role becomes monotonous. By aligning candidates with roles that resonate with their motivations, organizations can enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates.

The Enneagram also aids in assessing cultural fit, which is essential for long-term retention. Candidates whose motivations align with the company's values and mission are more likely to feel engaged and committed. For example, a company that emphasizes collaboration and teamwork may benefit from hiring more Type 9 (the Peacemaker) individuals, who prioritize harmony and cooperation. Understanding these dynamics allows talent acquisition professionals to build teams that not only complement each other but also contribute to a cohesive organizational culture.

Research has shown that personality traits significantly influence an individual's likelihood of climbing the corporate ladder. For instance, Type 3 individuals often report higher levels of job satisfaction and are more likely to pursue leadership roles due to their ambition and drive for success. In contrast, Type 5 (the Investigator) may excel in roles that require deep analysis and independent thinking but might not pursue leadership positions due to their preference for autonomy. By understanding these tendencies, organizations can better support employees in their career paths and development.

Conclusion

The Enneagram test serves as a powerful tool for predicting job performance and retention by providing insights into candidates' core motivations and how they align with organizational needs. By understanding the unique traits of each personality type, talent acquisition professionals can make informed hiring decisions, enhance employee retention, and foster a positive workplace culture. The strategic use of the Enneagram in recruitment not only benefits the organization but also supports candidates in finding roles that resonate with their strengths and aspirations.

That being said, no personality assessment is 100% accurate, and human behavior is complex. The Enneagram should be used as a tool to complement other hiring practices rather than as a definitive measure of a candidate's potential. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the use of personality assessments adheres to ethical guidelines and respects candidates' privacy.