Enneagram and Productivity: Learning to ask better questions about why we are stuck.
Recently I was working with a group of business leaders when one leader named struggles with productivity within her company. She asked the question, “What can I do to improve their motivation?”
My response was, “What if it’s not a motivation problem?”
Our Enneagram Type is one of many lenses through which we see challenges. It colors our perspective about what is going on.
I caught myself doing the same thing recently as I looked at my to-do list. I wondered why I can’t seem to get better at time management. I naturally thought that was the problem because that is usually a struggle for me- as a Type 4, prioritizing tasks is difficult.
After this interaction, I turned the tables on myself and asked, “What if it’s not a time management problem?”
In both her case and mine, the problem is with productivity or effectiveness. What if we don’t assume we know what “the why” behind that problem is just yet? How might we see the problem differently if we look through the lens of each Type? Could a novel set of questions lead to a new insight?
Questions each Enneagram Type might ask about productivity:
Type 1: Is there enough clarity around expectations, priorities, and responsibilities?
Type 2: Does the team feel like an empowering place of connection and belonging?
Type 3: Are previous contributions being recognized and affirmed?
Type 4: Are the necessary mundane tasks connected to a deeper purpose and vision?
Type 5: Are people feeling competent and trained for what they are being asked to do?
Type 6: Is there a structure and accountability for how each person’s part is necessary for the whole?
Type 7: What could make our work feel more novel, fun, or interesting?
Type 8: Is there a barrier in the way of forward progress that needs to be removed?
Type 9: Are we seeing the value of people who approach work and tasks in a different way or at a different pace?
The beauty of using Enneagram in this way is that it doesn’t require us to know the Types of everyone we work with. We can use the wisdom of each Type to see a bigger picture. That bigger picture can help all of us, no matter what Type we are.
As I look at my productivity, I see the wisdom of 1, 4, and 7. I need to clarify my priorities, connect them to my deeper purpose, and see if I can find some ways to make the mundane feel more interesting.
What Type are you? Is there another question you would throw into the mix from your perspective?
💛 Stephanie
