Few people are not interested in personality, and more particularly their own! And usually, the interest is pure. Of course, some are more cautious than others, but the participant in a workshop on personality typologies has a real interest. It is the best ingredient for collective learning in workshops. 

Why do managers care about personalities? A lot of people are curious. Probably also, personality is the source of the greatest challenges in everyone’s daily life. And people want to find solutions to their challenges: relationship with children, difficulty with the partner, too high expectations of the boss, disappointment with the colleague, too much investment in work… Personality is present at all times and makes what people are. And personality is even enhanced under stress. Some call it the ego that often limits the expansion of managers at work or at home!  

In any case, people may complain about external factors, but they know that they are partly responsible or that they could do something about their challenge. 

« If we struggle to understand ourselves and others, it is because of our thinking habits that blind us to the points of view of others. » 

Understanding each other’s spontaneous attitude is key to the team’s success. Learning the reactivity of others actually enhances individual performance and broadens the spectrum of team opportunities. Besides, it’s fun. 

As long as I stick to the sole idea that, say, efficiency or knowledge is the only criterion at work, I will not tolerate people whose driving force is say, originality, pleasure or strength. Once I have discovered what glasses other people wear, it is only then that I will be able to adjust mine if necessary and start developing new ones for myself.  

Among many tools, Enneagram is a new personality model that is very interesting for the success of teams in today’s organizations. The model is simple, fun, neutral and quickly operational while being refined and complex. HPEI is the only Enneagram Personality Indicator in the world that is supported by a 7-year research program and validated by a scientific committee of the UCL University in Belgium.  

The originality of Enneagram comes from its double powerful aspect. It is articulated by: 

• Our instinctive predominance, which identifies our core values and the focus of our attention, and 
• Our preferred strategy, one of nine basic approaches to satisfying these values. 

Another advantage is that the model is not behavioural like other traditional typologies. Enneagram goes further into the person’s instincts. Enneagram is a model that touches the essence and vital energy of managers.  

Organizations need to work tirelessly on HR motivation and engagement. They must also address new psychosocial risks such as prevention of burnout.  

In fact, motivation directly involves the person’s vital energy at work. 

 Pascal Ledouble
Consultant & Coach