“The Enneagram is an assessment that doesn't just tell you how you behave, but why you behave the way you do. There are nine pure types, and each type has a core motivation that doesn't change because it is foundational to who we are. Other parts of us can change and evolve, but our core motivation does not. It informs how we see the world, how we talk to ourselves and view other people, and what we feel like we need to survive. There are also core instincts, and when you pair an instinct with a type, you get more types. So, technically there are 27 enneagram types. Working with this assessment is not about changing who you are, but learning how to grow and get out of patterns that keep you stuck.”

“The Enneagram doesn't just reveal your type, core motivation, and core instincts, but your way of thinking and feeling. It gives us so much information about your action center and what is going on. What are you struggling with? How can you do things differently to get what you want? We embrace the idea that there is not one way of being or doing, and we can move along a continuum to be adaptable to give ourselves the opportunity to grow.”

“When we’re in autopilot, we don't even realize we're doing the thing that is so ingrained. In the rigid state, we recognize our thoughts and behaviors, but don’t know what to do to change them. The next move is to adaptive, where you are aware of the default things you want to change, and take action. Then, we can move into transformation. We're working our whole life to get to this state. Where we don’t connect with any particular motivation or personality trait, but rather, we’re willing and able to think in a variety of ways, try different things, and adapt our behaviours to respond in ways that serve our goals. We typically move between the different phases.”

“The way we speak to ourselves is one of the first things we have to tackle. To shift out of autopilot, use visual cues to train yourself to check in regularly. Put a Post-It note in your space as a reminder to check in and challenge ingrained thoughts. If the thought is ‘I’m not good enough’, write a note or change your password to ‘I am amazing’. Put an alarm on your phone named ‘I am strong and can handle anything’ until redirecting your thoughts and feelings becomes a habit.”

“To stop negative spiraling, think about the worst case scenario, and talk yourself through what you’re afraid of and what you will do if it happens. It can bring you back to ‘I’m fine.’ Think about the thought and behaviour that keeps you stuck, and then lean into the opposite of that in order to practice leading yourself out of the habits that prevent you from getting what you want.”

“There are interaction styles—how we behave in order to get what we want, and conflict styles—how we behave when we don't get what we want. Being aware of your styles, communicating what you need, and recognizing the styles and needs of others supports better team dynamics and conflict resolution. The most productive conversations involve both people bending a little to meet in the middle.” 

“If you’re afraid of going after what you want, just be willing to try to get it. Start with small, baby steps. If you think you can’t, try to prove yourselves wrong. We are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for. When you do the work, you realize how much potential you actually have.”