Using Enneagram for Team building in the workplace

I’m excited to be here on the Awakening Conscious Leadership Podcast to talk about something I’m truly passionate about - how using the Enneagram for teambuilding in the workplace transforms the way leaders and teams work together. 

As a leadership coach and facilitator at Mojo Coaching and Leadership, I’ve spent over 20 years helping leaders and teams work more effectively together. One of the most powerful tools I use is the Enneagram. The Enneagram is a framework that gets to the why behind behaviour. For teams, that makes it a powerful tool for building trust, collaboration, and long-term effectiveness.

In this conversation we explored how using the Enneagram for teambuilding in the workplace transforms the way leaders and teams work together. Whether you’re a leader or part of a team looking to build stronger relationships, this episode is for you. And if you don’t have time right now, below are five key takeaways.

5 Takeaways from our Discussion on Ennegram and Teams

1. The Enneagram Uncovers Motivation, Not Just Behaviour

Most profiling tools describe what people do. The Enneagram explains why.

  • It reveals core motivations and strengths, as well as blind spots.

  • Teams gain a “shortcut” to understanding each other.

  • Leaders can spot growth paths for themselves and their teams.

This deeper self-awareness makes collaboration more intentional and effective.

2. Agency and Delegation Become Clearer

One of the biggest challenges for leaders is knowing when and how to delegate. Jo explains that the Enneagram helps teams:

  • Recognise each member’s natural strengths

  • Align responsibility with motivation

  • Encourage individuals to take greater ownership

By doing this, teams align better around accountability and results.

3. Building Psychological Safety and Connection

Strong teams do so much more than deliver on tasks. They create an environment where people feel safe to speak up. Using the Enneagram in team settings helps:

  • Normalise different communication styles

  • Reduce conflict by increasing empathy

  • Encourage people to bring their whole personality to work

The result? A culture of openness, inclusivity and trust.

4. Managing Conflict with Understanding, Not Avoidance

Conflict looks different depending on personality type. For example:

  • Type 8s often enjoy robust debate

  • Type 1s prefer clarity and structure

  • Type 6s look for certainty and reassurance

When teams know this, conflict stops being destructive and becomes productive. Leaders learn how to flex their style, and teams stop wasting energy on misunderstandings.

5. Sustainable Conversations That Last Beyond the Workshop

Leadership programmes often spark change in the moment but fade over time. The Enneagram is different:

  • It provides an ongoing framework for reflection

  • Teams can revisit insights as they evolve

  • It encourages long-term growth and adaptability

That makes using the Enneagram for teambuilding in the workplace a sustainable investment in culture and performance.

Final Thoughts on this Conversation about using Enneagram for Teambuilding

Charity leaders, corporate executives, and senior teams alike face the same challenge: creating environments where people feel valued, understood, and able to perform at their best. The Enneagram is one of the most practical and human-centred tools for achieving that.

If your organisation wants to build stronger, more connected teams, see how an Enneagram Coach can help or contact us to book a chat. 

joanna McCarthy