How Does The Enneagram Shape How I Deal With Others?

There’s been much said on my platform, and many others, in support and in opposition to the Enneagram for a variety of reasons. As I have stated previously and will continue to state, the Enneagram is just a tool, nothing more, nothing less.

But this tool can be very useful in the hands of someone with great or growing empathy. Where other personality tests and profiles address a person's behavior, the Enneagram focuses more on a person's motive, or, core desires.

When we know, understand, and care about each other’s core desires, we tend to have more empathy for each other.

For example, if I know my wife’s core desire as an Enneagram One is to be seen as a good person, then its easy for me to show grace, mercy, and empathy, when all I want to do is break the rules and all she wants to do is the opposite. It’s not about her behavior, it’s about her core desire, and as her husband, I care deeply about that desire and want to support it in a healthy way as much as possible.

So you see, knowing this information this Enneagram dialogue goes a long way in the health of your relationships and how you deal with others.

How else have you seen the Enneagram help you deal with another person unlike you?