Do you ever think about why you react a certain way when change comes your way? There are many reasons for our reactions, but one factor that plays a huge role is personality type. Understanding your personality type can help you better cope with change and hopefully even embrace it.
Focusing on Enneagram types, how does each one deal with change?
1 – Perfectionist/Reformer
Enneagram ones like doing things the right way and believe others should do the same. Change can be difficult for ones, as they appreciate consistency and routine. To react positively to change, ones must see how it’s the right thing to do and how it will contribute to their inherent need for order and structure.
A question ones might ask themselves when encountering change is, Does it make things better?
2 – Helper/Giver
Enneagram twos want to feel accepted and valued in their relationships. They tend to be more open to change if they can see how the change benefits others. Two want to be needed, so they will be excited if they can help initiating the change.
A question twos might ask themselves when encountering change is, Does it help others?
3 – Achiever
Enneagram threes will only fully support change if they know it won’t slow them down in their pursuit of achievement. They will be on board if they see how a change leads to a faster and more efficient approach. Threes can also see change as a challenge, which is a good thing because they love challenges.
A question threes might ask themselves when encountering change is, Does it improve efficiency?
4 – Individualist/Romantic
Enneagram fours will embrace change as long as they see it as meaningful. If they can’t see how a change will make a meaningful difference, it may take time for them to understand and accept it. When fours see that a change will allow them to explore their purpose, discover their significance, or express their individualism, they are all for it.
A question fours might ask themselves when encountering change is, Does it help me gain significance?
5 – Investigator/Observer
Enneagram fives want all the details and reasoning behind a change before they even begin to form an opinion. If the change is logical, they will be on board. If it is not logical (from their perspective), it can be difficult to change their opinion. Other tips to increase the chances of a five accepting a change include: protecting their independence, privacy, territory, and comfort.
A question fives might ask themselves when encountering change is, Does it disturb my space?
6 – Loyalist
Enneagram sixes are pretty well equipped to handle change, as long as there is little ambiguity. Sixes are likely to question change and the reasoning behind it but will be able to handle it once they understand. When sixes feel information is purposely being kept from them, they may withdraw or become defensive. They need time to process and adjust to change, and then will hopefully help get others one board.
A question sixes might ask themselves when encountering change is, What could go wrong?
7 – Enthusiast
Enneagram sevens are the type that loves change the most. They desire a fast-paced and constantly changing environment, becoming energized by change. Because they think optimistically and pursue pleasure, enthusiasts will typically frame any change into a positive situation. The biggest issue comes when change involves processes that require consistency or become drawn out.
A question sevens might ask themselves when encountering change is, Does it bring excitement?
8 – Challenger/Protector
Enneagram eights need to be in charge. If change is brought to them and it isn’t their idea, they will likely have a difficult time embracing it. With change, it is important to get the eights on board before others, giving them a sense of ownership.
A question eights might ask themselves when encountering change is, Does it restrict my independence?
9 – Peacemaker/Mediator
Enneagram nines love consistency and predictability, seeking harmony. Nines will initially be resistant to change, as it usually disrupts their sense of peace. They must understand the reasoning behind a change, how it will bring more stability, and how it will decrease conflict.
A question nines might ask themselves when encountering change is, Does it interrupt my peace of mind?
Change can be uncomfortable and scary to some. It’s important to understand there are unique personality types, and that each type reacts to change differently. Instead of getting upset because people aren’t reacting to change the way they “should”, use your emotional intelligence to better communicate the change, depending on personality types.
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If you want to better understand the personality types within your team, able to embrace change together, chat with a CoreCounts Consultant about our team training!
