How I Use The Enneagram in My Coaching

As a coach, I use the Enneagram as a tool to work with my clients.  I’ve found that knowing someone’s Enneagram number gives me a roadmap to efficiently hone in on the person I am working with and gives me instant insight into areas where they may be stuck.  The Enneagram is not a standard personality test, it’s a tool for self-awareness, helping you understand not only who you are but why you do what you do. It consists of nine types based on core motivations and fears. Unlike your standard personality test, this one digs deeper into what’s running the show behind the scenes of your life.

A way to think about it is as if your personality is an iceberg.  Most tests tell you about the part sticking out of the water, your behavior. The Enneagram reveals the giant chunk underneath, the subconscious fears and desires driving your every move. The precise area that keeps people stuck in a cycle of thoughts and behavior that get in their way of growth and change. It’s a model of the human psyche that reveals our strengths, but also reveals our blind spots. Each type has its own “stuck points,” those unconscious patterns that keep us from moving forward. For example, Type 4’s might get stuck in melancholy, feeling like they’re missing something essential in life. Type 6’s can be paralyzed by fear and indecision, always waiting for certainty before taking action. As a coach, I can utilize this awareness to help clients recognize these patterns and shift them.

A Quick Look at the Nine Types

The Reformer (Type 1) – Principled, disciplined, and driven by a need for perfection. They thrive with structure but can struggle with self-criticism.  They have relentless high standards and an inner critic that never takes a day off. Might need to ease up on self-criticism and embrace progress over perfection.

The Helper (Type 2) – Warm, generous, and always putting others first. Their challenge is learning to prioritize their own needs.  They love taking care of people, sometimes at their own expense. Might need encouragement to set boundaries and prioritize self-care without guilt.

The Achiever (Type 3) – Motivated, success-oriented, and goal-driven. They need to balance achievement with authenticity. Success is their love language, but so is looking like they’ve got it all together, even when they don’t. Might need to align their goals with their true values, not just external validation.

The Individualist (Type 4) – Deep, creative, and emotionally rich. They can sometimes get stuck in their feelings and need help taking action. They feel all the feelings. All. The. Feelings. The work is to shift from dwelling in emotions to taking inspired action.

The Investigator (Type 5) – Analytical, observant, and independent. Their growth comes from stepping out of their heads and engaging with the world. They’re the friend who wanders off in the middle of the party to investigate if the owners sump pump is working properly. Alone time is their happy place.  Might need support in stepping outside their comfort zone and engaging with others.

The Loyalist (Type 6) – Responsible, security-driven, and highly aware of potential risks. Learning to trust themselves and embrace uncertainty is key.  They’re the human embodiment of What if…? but also the most dependable person in a crisis.  The work is to build self-trust and take action even when they feel uncertain.

The Enthusiast (Type 7) – Fun-loving, spontaneous, and always looking for the next adventure. They benefit from slowing down and being present. They’re fun. Maybe too fun. Might need to focus on long-term fulfillment instead of short-term excitement.

The Challenger (Type 8) – Strong, assertive, and protective. They need to soften, allow vulnerability, and trust others more. They’re intense, but if you look closely it’s because they care. A lot. The work is in using their strength for positive leadership and to lean into vulnerability.

The Peacemaker (Type 9) – Easygoing, adaptable, and conflict-averse. Their growth comes from speaking up and asserting their needs. They just want everyone to get along. Is that too much to ask? Might need to take decisive action and assert their needs confidently.

Personal development is about becoming more fully yourself. The Enneagram shows you what you’ve been up to and points to where you can grow.  The system provides deep insights that can transform the way you approach life.  When you understand your type, you can start seeing your default patterns more clearly. You can begin to recognize when you’re operating on autopilot and can make conscious choices instead. For example, a Type 3 client who is always striving for the next big achievement might start to realize that they can belong just by being present with others, not through their accomplishments. A Type 9 who avoids conflict might be able to start setting boundaries and expressing their true desires.

The Enneagram also helps with goal-setting. A lot of people struggle with motivation because they set goals based on what they think they “should” do rather than what actually lights them up. When I help clients align their goals with their core motivations, it can feel more natural to take aligned action from a place where you can be confident it will have the most impact.

My favorite aspect of the Enneagram is that once you understand your type, it can open up a whole new compassionate view of your life.  When I discovered I’m a type 4, it helped me lean in to my ability to hold space for all the emotions, especially the hard ones.  And it was particularly helpful in being a parent.  Instead of comparing myself to all the moms, I see how I perfectly fit in with type 4 moms, and all of the beautiful ways we show up for our children. It helps you give yourself a little grace, and I’ve found it extends to giving grace to the people around you, too.  It’s like a secret decoder ring for understanding people and yourself.