Using the Enneagram to Uncover Your Blindspots in Teaching

If you’ve never been one to dabble in the realm of personality tests or astrology, you’re not alone—I’ve always been a skeptic myself. However, a persuasive friend convinced me to give the Enneagram a shot, and the results left me feeling a bit spooked. Despite my usual indifference to such assessments, the Enneagram managed to pinpoint me as a Type 4 with uncanny accuracy.

As I explored the insights provided for my Enneagram type, I couldn’t help but be taken aback. It was as if this test had uncovered aspects of myself that I hadn’t fully acknowledged—the blind spots that often eluded my attention. The advice provided felt like a revelation, serving as poignant reminders of areas I tended to neglect, especially when stress crept in—a personalized roadmap to guide me back to equilibrium.This got me thinking: what if we applied the Enneagram’s advice to the realm of teaching? Could understanding our Enneagram types help us become more self-aware educators? So, here’s a challenge for you: take the Enneagram test (I used this free test from CrystalKnows), identify your type, and explore the tailored advice below. Just as it provided insights for me, it might offer valuable guidance for you in your teaching journey.

Type 1 – The Reformer:

Advice: Embrace Flexibility in Lesson Plans

Rationale: Balance your commitment to high standards with adaptability. Recognize that unforeseen challenges can arise in the classroom, and flexibility is a key skill in promoting effective learning.

Type 2 – The Helper:

Advice: Set Boundaries for Self-Care

Rationale: While being supportive and caring is essential, remember to prioritize your own well-being. Establish clear boundaries to prevent burnout, ensuring that you can continue to offer genuine help to both students and colleagues.

Type 3 – The Achiever:

Advice: Celebrate Effort and Progress

Rationale: While aiming for excellence, shift the focus from purely achieving outcomes to celebrating the effort and progress of both yourself and your students. Foster a growth mindset that values the journey of learning.

Type 4 – The Individualist:

Advice: Live in the Present, Act in Reality

Rationale: Avoid excessive focus on negative or romanticized scenarios in your imagination. Instead of dwelling on what could be, actively engage in real-life experiences and relationships, finding fulfillment through connection with the present.

Type 5 – The Investigator:

Advice: Share Knowledge and Collaborate

Rationale: While valuing independence and knowledge, recognize the power of collaboration. Share your insights with colleagues and encourage a culture of learning and cooperation, creating a richer educational experience for both you and your students.

Type 6 – The Loyalist:

Advice: Trust Your Abilities and Take Initiative

Rationale: While seeking security and guidance, trust in your own capabilities. Take initiative in decision-making and problem-solving, fostering a sense of empowerment within yourself and providing a model for students to develop their own confidence.

Type 7 – The Enthusiast:

Advice: Focus on Depth Rather Than Constant Novelty

Rationale: While enjoying variety, recognize the value of depth in learning. Instead of constantly seeking new experiences, invest time in exploring topics in greater detail, allowing for a more profound understanding and connection with the material.

Type 8 – The Challenger:

Advice: Foster Empowerment in Others

Rationale: Channel your assertiveness into empowering students and colleagues. Create a classroom culture that encourages individual strength, initiative, and leadership, helping students develop a sense of agency and responsibility.

Type 9 – The Peacemaker:

Advice: Advocate for Your Needs

Rationale: While prioritizing harmony, don’t shy away from advocating for your own needs. Ensure that your voice is heard and your contributions are recognized. By addressing your own well-being, you contribute to a more balanced and harmonious educational environment.

So, what do you think? Did the classroom advice based on your enneagram type resonate? Let us know in the comments section!