When you discuss Enneagram types at work, you open up the possibility for empathy, compassion, and understanding. A team that works well together performs better, improves communication, and enjoys more purpose-filled work.
Type 2: The Helper
Motivated by the need to be helpful toward others. Attentive, appreciative, generous, warm, playful, and nurturing. Makes others feel special and loved. Often prefers to work with people. Usually has a large circle of acquaintances and tends to label people as their “friends” very quickly. Guards relationships fiercely. The consummate team player always opting for self-sacrifice over self-promotion and happy to take on extra work when others are overloaded or in a jam.
They are positive, people-oriented individuals invested in the feelings and needs of others. Twos are motivated by being needed and fear feeling rejected by others.
This type demonstrates caring and thoughtful behavior and makes it a point to be there whenever you need them. Twos are terrific in roles that require strong people skills, anticipating the needs of others, and social interaction. A type Two’s strength can also surface as a weakness. Twos may lack boundaries, losing sight of their ideas, needs, and priorities with lower self-awareness.
They are consummate team players, always opting for self-sacrifice over self-promotion and happy to take on extra work when others are overloaded or in a jam. Twos are attentive, appreciative, generous, warm, playful, and nurturing. They usually have a large circle of acquaintances and fiercely guard relationships.
Wings
1: The Reformer: The One wing can balance the tendency to be overly accommodating and deferential with a greater sense of objectivity and clearer boundaries. On the downside, it can also lead to increased self-criticism, judgment, and guilt as well as decreased trust in others.
3: The Achiever: The Three wing can balance the tendency to become overly deferential with a greater sense of self-confidence and the ability to adapt to whatever the situation demands. On the downside, it can also lead to increased image consciousness and unhealthy competition.
Growth
4: The Originalist: Engages in self-care, often by saying “no” or by engaging in creative expression that brings joy and fulfillment and a deeper sense of self-worth. Becomes okay with experiencing negative feelings such as anger or loneliness like healthy Fours. When Twos feel secure, they are more transparent and exhibit creative potential. They can feel and express their full range of emotions responsibly.
Stress
8: The Challenger: Can become controlling, overly demanding, and even demeaning by moving toward the negative qualities of Eights. Stops focusing on helping others and instead on garnering recognition for contributions and past achievements. May manipulate in order to take charge of the situation. Stress causes Twos to become aggressive (especially when they don’t feel appreciated), resulting in attempting to blame or control others.
Communication Style
Relational, caring, demonstrative, and supportive. The perceived health of their relationships influences how they communicate with others. They prioritize expressing care and are grateful when others do the same; a thank you can go a long way.
Your work habits and communication strategies depend primarily on fear and internal motivations. When you identify these in yourself and others, you will have better self-awareness and a heightened appreciation for teamwork.
For more help with Cloverleaf, check out these articles:
What is the Enneagram?
My Assessments
Heart Triad: Types 2, 3, and 4