Personality Theory

5.3 Assignment. Assessing Your Personality Type Using the Enneagram Personality Test

Getting Started

One of the most popular ways to understand personality is to cluster personality traits into types. We then use the type classification as a quick way to describe a person. For example, a person who exhibits traits such as outgoing, gregarious, fun-loving, etc. might be called an extrovert or someone with a sanguine personality. Some theorists have gotten creative and associated certain personality traits with the temperament of animals. For example, a person who tends to be overbearing or bossy might be characterized as a lion type of personality, while a person who is sensitive and calm might be characterized as being more of a golden retriever.

While there are many variations of these personality types, one personality assessment in particular has gotten a lot of positive attention in recent years. It’s called the Enneagram of Personality. The Enneagram divides personality into nine separate types. These types are distinct from one another in their attributes, but the assessment describes how different types connect well with other types and explains the potential problems that might arise between types. The nine types can be seen in their context in a simple graphic, which you will see when taking the assessment. The graphic is a geometric configuration that shows the interactivity between types. Many who have taken the Enneagram of Personality Test marvel at how accurate it tends to be in bringing out attributes of their personality while helping them see why they get along with some people and not so well with others. This assessment has frequently been used in the business environment to help those in the workplace get along better and be more productive.

In this assignment, you have the opportunity to take the Enneagram of Personality Test. It will provide you with detailed feedback immediately upon completing the assessment. But you will also need to elicit the help of another person to complete the written portion of the assignment. Ask someone you feel close to (spouse, romantic partner, friend, or family member) to also take the assessment (it’s free). Based on the feedback you both receive, you will be able to assess the compatibility between your two types; the areas that bring you together as well as potential trouble spots. This awareness can be helpful in appreciating each person’s strengths and will offer insight into how to manage conflict. When you have completed these steps, you will be ready to write up your findings in the paper that is assigned.

In your paper, you will be analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of your profile and how these attributes enhance or detract from your personal and workplace relationships.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Analyze the results of an online personality assessment as it pertains to the workplace and relationships.

Resources

· Textbook:  Personality Psychology: Understanding Yourself and Others

· Article: "An evangelicals guide to the Enneagram"

· Website: Enneagram Profiles

· Website: Enneagram Personality Test

Background Information

Before you take the Enneagram Personality Test, please do the following tasks in the order they are listed to get the most benefit from this assignment. First, read Chapter 13 in your textbook and recruit a person with whom you have a good relationship to take the Enneagram Personality Test. Then, take the assessment yourself. While the other person is taking their assessment, take your results and read the information about the Enneagram type descriptions on the Enneagrams Profiles page. It’s fine that you focus exclusively on the type that applies to you. Then read the article, “ An Evangelical’s Guide to Enneagram .” Gather the results from the other person’s assessment. Finally, go back to the Enneagram Profiles site, find the heading “Compatibility of Other Types” and compare your profile details with the person you asked to also take the assessment. With all this information in hand, you are now ready to do the written portion of the assignment.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Read Chapter 13 in your textbook.

3. Ask someone you feel close to (spouse, romantic partner, friend, or family member) to take the Enneagram test (this will allow you to compare results).

4. Review the  Enneagram Personality Test .

5. Read about the nine Enneagram type descriptions on the  Enneagram Profiles  website.

6. Read the article, " An evangelical's guide to Enneagram ."

7. Compare the results of the two profiles under the heading, “Compatibility of Other Types” on the Enneagram Profiles page.

8. Write a four- to five-page paper that addresses the following:

a. Summarize the results of your Enneagram Personality Test by indicating the name and number associated with your profile result along with a description of the primary characteristics of that profile.

b. What are the main strengths of this profile and how might they be used effectively in a work environment?

c. What are the potential weaknesses of this profile and how might they be a hindrance to you in a work environment?

d. In reading through the specific profile details, notice the heading, “Compatibility of Other Types.”

i. Choose the profile number of the person close to you who also took the test.

ii. Summarize the issues that foster compatibility between you and this person.

iii. Summarize the potential trouble spots you might experience.

e. Based on this summary of compatibility, identify one way you could enhance the relationship and avoid the negative outcome(s).