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Personality plays a vital role in communication and our preference on how we prefer to
be communicated with in more ways than we think. A simple example of this is those who are
introverted versus extroverted. Those who classify themselves as introverts may be more closed
off to new conversations and socializing, while extroverts are more open and sociable. These two
traits both can differentiate in communication and preferences of the communication setting.
After reading the Personal Sport Communication chapter in the coursebook and taking
the two Eclectic Energies Enneagram Tests, I have developed a deeper understanding of how
personality traits and communication goes hand and hand. “Despite the distinctions between the
basic forms of communication, there are also strong similarities in the characteristics, practices,
conflicts, and issues involved in all forms of personal communication” (Pedersen, Laucella, Kian
& Geurin, 2020). Based on the first Enneagram test, my personality resides with Enneagram
Type 3, The Achiever, with a 2 wing (1w2). This personality is seen as one who is focused on
success and external validation. This resonates with me as I am always looking to be successful
in all areas I perform in. I find it hard to be satisfied with my work and always looking to do
more. “If a Three has a "good" job and an "attractive" mate, she might be willing, through an act
of self-deception which is also self-betrayal, to ignore the inner promptings which tell her that
neither her job, nor her mate are fulfilling her deeper needs” (Berkers, n.d.).With my desire for
success, I can be more closed off and hard to know. This trait can be viewed as positive or
negative when it comes to communication.
For the Enneagram test with an instinctual variant, my results were Type 1, The
Reformer, with a 2 wing and a self-preservation variant. This personality is the one I truly felt I
resembled the most. Reformers can be seen as perfectionists. Detail-oriented, serious, driven,
hardworking, and independent are all traits that can describe the personality of Type 1. “They are
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natural born organizers, listmakers who finish everything on the list, the last one to leave the
office, the first one to return, industrious, reliable, honest and dutiful” (Berkers, n.d.).After my
time competing in gymnastics, I realized I had a mentality of a perfectionist. The perfectionist
tendencies of Type 1 can stir negative emotions, putting oneself down. Emotions are often
uncomfortable and recognized as lack of control. Having a trait resembling The Reformer can go
a long way in the field of communication, but there are also a few drawbacks in having this
determined, never satisfied personality trait.
On both of the Enneagram Tests I received a 2 wing. Type 2 is known as The Helper.
Based on my results, this personality is known to be selfless and always helping others.
Relationships are very important with Type 2 personalities, as they tend to put others before
themselves. “They are practical people who thrive in the helping professions and who know how
to make a home comfortable and inviting. Helping others makes Twos feel good about
themselves; being needed makes them feel important; being selfless, makes Twos feel virtuous”
(Berkers, n.d.). Although being helpful is a great trait to have for communication, self-sabotage
could occur as well. “The darkest side of the type Two fixation appears when the Two begin to
feel that they will never receive the love they deserve for all of their efforts. Under such
circumstances, they can become hysterical, irrational and even abusive” (Berkers, n.d.).
“
The myriad reasons for which people in the sport industry engage in interpersonal
communication—which can range from conscious and intentional to subconscious and
unintentional—can be reduced to five primary reasons: to relate, to learn, to play, to help, and to
influence” (Pedersen, Laucella, Kian & Geurin, 2020). Those listed reasons are why I love
coaching so much. Whether it is gymnastics, personal training, or swimming, I love being able to
work with both children and adults in these areas, coaching them through achieving their goals. I
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love it best being in a role where I communicate with clients and work independently. “Twos can
mistype themselves if they are not in an obvious helper role in their professional lives; they
might not recognize the extent of their involvement in assisting others” (Berkers, n.d.). I have
coached gymnastics for 10+ years and still love it, as my dream goal is to start my own
gymnastics facility as I aspire to help others. I desire to stay away from group activities, but if
necessary, I am a great team player. I competed in gymnastics and although we went in as a
team, we always competed against each other. I love being able to perform my best and hold
myself accountable for my own actions. My social life is limited, as I am never satisfied with my
work, always finding more to accomplish. This limits my communications business unrelated, as
I may appear introverted.
When relating my personality type with communication, there are quite a few
conclusions you can draw. I have a very strong and determined personality, giving off an
independent and standoffish vibe. When it comes to business, I seem to be an extrovert and open
to communication in a timely manner, if possible. I feel a lot of leaders or higher ups are more
closed off and rarely seen, but always getting the job done, which could resonate with me.
“Because they believe so thoroughly in their convictions, they are often excellent leaders who
can inspire those who follow them with their own vision of excellence” (Berkers, n.d.). In more
ways than we might realize, personality influences communication and how we want to be
communicated with.
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References
Berkers, E. (n.d.). Eclectic energies enneagram tests (free).
https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test
Pedersen, P. M., Laucella, P. C., Kian, E. M., & Geurin, A. N. (2020). Strategic Sport
Communication (3rd ed.). Human Kinetics Publishers.
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781492594505
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