Why Enneagram team building games don’t work

If you’ve ever searched for some team building ideas, you must have come across The Enneagram. Different sources say it can help with virtually anything - from celebrating diversity to building effective communication. 

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In reality, it’s just another variation of personality testing, which, as we’ve written before, doesn’t always make the best team building experience. 

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Here’s why team building activities using Enneagram don’t always work and how you could replace it. 

What is Enneagram? 

The Enneagram is a famous personality typology system. It is based on nine interconnected personality types (where not only a single type matters but also the way it interacts with the other types):

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1. Reformer (perfectionist)
2. Helper (giver)
3. Achiever (performer)
4. Individualist (romantic)
5. Investigator (observer)
6. Loyalist (loyal skeptic)
7. Enthusiast (epicure)
8. Challenger (protector)
9. Peacemaker (mediator) 

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The system helps understand interpersonal dynamics in a workplace better. It actively promotes self-awareness and self-understanding. You get to learn your strengths and weaknesses and how to exercise them in the workplace.

It sounds great, in theory. Unfortunately, when it comes to verified results, many experts agree that the famous Enneagram may be just a bogus personality test now having its moment.

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Why Enneagram for team building doesn’t work

Interestingly, the core problem with Enneagram is directly related to one of the primary drivers of its success. The test presents itself as a mystical knowledge of the past rather than a science-based psychological system. 

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Unlike other famous frameworks for personality typology - Myers-Briggs Personality Tests, Big Five Personality Tests, or DISC - the Enneagram is not based on any psychological theory. 

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Another criticism is that the test scores are based on specific choice options, limiting the participant’s ability to express themselves fully. This is a common issue with different single-option multiple-choice personality tests.

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But what does it have to do with team building? 

Enneagram doesn’t inspire teamwork

The goal of most team building activities is to bring the participants closer together. Taking a personality test at home just to discover that you’re likely to clash with Jean from accounting doesn’t sound like a fun team building event. 

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Yes, it is often framed like a perfect tool for any situation: 

• Appreciate diversity
• Practice leadership
• Build highly productive teams
• Improve communication

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There’s an Enneagram scenario for any team building challenge.

And as we know, when something is good for everything, it’s usually good for nothing.

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14 team building exercises to try instead of the Enneagram 

So, think twice the next time you think the Enneagram might be a solid fix for your team building topic. And, perhaps, go with one of the team building exercises designed specifically for what you want to focus on.

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Enneagram alternatives to promote cultural diversity in a workplace

1. Show and tell the most defining features of all cultures in your team
2. Build your team’s culture map
3. Address cultural stereotypes
4. Communicate the struggles you face because of cultural differences 

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Check this post for more cultural team building activities 

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Enneagram alternatives to improve communication

5. Try these 15-minute team building games before your next meeting
6. Organize a compliment session for your team
7. Have dinner outside of the office and get to know each other better
8. Play (Online) board games 
9. Play “Guess What?” on Gomada - it’s free to try! 

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For more virtual activities, check out these resources:

• Must-have online team building apps
• Fun ideas for online team building
• Best free virtual team building activities to try with your team 

Enneagram alternatives to boost productivity

1. Discuss your work preferences and motivations
2. Hold a retrospective on your cooperation as a team
3. Join a conference or take a skill training
4. Organize a creative brainstorming session
5. Run office Olympics to engage your competitive side

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Enneagram tests and resources

If you’re confident that your team will benefit from some Enneagram-based exercises, here are a couple of verified sources: 

• Everything you need to know about the Enneagram for organizations by The Enneagram in Business
• The Enneagram for the Workplace by Truity
• Enneagram activities for teams by Cloverleaf
• The Enneagram Academy
• The Enneagram Institute

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But we hope you came to this post because, just like us, you suspect the Enneagram’s effectiveness as a team building exercise might be overrated. Do team building that actually matters for your team!