Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker in the Workplace

In today's fast-paced, often conflict-ridden business world, the calm, steady presence of Enneagram Type 9 individuals can be a game-changer. Known as "The Peacemaker," Type 9s bring a unique set of skills to the workplace that can foster harmony, mediate conflicts, and create inclusive environments.

For talent acquisition professionals, understanding the nuances of Type 9 personalities is crucial. These individuals often fly under the radar due to their unassuming nature, yet their impact on team dynamics and organizational culture can be profound. In this post, we'll explore the strengths, challenges, and potential of Type 9 employees, providing you with valuable insights to enhance your hiring and management strategies.

Whether you're looking to build more cohesive teams or improve workplace harmony, the insights in this guide will equip you to effectively identify, hire, and leverage the strengths of Type 9 individuals in your organization.

What is Enneagram Type 9?

Enneagram Type 9, often referred to as "The Peacemaker" or "The Mediator," is characterized by a deep desire for inner and outer peace. At their core, Type 9s are motivated by a need to maintain harmony and avoid conflict.

Key Attributes:

1. Empathy: Type 9s have an innate ability to understand and relate to different perspectives.
2. Inclusivity: They strive to create environments where everyone feels heard and valued.
3. Adaptability: Type 9s can easily adapt to various situations and work well with diverse groups.
4. Calm Presence: They bring a sense of stability and tranquility to their surroundings.
5. Supportive Nature: Type 9s excel at supporting others and fostering cooperation.

In the Workplace

Type 9s thrive in environments that value collaboration and consensus-building. A study by the Enneagram in Business found that 14% of surveyed employees identified as Type 9, making it one of the more common types in the workplace. Their ability to see all sides of an issue makes them excellent mediators and team players.

However, their desire for peace can sometimes lead to conflict avoidance and difficulty in asserting their own needs or ideas. A survey by CPP Inc. revealed that employees with Type 9 traits were 30% less likely to voice disagreement in team settings compared to other types.

For talent acquisition professionals, recognizing Type 9s means identifying candidates who can bring a calming influence to high-stress environments and foster inclusive team dynamics. Their presence can be particularly valuable in roles requiring diplomacy, customer service, or cross-functional collaboration.

Enneagram Type 9 Wings

In Enneagram theory, each personality type is influenced by its adjacent types, known as "wings." For Type 9, these wings are Type 8 and Type 1, creating two distinct subtypes: 9w8 and 9w1.

9w8: The Comfort Seeker

The 9w8 combines the peace-seeking nature of Type 9 with some of the assertiveness of Type 8. These individuals tend to be more outgoing and self-confident than typical 9s. In the workplace, 9w8s can be more assertive in pursuing their goals while still maintaining their desire for harmony. They may be better at setting boundaries and speaking up when necessary. A study by The Enneagram in Business found that 9w8 leaders were 20% more likely to take on challenging projects compared to 9w1s.

9w1: The Idealist

The 9w1 blends the harmonizing qualities of Type 9 with the perfectionism and sense of purpose of Type 1. These individuals often have a stronger sense of right and wrong and may be more driven to improve systems and processes. In the workplace, 9w1s tend to be more detail-oriented and may have higher standards for their work. They often excel in roles that require attention to detail and a commitment to quality. Research from a leadership development firm found that 9w1 employees were 15% more likely to volunteer for quality improvement initiatives compared to their 9w8 counterparts.

Enneagram Type 9 Strengths

1. Conflict Resolution: Type 9s excel at mediating disputes and finding common ground. A study by the American Management Association found that teams with strong mediators (a role often naturally filled by Type 9s) reported 50% fewer unresolved conflicts.
2. Inclusive Leadership: Their ability to consider multiple perspectives makes Type 9s naturally inclusive leaders. According to a Deloitte study, inclusive leaders are 17% more likely to report high team performance.
3. Emotional Stability: Type 9s bring a calming presence to high-stress environments. Research in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology indicates that teams with emotionally stable members show 23% higher productivity in high-pressure situations.
4. Adaptability: Their flexible nature allows Type 9s to thrive in changing environments. A LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report found that adaptability is the #1 soft skill companies need most.
5. Team Cohesion: Type 9s foster a sense of unity and belonging. Gallup research shows that teams with a strong sense of unity are 21% more productive.

Enneagram Type 9 Challenges

1. Conflict Avoidance: Type 9s may sidestep necessary confrontations. A CPP Inc. study found that avoiding conflict can cost organizations an average of $359 billion in paid hours annually.
2. Difficulty with Assertiveness: They may struggle to voice their opinions or needs. A survey by VitalSmarts revealed that 72% of employees fail to speak up when they have concerns, potentially leading to decreased productivity and engagement.
3. Procrastination: Type 9s might delay decisions or actions to maintain peace. The Procrastination Research Group at Carleton University found that procrastination can reduce workplace productivity by up to 20%.
4. Over-Accommodation: In their desire to maintain harmony, Type 9s may over-compromise. A study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that excessive accommodation can lead to decreased job satisfaction and burnout.
5. Difficulty with Prioritization: Type 9s may struggle to differentiate between urgent and non-urgent tasks. The Harvard Business Review reports that poor prioritization can reduce a manager's productivity by 40%.

Balancing Type 9 Strengths and Challenges: A Strategic Approach

1. Harnessing Conflict Resolution Skills: While Encouraging Healthy Confrontation Strategy: Implement a "Constructive Disagreement" policy, where Type 9s lead structured debates on important issues. Result: A study by the Harvard Business Review found that teams practicing constructive conflict were 20% more likely to find innovative solutions.
2. Leveraging Inclusive Leadership: While Promoting Self-Advocacy Strategy: Pair Type 9 leaders with assertiveness training programs. Result: Research from the Center for Creative Leadership shows that leaders who balance inclusivity with assertiveness see a 25% increase in team performance.
3. Utilizing Emotional Stability: While Encouraging Action Strategy: Implement decision-making frameworks that capitalize on Type 9s' ability to remain calm under pressure while providing clear action steps. Result: A McKinsey study found that companies with robust decision-making processes are 6 times more likely to make good decisions quickly.
4. Capitalizing on Adaptability: While Setting Clear Goals Strategy: Use Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to provide Type 9s with clear targets while allowing flexibility in approach. Result: According to a survey by Ally.io, companies using OKRs report a 22% increase in achieving their goals.
5. Fostering Team Cohesion: While Maintaining Individual Accountability Strategy: Implement peer recognition programs led by Type 9s, combined with individual performance metrics. Result: A Globoforce study found that peer recognition programs can increase individual performance by up to 14%.

By implementing these strategies, organizations can leverage the unique strengths of Type 9 individuals while addressing their potential challenges, creating a more balanced and effective work environment.

Ideal Careers for Type 9s

1. Human Resources Professional:
   Type 9s excel in roles that require understanding different perspectives and mediating conflicts. The Society for Human Resource Management reports that HR professionals with strong mediation skills can reduce workplace conflicts by up to 50%.
2. Counselor or Therapist:
   Their empathetic nature and ability to create a calm environment make Type 9s excellent in therapeutic roles. According to the American Psychological Association, therapists with high empathy scores have 30% better patient outcomes.
3. Diplomat or International Relations Specialist:
   Type 9s' skill in finding common ground is invaluable in diplomatic roles. A study by the U.S. Institute of Peace found that diplomats with strong mediation skills were 40% more likely to achieve successful negotiations.
4. Project Manager:
   Their ability to balance different needs and maintain team harmony makes Type 9s effective project managers. The Project Management Institute reports that projects led by managers with strong interpersonal skills are 30% more likely to meet their goals.
5. Customer Service Representative:
   Type 9s' calm demeanor and ability to see multiple perspectives are assets in customer service. A study by Salesforce found that customer service reps with high empathy scores achieve 17% higher customer satisfaction rates.
6. Teacher or Educational Administrator:
   Their inclusive nature and ability to create harmonious environments make Type 9s excellent educators. Research in the Journal of Educational Psychology shows that teachers who create inclusive classrooms see a 25% increase in student engagement.
7. Non-Profit Coordinator:
   Type 9s' desire to create positive change aligns well with non-profit work. According to a survey by Nonprofit HR, organizations with highly engaged employees (a strength of Type 9 leaders) are 22% more likely to achieve their mission.
8. Environmental Scientist:
   Their ability to see interconnections and desire for harmony extends well to environmental work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 8% growth in this field, faster than average, indicating increasing opportunities.
9. Mediator or Arbitrator:
   This role directly utilizes Type 9s' natural strengths. The American Bar Association reports that cases settled through mediation have a 65% higher compliance rate than those resolved through litigation.
10. UX Designer:
    Type 9s' ability to understand various user perspectives is valuable in UX design. A report by Forrester Research found that a well-designed user interface could raise a website's conversion rate by up to 200%.

Managing and Retaining Type 9s

1. Provide a Structured Feedback System:
   This addresses the core Type 9 challenge of self-assertion and communication. Regular, structured opportunities for feedback can significantly improve their engagement and job satisfaction.
2. Implement a 'No Interruption' Policy in Meetings:
   This directly tackles the Type 9 tendency to withdraw in group settings and encourages their participation, potentially leading to more diverse input and better decision-making.
3. Assign Mediation Roles:
   Leveraging their natural strengths in this way not only benefits the organization but also increases Type 9s' sense of value and job satisfaction.
4. Offer Flexibility in Decision Making:
   This approach respects their need for harmony while encouraging decisiveness, addressing a key challenge for Type 9s in the workplace.
5. Recognize Behind-the-Scenes Contributions:
   Given Type 9s' tendency to work quietly and efficiently without drawing attention, this recognition can be crucial for their motivation and retention.

By implementing these strategies, organizations can create an environment where Type 9 employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to contribute their unique strengths to the workplace.

Key Takeaways for Talent Acquisition Professionals:

1. Recognize the Quiet Strength: While Type 9s may not be the loudest voices in the room, their impact on team dynamics and organizational culture can be profound.
2. Value Peacemaking Skills: In an era where workplace conflict costs U.S. companies an estimated $359 billion annually (CPP Inc.), the conflict resolution abilities of Type 9s are more valuable than ever.
3. Foster Inclusive Environments: Type 9s' natural inclusivity aligns with the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Deloitte research shows that inclusive organizations are 2x more likely to meet or exceed financial targets.
4. Balance Strengths and Challenges: Implement strategies that leverage Type 9s' strengths while addressing potential challenges like conflict avoidance and difficulty with assertiveness.
5. Strategic Placement: Consider roles that allow Type 9s to utilize their mediating and harmonizing skills, such as HR, project management, or customer service positions.

The Impact of Effective Type 9 Integration:

Organizations that successfully integrate and manage Type 9 employees often see significant benefits. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that companies with strong conflict management processes (a natural strength of Type 9s) see a 50-80% reduction in litigation costs.

Conclusion

As we've explored throughout this article, Enneagram Type 9 individuals bring a unique and valuable set of traits to the workplace. Their natural ability to create harmony, mediate conflicts, and foster inclusive environments can be a powerful asset in today's diverse and often turbulent business world. Using an enneagram test in your hiring process, can help you understand the natural strengths of your potential hires.

As workplaces become increasingly diverse and interconnected, the qualities embodied by Type 9s - empathy, inclusivity, and the ability to find common ground - are becoming increasingly valuable. By understanding and nurturing these traits, talent acquisition professionals can play a crucial role in building harmonious, adaptable organizations ready to face future challenges.