E21: The One Thing You're Missing for Better Collaboration

Many people believe that taking a personality test is all they need to understand themselves, but this episode explains why that is only the first step. We are joined by Makayla French and Nicole Koubek, while dressing in Enneagram-themed costumes, to emphasize that self-awareness is the first step to understanding others. The key is to move from simply knowing your type to using that information to become a more effective teammate. This self-work helps you understand your own reactions and thought patterns, which in turn allows you to better navigate the personalities of those around you. The discussion highlights that a team is a puzzle, and when everyone understands their own strengths and challenges, they can better contribute to the overall picture.

We provide practical ways to bridge the gap between different personalities. Makayla suggests focusing on building personal relationships from the start, asking questions about goals and preferences, and even how people like to receive praise. She explains that by being curious first and a "fixer" second, a manager can better support their team. The conversation also explores how to use personality types to create more effective groups. Nicole shares the idea of "pen pals" to help people who may not typically interact to connect and learn each other's strengths. This approach is an effective way to strengthen bonds and improve communication, especially in a remote work environment.

We discuss how the Enneagram can help a team understand how each type shows up at work and how to leverage those differences for better collaboration. For example, a "one" (perfectionist) and a "three" (achiever) can work together to make sure a project is both high-quality and completed on time. We also address the challenge of reading a personality report, as some words can be jarring. Nicole shares her experience with the word "deceitful," clarifying that it doesn't mean being intentionally dishonest, but rather over-promising to an "achiever" mindset. The main idea is that the Enneagram is a guiding tool, not a box, and it helps you understand how you and your teammates can best grow together.