The Enneagram Types at work. Type 1

​​Enneagram
Type One at Work
The Perfectionist

Worldview
The world needs perfecting
Core Fear
Being corrupt
or flawed
Core Desire
Being good
and right
Core Weakness
Anger
(resentment)
Core Virtue
The world needs perfecting
Worldview
Type Ones, typically referred to as "The Perfectionist," are motivated, focused, and strive to make the world a better place. They have a keen eye for what could be improved and a strong sense of responsibility to make things right. They are driven by a desire for order, efficiency, and ethical behavior. The world, in their view, is full of potential, but it also has many shortcomings that need to be addressed.
Core Fear
Type Ones harbor a deep-seated fear of being corrupt or flawed. This fear often manifests as a relentless pursuit of perfection, as they strive to avoid making mistakes or falling short of their high standards. They may be harshly critical of themselves and others, driven by a constant need to improve.
Core Desire
Counterbalancing this fear is the core desire to be good and right. Type Ones yearn for inner integrity and moral correctness. They seek to live up to their own ethical code and contribute positively to the world around them.
Core Weakness
The core weakness of a Type One is anger. This might surprise some, as Type Ones often appear calm and collected. However, beneath the surface, they may experience frustration and irritation when things don't align with their ideals. This anger can be directed inward as self-criticism or outward as impatience with others.
Core Virtue
The virtue associated with Type One is serenity. By cultivating serenity, Type Ones can learn to accept imperfections, both in themselves and others. This allows for greater peace of mind and a more balanced perspective.

Workplace strengths and weaknesses of the Type One

Enneagram One Strengths

Type One brings a unique set of core values to the workplace. Their strong sense of responsibility and dedication make them reliable and dependable colleagues. They are often referred to as the "Perfectionist" because they’re highly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.

Type Ones are also known for their strong ethical compass and commitment to fairness in pursuit to improve the world. They can be excellent problem-solvers, able to identify issues and implement solutions effectively. They have a strong sense of right and wrong and their idealistic nature often drives them to strive for excellence in everything they do.
Enneagram One Weaknesses

Type Ones, while possessing many positive personality traits, can also experience challenges in the workplace. Their perfectionism, while beneficial in some respects, can manifest as an inability to delegate tasks, a fear of making mistakes, and excessive self-criticism. Their high standards often lead to a critical nature, which can strain relationships and to a certain degree jeopardize collaboration and teamwork. Additionally, Type Ones may struggle with rigidity and an intolerance for imperfection, hindering their adaptability in dynamic work environments.
Type One

The Perfectionist
Strengths
Weaknesses
Responsible
Inability to Delegate
High Standards
Overly Critical
Organized
Rigid
Detail-Oriented
Fear of Making Mistakes
Accurate
Intolerance for Imperfection
Achievement
They strive for excellence in their work and personal life.
Recognition
While not their primary motivator, positive feedback for their efforts can be rewarding.
Improvement
They are constantly seeking ways to enhance systems, processes, and themselves.
Making a difference
Contributing to a greater good is a powerful motivator for Type Ones.          

What motivates Enneagram Ones
at work

Type Ones are primarily driven by their innate desire to be good and right. This strong sense of morality fuels their commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Achievement, improvement, and recognition also motivate them, but their core drive lies in contributing to the greater good.

Signs of burnout for the Enneagram One

Type Ones, with their high standards and relentless pursuit of perfection, are particularly susceptible to burnout. Common signs include increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, physical exhaustion, and a sense of overwhelming responsibility. They may become overly critical of themselves and others, and their typically optimistic outlook may dim. Additionally, Type Ones experiencing burnout might withdraw socially, neglect self-care, and find it increasingly difficult to meet their own high expectations.
Type One

The Perfectionist
Signs of burnout
physical exhaustion
increased irritability
difficulty concentrating
sense of overwhelming responsibility
neglect self-care
Remember, not everyone shares your intense internal critic.

Workplace advice for Enneagram Ones

Type Ones can thrive in the workplace by focusing on balance and self-care. It's essential to learn to delegate tasks, set realistic expectations, and prioritize self-compassion. Practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques can help mitigate the effects of perfectionism. Building strong relationships with colleagues can provide support and perspective. Additionally, if there’s an opportunity to create an environment of growth and development, it can help maintain job satisfaction and prevent stagnation.

Remember, not everyone shares your intense internal critic. Practice being open to multiple approaches, instead of insisting on your approach as the only "right" approach. Your focus is often on what needs to be fixed because of the strong sense of justice you have. However, sometimes you overlook what's going right. Celebrate successes and appreciate the contributions of others. By doing so, you'll foster stronger relationships and create a more positive work environment.

Create a supportive environment by:
Encouraging open communication
Create a safe space for Type Ones to express their feelings and concerns.
Offering flexibility
Understand that Type Ones may need adjustments in workload or deadlines at times.
Providing reassurance
Remind them of their value and that everyone makes mistakes.
Setting clear expectations
Help Type Ones prioritize tasks and avoid overwhelm.
Celebrating successes
Acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the team.

How to support Enneagram Ones
at work

Supporting a Type One colleague involves understanding their strengths and challenges. Appreciate their dedication, high standards, and their extraordinary ability to solve complex problems. Recognize their contributions to the team and offer specific praise.

Best careers & roles for Enneagram Type Ones

Type Ones, with their strong sense of responsibility, ethics, and desire for improvement, excel in roles that allow them to make a positive impact.
Some ideal career paths include:
Law & Justice
Lawyers, judges, and human rights advocates often find fulfillment in these roles, where they can fight for justice and equality and uphold ethical standards.
Government
& Public Service
Roles in government, policy-making, or social work align with the Type One’s desire to create positive change.
Education
Teachers, professors, and counselors can leverage their passion for improvement to inspire and guide others.
Healthcare
Doctors, nurses, and therapists can channel their desire to help others into making a difference in people's lives.
Technology
Software engineers and quality assurance specialists can contribute to innovation while maintaining high standards.
Business & Finance
Accountants, auditors, and financial analysts can utilize their attention to detail and analytical skills in these fields.

Famous Enneagram Type Ones

Type Ones are often found in leadership positions due to their strong sense of responsibility and ethics. Some well-known figures who are often considered Type Ones include:
  • Historical figures: Apostle Paul, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela
  • Famous figures: Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Matt Damon
  • Fictional figures: Hermione Granger (Harry Potter), Captain America (Marvel), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins)

Remember, while Enneagram types offer a framework for self-awareness, each individual is unique.

Understanding your Enneagram type can provide valuable insights into your motivations, strengths, and challenges. By recognizing the specific characteristics of Type One, you can harness your potential and develop strategies to overcome obstacles.
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