The Enneagram Types at work. Type 2

​​Enneagram
Type Two at Work The Helper

Worldview
The world is full of people who need my care and support
Core Fear
Being unwanted or unloved
Core Desire
Being loved
and appreciated
Core Weakness
Pride
Core Virtue
Humility
Worldview
Type Twos, often referred to as “The Helper”, typically see the world as a place full of people who need their care and support. They often focus on the needs of others, sometimes at the expense of their own. Their worldview is centered around connection, empathy, and service. The Type Two is kind, warm, emotional, caring, and energized by feeling loved.
Core Fear
Enneagram Twos have a deep-seated fear of being unwanted or unloved. They often believe their worth is determined by how much they do for others. This basic fear of being unwanted can lead to a constant need for validation and approval.
Core Desire
Type Twos have a strong desire to be loved, needed and appreciated. They seek deep connections with others and find fulfillment in helping and nurturing those around them. This basic desire to be needed can sometimes overshadow their own needs and desires.
Core Weakness
The Type Two’s weakness is pride. This manifests in a subtle yet powerful way, often disguised as humility. They are more than happy to focus on the needs of others, but discount their own, resulting in a vicious cycle of wanting to be loved and appreciated while simultaneously pushing away support.
Core Virtue
The Type Two’s virtue is humility. By cultivating humility, Type Twos can learn to value themselves independently of their actions for others. This allows for healthier relationships and a greater sense of inner peace. Humility also empowers Type Twos to receive love and support without feeling selfish, fostering a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Workplace strengths and weaknesses of the Type Two

Enneagram Two Strengths

Type Twos are invaluable assets in any workplace due to their natural inclination to nurture and support others. Their strengths often include empathy and compassion, strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, problem-solving, loyalty and dedication. Their ability to understand and respond to the needs of others makes them excellent collaborators and team players. They are good at making others feel appreciated.

Type Twos are also highly skilled at building rapport and connecting with people. Twos are keen on befriending new people, which fosters a positive and productive work environment.  They are creative problem solvers who are always looking for ways to encourage those around them. They are deeply committed to their teams and organizations, and they are always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.
Enneagram Two Weaknesses

While Type Twos are undeniably valuable assets in the workplace, their focus on others can sometimes create challenges. People-pleasing tendencies might lead to neglecting personal needs and burnout. Difficulty in setting healthy boundaries can result in feeling overwhelmed and resentful. Additionally, They may struggle with accepting help, being easily offended, relying too heavily on external validation, or unintentionally manipulating situations to fulfill their desire to be needed.
Type Two
The Helper
Strengths
Weaknesses
Team Player
People-Pleasing
Compassionate
Difficulty Setting Boundaries
Sacrificial
Inability to Receive Help
Strong Interpersonal Skills
Needs for Approval for Self-Worth
Helpful
Invasive
Making a difference
Type Twos are driven by the impact they can make on others' lives.
Connection
Building and maintaining strong relationships is a core motivator.
Appreciation
Feeling valued and needed reinforces their sense of self-worth.
Helping others
The intrinsic reward of supporting others is a powerful motivator.

What motivates 
Enneagram Twos
at work

Type Twos stay motivated by their desire to be loved and appreciated. They find fulfillment in helping others and building strong relationships. Their motivation often stems from a desire to make a difference in the lives of others, build strong connections, feel valued and appreciated, and experience the intrinsic reward of helping those around them. While external validation is important, their deepest motivation in the work environment often comes from the satisfaction of making a positive impact on those around them.

Signs of burnout for the Enneagram Two

Type Twos, with their focus on others, are particularly prone to burnout. Signs often include feeling overwhelmed, resentful, and emotionally drained. They may experience physical symptoms like fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, Type Twos might isolate themselves, sacrifice their personal growth, neglect their own needs, and struggle to set boundaries. A decline in empathy for others can also be a red flag, as it's a core part of their personality.
Type Two

The Helper
Signs of burnout
feeling overwhelmed
feeling resentful
feeling emotionally drained
fatigue
neglecting needs
Remember, not everyone is as emotionally intuitive as you are!

Workplace advice for Enneagram Twos

Type Twos can thrive in the workplace by focusing on self-care and setting boundaries. It's essential to prioritize personal needs without feeling guilty. Learning to say "no" is crucial to prevent burnout. Building a strong support system can help alleviate feelings of isolation. Finding ways to recharge and practice self-compassion is vital.

Remember, not everyone is as emotionally intuitive as you are! Twos tend to think everyone can anticipate the needs of others, but that is a unique superpower of yours. While you can intuitively know what someone else needs, others do not have that gift. Therefore, you need to practice asking for what you need, instead of expecting people to read your mind.

Create a supportive environment by:
Appreciate their efforts
Genuinely acknowledge and express gratitude for their contributions to the team.
Encourage self-care
Remind them of the importance of taking breaks and prioritizing their own needs.
Set clear boundaries
Help them establish limits and expectations to prevent burnout.
Offer specific praise
Provide concrete examples of their strengths and accomplishments.
Create a supportive environment
Foster a culture of open communication and mutual respect.

How to support 
Enneagram Twos
at work

Supporting Type Two involves recognizing their strengths and understanding their challenges. Appreciate their empathy, compassion, and dedication to the team. Be mindful of their tendency to over-extend themselves, and gently remind them that it's okay to say "no." 

Best careers & roles 
for Enneagram 
Type Twos

Type Twos thrive in roles that allow them to help and nurture others.
Here are some potential career paths:
Education
Teachers, counselors, and special education specialists can leverage their empathy and compassion.
Healthcare
Nurses, therapists, social workers, and counselors often find fulfillment in these helping professions.
Human Services
Social work, child welfare, and non-profit organizations offer opportunities to make a difference.
Customer Service
Roles in customer service, hospitality, and sales allow Type Twos to build relationships and help others.
Human Resources
HR professionals can utilize their interpersonal skills to support employees.
Ministry or Religious Work
Helping others find spiritual guidance and support aligns with Type Two values.

Famous Enneagram Type Twos

Type Twos exemplify empathy, selflessness, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. Some well-known figures who are often considered Type Twos include:
  • Historical figures: Maya Angelou, Princess Diana, and Mr. Rogers are often cited as examples of Type Twos
  • Famous figures:  Terry Crews, Dolly Parton, Jessica Alba
  • Fictional figures: Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings), Leslie Higgins (Ted Lasso), Mrs Weasley (Harry Potter), Ophelia (Hamlet), Beverly Crusher (Star Trek) 

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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