The Enneagram Types at work. Type 3

​​Enneagram
Type Three at Work The Achiever

Worldview
The world is a place the values winners and achievers
Core Fear
Being worthless or a failure
Core Desire
Being successful or admired
Core Weakness
Deceit
Core Virtue
Authenticity
Worldview
Type Threes, often referred to as "The Achiever," are driven, ambitious individuals with a strong desire for success. They are typically charismatic, able to adapt to any situation, and highly driven. They are often focused on goals, achievements, and maintaining a positive image, and they see the world as a place full of opportunities to be seized and challenges to be conquered.
Core Fear
Type Threes harbor a deep-seated fear of being worthless, insignificant or a failure. They often believe their value is directly tied to their accomplishments and external validation. The fear of failure can drive them to work excessively, striving for perfection to avoid being perceived negatively or feeling inadequate or incompetent.
Core Desire
The core desire of Type Three is to be successful and admired. They seek recognition and appreciation for their achievements. This desire fuels their ambition and drive, pushing them to excel in their endeavors. They often define their self-worth based on their accomplishments and public image.
Core Weakness
The Type Three’s weakness is deceit. This doesn't necessarily mean lying, but rather a tendency to present an idealized version of oneself. There's a focus on maintaining a positive image, sometimes at the expense of authenticity. Threes often deceive themselves into believing they are only valuable for what they can accomplish. 
Core Virtue
The virtue of the Type Three is authenticity. Cultivating authenticity allows Type Threes to embrace their true selves without feeling the need to constantly perform. It fosters a sense of inner peace and genuine connection with others.

Workplace strengths and weaknesses of the Type Three

Enneagram Three Strengths

Type Threes are typically ambitious, competent, and energetic. Their strengths translate well into the workplace, making them excellent role models. Type Threes love to set and accomplish goals and thrive on challenges. Their charisma and communication skills allow them to build strong relationships and influence others. Additionally, their optimism and enthusiasm can be contagious, motivating those around them.
Enneagram Three Weaknesses

While Type Threes possess many strengths, they can also face challenges. Their intense focus on achievement can lead to workaholism and neglecting personal needs. Maintaining a strong public image can sometimes prioritize appearance over authenticity, hindering genuine connections. Additionally, Type Threes tend to be overly competitive, viewing colleagues as rivals rather than collaborators in achieving big goals. This can create a tense, unhealthy work environment. Overconfidence can also blind them to potential weaknesses, hindering personal and professional growth.
Type Three
The Achiever
Strengths
Weaknesses
Ambitious
Competitive
Adaptable
Impatient
Positive Role Model
Image Conscious
Productive
Workaholic
Goal-Oriented
Dismissive of Emotions
Success
Achieving goals and surpassing expectations is a core motivator.
Recognition
Positive feedback and admiration fuel their drive.
Competition
The desire to outperform others can be a significant motivator.
Image
Maintaining a successful and positive public image is important.
Personal growth
Many Type Threes are intrinsically motivated to improve and highly driven for advancement.

What motivates Enneagram Threes
at work

Threes are driven by a compelling desire for achievement and recognition. They set clear goals and thrive on surpassing them, often seeking external validation to fuel their ambition. Competition serves as a catalyst, pushing them to excel and outperform others. Maintaining an image of success in public reinforces their sense of self-worth. 

Signs of burnout for the Enneagram Three

Threes often driven by their relentless pursuit of success, they are particularly susceptible to burnout. This can manifest as physical symptoms like exhaustion and difficulty sleeping, as well as emotional signs like increased irritability, anxiety, and a sense of emptiness. They may find themselves neglecting personal relationships and hobbies in favor of work. Additionally, Type Threes experiencing burnout might question their self-worth if they perceive a decline in their achievements or public image.
Type Three
The Achiever
Signs of burnout
exhaustion
difficulty sleeping
increased irritability
anxiety
Questioning self-worth
Remember, not everyone approaches the world with the same ambition that you have.

Workplace advice for Enneagram Three

Type Threes can thrive in the workplace by focusing on balance and self-care. It's essential to find a job where you can set realistic goals and bring your ideas to life avoiding over-commitment. Learning to delegate tasks and prioritize can help manage workload effectively. You should recognize the importance of downtime and relaxation as it is crucial to prevent burnout. Building strong relationships with colleagues can provide support and perspective. Success isn't solely measured by achievements; personal well-being is equally important.

Remember not everyone approaches the world with the same ambition and task mindset that you have. When you are focused on the end goal, you can unintentionally overlook the people around you. It will benefit your workplace relationships to remind yourself that people are more important than the process.

Create a supportive environment by:
Appreciate their achievements
Acknowledge and celebrate their successes.
Encourage work-life balance
Remind them of the importance of rest and relaxation.
Help them delegate
Encourage them to distribute tasks and avoid overworking.
Offer support and empathy
Encourage them to distribute tasks and avoid overworking.
Focus on personal growth
Help them see value beyond external achievements.

How to support Enneagram Threes
at work

Supporting Type Three involves recognizing their strengths while helping them learn to maintain balance. By acknowledging and celebrating their achievements, you validate their efforts. Encouraging work-life balance and helping them delegate tasks can prevent burnout. 

Best careers & roles for Enneagram Type Threes

Type Threes thrive in fast-paced, competitive environments where they can showcase their talents and achieve success.
Here are some potential career paths:
Business & Leadership
Entrepreneurship, management, and executive roles are those in which Type Three can succeed.
Sales & Marketing
Their charisma and communication skills can excel in these fields.
Public Relations
Building and maintaining a positive public image aligns with Type Three goals.
Law & Politics
These fields offer opportunities for competition, influence, and public recognition.
Performing Arts
Acting, music, or other performance-based careers can satisfy their desire for the spotlight.

Famous Enneagram Type Threes

The Enneagram Type 3 “The Achiever” exemplifies charisma, adaptability, and productivity. Some well-known figures who are often considered Type Threes include:
  • Historical figures: Leonardo da Vinci, Henry Ford, Queen Elizabeth I, Bill Clinton
  • Famous figures:  Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise, Reece Witherspoon
  • Fictional figures: Tony Stark (Iron Man), Gaston (Beauty and the Beast), Professor Lockhart (Harry Potter)

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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