Perfection: Understanding Enneagram 1's at Work

Enneagram 1's are known as the perfectionists. In my opinion, I think we all have a version of a perfectionist in us in different ways, almost like a sliding scale. For some people it shows up at work, for others it shows up at home, and for some of us, it doesn't show up until someone or something challenges it. An Enneagram 1 is often someone that is a bit more (or a lot more!) aware of these tendencies.

As with every number, there are often deeper motivations to this perfectionism than what we are seeing on the outside.

High Standards

Enneagram 1's have incredibly high standards. Everything in their world is compared against "how perfect it could be." So not only are they evaluating how something went, but they are comparing it with what they view to be the most perfect or best way to do something. I'm guessing most 1's would tell you, "of course perfection isn't possible" however, something inside them might also be whispering, "but what if it is".

In so many ways, this is an incredible way to look at the world. What if we could actually make things perfect? What if we could align every amazing idea, work out every single detail and walk everything through to its expected conclusion? But what if, our view of perfect is imperfect. What if we can't see the ways that if it slips up here, we may have a creative solution we hadn't seen before?

High standards are amazing. Attention to detail is necessary. Follow-through is essential. But is there room in those values for something new and exciting to grow out of? Can we have both? High standards AND flexibility? Attention to detail AND an open mind? Follow-through AND spontaneity?

Communication

The most common quality that is attributed to the Enneagram 1's is an incredibly high personal standard they have for themselves. The "inner critic" that many of us notice inside of our minds can be especially loud and harsh inside the world of an Enneagram 1. Often 1's are so used to that little voice offering real-time evaluation and feedback that it doesn't register as anything out of the ordinary ... until an outside voice jumps on board.

Feedback, evaluation, correction and communication in general can feel more like a beat down than anything helpful if you are already positioning yourself as in the wrong and needing to improve. I believe there is a lesson in here for all of us. Allowing feedback and communication to be a conversation, an open space to discuss progress and expectation without judgement, creates a space where every individual can feel safe to learn about themselves and move forward.

Let's Work Together

There is no "perfect" solution to putting nine different personalities in a room and telling them to work together. The ONLY way to get a bit better at it is to start to understand what is behind different behaviours and actions.

Enneagram 1's teach us to value hard work, to follow through and respect people's time, space and values. We need them. But they also don't want to do that work alone. Get to know the 1's in your life. There is no quick list of tips that can be offered to get around the fact that each person needs to be heard and understood just as they are.