Positivity Powerhouse: Understanding Enneagram 7's at Work

Enneagram 7's are the vibrant sparks of energy in any workplace. They're the ones who light up the room with their enthusiasm, flood meetings with innovative ideas, and make you believe that the sky's the limit. If there's a challenge that needs a fresh perspective or a team that needs a morale boost, your Enneagram 7 colleague is likely already three steps ahead, brewing up exciting possibilities.

It's crucial to remember that Enneagram 7's deeply value positivity, freedom, and variety. What might seem like flightiness or overcommitment is often their way of embracing life's possibilities and keeping their options open. Understanding this can transform how we interact with and harness the incredible potential of the 7's in our professional lives.

The Power of Positivity

Enneagram 7's have an innate ability to see the silver lining in any situation. Their minds are constantly seeking out the good, the exciting, and the potential in every circumstance. This isn't just a passive outlook—it's an active choice they make to engage with the world in a positive way.

While this positivity is a tremendous asset, it's important to recognize that 7's may struggle with difficult conversations or negative feedback. As team members, we can support our 7 colleagues by creating a balanced approach to challenging topics. Acknowledge their positive perspective before diving into challenges. When you validate their natural optimism, it can open the door for more difficult discussions.

Part of the Enneagram 7's positivity is their commitment to growth and moving forward. When difficult conversations and feedback can be framed as opportunities for growth, we align with the 7's forward-thinking nature and help them engage more readily with the issue at hand.

The Joy of Creative Thinking

One of the greatest strengths of Enneagram 7's is their boundless creativity and ability to envision possibilities. They can see the end goal of a project before it's even begun, and they're already dreaming up the next big thing. However, this visionary thinking can sometimes lead to challenges with follow-through. It's not that 7's can't complete tasks—they simply have so many exciting ideas competing for their attention.

Creating a work environment that values brainstorming sessions and allows for the exploration of new ideas can help Enneagram 7's thrive. This might mean setting aside time for blue-sky thinking, encouraging the sharing of innovative concepts, and finding ways to incorporate their creative energy into long-term projects.

Remember to celebrate milestones along the way. This maintains the enthusiasm of the entire team and provides the positive reinforcement that 7's thrive on. By providing structure without stifling their creativity, we can help Enneagram 7's bring their innovative ideas to fruition.

The Need for Variety and Freedom

Enneagram 7's flourish in environments that offer variety and flexibility. They love having multiple projects on the go and the freedom to approach tasks in their own unique way. Rigidity and routine can feel stifling to a 7, potentially dampening their enthusiasm and creativity.

When working with 7's, it's beneficial to provide them with diverse responsibilities and the autonomy to manage their work. This doesn't mean letting them run wild—rather, it's about finding a balance between structure and flexibility that allows their adaptable nature to shine.

Consider offering 7's the opportunity to work on different aspects of a project, or to divide their time between various initiatives. Their adaptability and enthusiasm for new experiences can be a valuable asset when facing unexpected challenges or exploring uncharted territory.

In essence, working successfully with Enneagram 7's is about embracing their positivity, harnessing their creative energy, and providing the variety and freedom they crave. When we create an environment that allows 7's to explore, innovate, and spread their enthusiasm, we unlock a powerhouse of creativity and optimism that can elevate our entire team.

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 7's show us the importance of positivity, creative expression and freedom. We need them. But they also don't want to do that work alone. Get to know the 8'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.