Coaching with the Enneagram: Tips about Type 5's, for Leaders

The Enneagram is a valuable tool to use in a coaching style of leadership. Our coaching style can be adapted to get the best out of the interaction, particularly in managing and developing performance. The following tips will be useful if you know the Enneagram type of your staff member.

Type 5 – The Analyst

Psychological defence involves being rational, logical and analytical

Knowledge and understanding are vital

•          Focus on observing and thinking and analytical seclusion as a way of ensuring an emotional separation from others and relationships, which can be draining.

•          Can experience emotions and feelings as overwhelming. Often detach emotionally, but make cool, rational decision makers. 

Personality 5 Coaching.jpg

•          Highly protective of their privacy, self-sufficiency and independence.

•          Often have in-depth knowledge of a particular subject.

Coaching Tips for Type 5

  • Use counter-intuitive questions to focus on areas other than the mind.

  • Help the Type 5 remember that they are more than their mind, ideas and analytical modes.

  • Encourage the Type 5 to be more of a participant of life rather than an observer.

  • Support increased comfort in social relationships.

  • Be more intense on the outside.

  • Get them to focus on finishing rather than paralysis by analysis.

  • Get them to focus their energy on the gaps: building relationships, enriched feelings and inner knowing as opposed to mental knowledge.

  • Encourage them to stay present to the conversation and not withdraw.

  • Encourage the Type 5 to tap into their emotional intelligence. This is not thinking about emotions but experiencing them. 

  • Encourage them to move into action.

  • Be cautious of suggestions for further research if you feel enough information has been gathered.

  • Be confident in your role as a coach and the outcomes you seek.

  • Let them know that the coaching conversation is about being curious. They are not being tested on the knowledge or cleverness. It is a process of exploration to help them to be the best they can be.



Author: Dr Veronica Lunn

Veronica has had significant experience working with large and small organizations, industry groups and individuals, providing workshops, seminars, forums and one on one coaching. With a strong background working with local government and state government, as well as the private sector, Veronica is an accredited Enneagram practitioner and teacher and brings high level facilitation and relationship skills to Griffith Consulting.

For more information about Veronica or the Enneagram, please contact us here, today.

Breegan Gloury