Enneagram at Work
Welcome to Enneagram at Work, your Saturday leadership download. We're bringing you insights for your weekend so you're ready for Monday.
This is a podcast about understanding people at work and navigating professional relationships. We spend so much of our time at work, why not make it more enjoyable by working on creating more enjoyable relationships with our teammates?
Listen in each week to gain self-awareness, relationship management, leadership development, personal growth insights, and real-life application ideas through the lens of the Enneagram inside educational episodes and interview conversations.
Learn about bringing the Enneagram to your organization or group and view the current workshop menu at: enneagrammba.com
Enneagram at Work
197. Internal Engagement or Disconnection? Working with Types 4, 5, and 9
In this episode, D and I wrap our stance series by exploring Types 4, 5, and 9, the so-called “withdrawn” types. We unpack what “withdrawing” actually looks like at work (hint: it can be deep engagement happening on the inside), how each type’s strengths show up on teams, and where friction tends to arise under pressure. We also share quick, practical “stretch” moves for each type and reframes that managers can use to turn perceived quiet into powerful contribution.
What You’ll Learn
- What “withdrawn” actually means: the difference between internal engagement and disconnection, and how to tell which one you’re seeing.
- Type 4 (The Visionary): depth, authenticity, and storytelling superpowers, plus the pull toward what’s missing and how to re-ground in action.
- Type 5 (The Strategist): the “quiet genius” who protects limited energy, leads with data, and benefits from defining “enough information.”
- Type 9 (The Consensus-Builder): the calm bridge-builder who sees every side, along with the risk of fading out or numbing when things get intense.
- Adaptive vs. maladaptive (via Awareness to Action)
- Pairings & chemistry
Quick Stretch Practices (Try These This Week)
- For 4s: Notice when emotion is pulling you inward; name one next action to move your insight forward.
- For 5s: Decide “what’s enough” before you research; share work-in-progress to invite collaboration (even if it’s not perfect).
- For 9s: Speak before consensus—offer your “current take” and say you’re open to revising it.
Reflection Prompts
- When I’m overwhelmed, do I retreat into feelings (4), thoughts (5), or comfort/peace (9)?
- Where’s the line, for me or my teammate, between internal engagement and disconnection?
- What’s our re-entry plan after someone steps back to process (time box, next touchpoint, decision deadline)?
Resources & Next Steps
- Bring this to your team: We’re already booking year-end closers and 2026 kickoffs. Explore workshop options at EnneagramMBA.com and invite us in to blend theory with your team’s real dynamics.
- Say hello / suggest a topic: enneagrammba.com/contact... I’d love to hear your 4/5/9 stories or questions for a follow-up on trust and the Enneagram.
- Book D as a speaker for your conference event: Check out potential topics here.
- Book Sarah as a speaker for your conference event: Check out details here.
Have a request for a future episode? Drop a text here!
🗓️ Book an Enneagram Workshop for your team retreat at work:
https://www.enneagrammba.com/enneagram-team-workshops
✏️ Get an overview of all nine types inside the Understanding People at Work Cheat Sheet
https://www.enneagrammba.com/cheatsheet