Some team workshops feel like just another corporate exercise, while others actually change how people work together.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Last week, a client told me: "We've done personality tests before, but nothing stuck. With the Enneagram, people are still talking about their insights three months later."
This isn't just anecdotal. I recently came across a fascinating global survey that asked 796 people from 49 countries about the real-world impact of the Enneagram in organisations. The surprising impact of the Enneagram on teams was indeed surprising, and the results confirmed what I've seen in my coaching practice.
What Actually Changes When Teams Use the Enneagram?
According to the survey, the most significant team improvements include:
Communication (top of the list!)
Empathy and support between team members
Respect and trust (72% reported substantial improvement)
Collaboration and team cohesion
Conflict management (rather than conflict avoidance)
One finding that particularly struck me: teams reported major improvements in inclusion and diversity after Enneagram work. When people understand different perspectives as valid rather than wrong, something shifts fundamentally. Every point of view is simply a view from a point.
Beyond the Team Level
What surprised me about the data was how the benefits ripple outward - have a look at this:
83% reported working more effectively on their development areas
81% experienced increased compassion for colleagues
78% developed greater self-compassion (and we all know that South African workplaces could use more of this!)
75% found a deeper sense of purpose and fulfilment
And here's something I didn't expect: 41% of respondents said they received a promotion after using the Enneagram. Not the primary goal, certainly, but an interesting side effect!
What Makes the Enneagram Different?
I've used many frameworks in my 14 years of coaching, including when I did my Master's in coaching and also during my time as a Tony Robbins Results Coach. The Enneagram stands out because it doesn't just describe surface behaviours—it helps people understand their deeper motivations and blind spots.
As Janneman van den Berg, CEO of The Insurance Hub put it: "The Enneagram with Lukas outshone every seminar I'd attended—team communication improved instantly."
A Timely Opportunity: Reset Your Team in Two Days
With Q1 coming to a close, many teams are feeling the need for a reset. That's why I've developed a focused program called Enneagram Unfiltered: Reset Your Team in 2 Days.
Here's what it includes:
12 hours of Enneagram training over two days
One-on-one coaching for each team member (up to 15 staff)
3 Hours of strategic post-workshop leadership / management integration
Training and coaching can be done online or in-person
Affordable, all-in investment for up to 15 people (fee on POA)
Make sure you share this blog with your HR or L&D - they’ll thank you for it!
This isn't about vague team-building exercises that everyone forgets by Monday. It's about creating lasting shifts in how your team communicates, collaborates, and handles the inevitable tensions that arise in any workplace.
I have space for three organisations in the next three weeks. If you're curious about whether this might be right for your team, let's chat. No pressure, just an exploration of possibilities. I've presented this to churches, corporates, NPO's and even educational institutions over the years.
Let’s discuss why this will be a total game-changer for your team.
Call or WhatsApp me: +27 (0) 82 822 7321
Email: info@lukasdebeer.com
Lukas de Beer
MPhil in Management Coaching (Stellenbosch)
Certified Enneagram Practitioner
P.S. If you're wondering which of the nine Enneagram types might dominate your team dynamics, drop me a line. I'm collecting some informal data on type distribution in South African organisations, and I'd love to hear your observations.
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