Why have we chosen the Enneagram as a tool to support the autism community? Because it focuses on the very thing that can make securing a job a challenging for autistic individuals: emotions. But not in the way you think! In fact, it’s likely the exact opposite of what you think. Rather than being unemotional, autistic individuals can be overly emotional. Very in touch with their surroundings and so able to access their emotional state that it can become overwhelming. Even Dr. Temple Grandin discusses how her highly emotional state means that she needs to be extra aware of her surroundings, triggers and how to manage situations. If a world leading expert in autism and in her own profession struggles, then there’s no shame in knowing we all do to some degree. This self discovery tool isn’t about improving or changing, it’s about gaining understanding and empowering.
What is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is a system of personality typing that describes patterns in how people interpret the world and manage their emotions. The Enneagram describes nine personality types and maps each of these types on a nine-pointed diagram which helps to illustrate how the types relate to one another. The name Enneagram comes from the Greek: Ennea is the Greek word for nine and Gramma means something that’s drawn or written.
According to the Enneagram, each of the nine personality types is defined by a particular core belief about how the world works. This core belief drives your deepest motivations and fears — and fundamentally shapes a person’s worldview and the perspective through which they see the world and the people around them. Our core beliefs are not necessarily incorrect, but they can be limiting and operate as “blinders” for people. Understanding our Enneagram type and how it colors our perceptions can help us to broaden our perspective and approach situations more effectively. Understanding a person’s Enneagram type helps us to see why they behave the way they do. Each Enneagram type has a set of core beliefs that will consistently motivate them to take particular actions and guide them to make certain decisions. Behavior that may seem confusing or contradictory can often be explained when we understand a person’s Enneagram type. The Enneagram also helps us understand how people react to stress. By describing how each Enneatype adapts and responds to both stressful and supportive situations, the Enneagram shows opportunities for personal development and provides a foundation for the understanding of others. (Truity.com)
Listen to why the Spero Careers Canada team believes this tool could be the breakthrough the autistic community has been looking for in how to better manage in the workplace and finally gain the success they so richly deserve!