In this first part of this series, we have looked at how the heart-centered Types – the Type 2s, Type 3s and Type 4s function at the workplace and how can leaders and managers support them.

In the second part, we looked at the Body-centered Types –  the Type 8s, the Type 9s and the Type 1s

This week, we begin our look at the Head-centered Types, starting with our look at the Type 5s.

Type 5s in the office

At their core, the Type 5s are often the logical problem solvers in the office. Though they may be people of few words, they are keenly observing everything around them to help them gather information that may, in times of crisis, come in handy in coming up with solutions to solve seemingly complicated work problems.

5 Wing 4s in the office tend to keep to themselves and let their imagination take flight to come up withoriginal ideas to help solve the problems at the workplace. They love the challenge of synthesising the information before them and coming up with never-before-seen and yet very logical work structures.

5 Wing 6s in the office tend to be more logic-driven and organised in their problem solving strategies. They thrive in positions that allows them to deep-dive into the subject matter, analyse them and then come up with the logical solutions to the problems that surface.

How to support the 5s in the office

  • Respect their personal space as they analyse and gather information whilst completing a work task. Do not sit down and engage them in idle chat when they are working.
  • Give them information before a project begins. This gives them time to process the information and to prepare what they can contribute to the project when it begins.
  • Do not ask them to do work after their working hours. Respect their personal time as they use that time to recharge by doing what they like after a long work day.

To the Type 5s, we would like to say:

Remember that your loved ones, friends and colleagues all would like to connect with you emotionally as well, and that you have a safe space to express your feelings, ideas and thoughts to them as they are interested in you as a person, not just in your intellect.

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Would you like to know more about how the Enneagram Framework can help find the real you? Contact us to find out when our next course runs are and how to use your SkillsFuture Credits to offset the course fees!

Cindy Leong is a sought after bilingual (English and Mandarin) Enneagram Personality Coach and Corporate Trainer in Asia, who can help you make sense of your professional and personal relationships. She is a member of International Coach Federation (ICF) and Singapore Psychological Society (SPS). Besides a Bachelor Degree in Psychology (majoring in Communications), she also has a Diploma in Business and has done in-depth research and studies in the areas of Organisational Behaviour and Gender Communications, both in Singapore and Taiwan. Through her expertise in corporate executive coaching, personal development, and relationship coaching, she has helped many professionals in their walk through challenging times, particularly in the areas of identity searching, relationship building and career breakthrough. Aside from being a published author of 2 books, she has also been invited by several radio stations and magazines as an expert guest speaker to provide insights into Enneagram, workplace conflicts and relationships.

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