How the enneagram can help you cultivate a purpose-driven career plan
Have you ever gotten to work and started asking yourself “How in the world did I end up here?” If you’ve experienced that any time during your career, then you’re not alone. Nearly 50% of the work force expresses some dissatisfaction with their job or career. For most women, part of the issue comes down to alignment. Is what I do for a living and spend most of my time on in alignment with my gifts, strengths and values. As we enter midlife, many women discover that they’ve lost connection with who they are and who they were made to be which only complicates things. Enter the Enneagram. Through my own Enneagram journey, I’ve discovered more insight into my natural strengths, how I’m wired as a person, and even what types of jobs I can thrive in. If that’s you too, then keep reading as we unpack how the Enneagram can help us with a purpose-driven career.
the power of purpose in your career or ministry
Imagine waking up every day, excited for your day because it aligns with your God-given purpose. While it may feel like a pipe dream — it’s entirely achievable when we think about our what’s next in life with intention and self-awareness. One important step as you cultivate self-awareness if considering what you’re naturally good at - what you bring to the table. The Enneagram can help us understand some of those strengths and begin the process of aligning who we are with the work we are called to do. Each Enneagram type has unique strengths that can help you find clarity on your purpose + impact.
The strengths of each enneagram type
Type 1: Improvement-oriented and good at developing processes
Type 2: Relationships focused and empathetic
Type 3: Strategically-oriented and results-driven
Type 4: Creative and community-oriented
Type 5: Analytical and knowledge-seeking
Type 6: Problem solving and analytical
Type 7: Visionary and quick thinking
Type 8: Strategic natural leaders and forward moving
Type 9: Can see all sides of any issue and harmonizing
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to leaning into your God-given purpose, but you can probably see how aligning what you’re naturally good at with what you do for work. But I know what you may be asking? That’s great, but how do I get started in aligning it all together. I’ve got you covered with some ideas for creating greater alignment.
Getting started with some career alignment tips
When you’re ready to start aligning your work with your calling, getting started just may be the hardest part. While these tips may be ticked off in order, you may find choosing the ones that fit for you right now.
Gain Clarity: Use the Enneagram to understand your core motivations and strengths.
Identify Your Values: List what matters most to you and how it relates to your faith.
Assess Your Current Role: How well does it align with your strengths and values?
Explore Options: Research careers that could better align with your purpose
Set SMART Goals: Create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives.
Develop Skills: Identify and acquire the skills needed for your ideal role.
Build Your Network: Connect with others in your desired field.
Take Inspired Action: Start taking baby steps by finding purpose in your life today and moving toward your calling.
While we may be tempted to check off each item once and be done, life and careers don’t work that way. Plan on regularly revisiting these tips as God reveals more of His purpose for your life.
Stepping into action
Understanding your Enneagram type and aligning your career with purpose is a lifelong journey, but it doesn’t have to be a solo one. If you’re ready to start working on understanding who you are and how to align your gifts with your next career move, identifying and learning more about your Enneagram type can help. When you’re ready, I offer an Enneagram typing session to get you started where we’ll explore your type and how it relates to your career and calling.
