As young lawyers navigating our careers, we often find ourselves in high-pressure environments where the ability to understand ourselves and others can make a significant difference. At this year’s YLS retreat, we took a deep dive into the Enneagram personality test, and as a Type 3—often referred to as “The Achiever” or “Performer”—I found myself reflecting on how self-awareness through the Enneagram can enhance our professional relationships.

What Is the Enneagram?
For those unfamiliar, the Enneagram is a personality typing system that consists of nine distinct types, each with its own motivations, fears, and behavioral patterns. Understanding your type can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for growth. As lawyers, this self-awareness can inform how we interact with clients, colleagues, and adversaries, ultimately leading to more effective communication and collaboration.

The Achiever: Strengths and Challenges
As an Enneagram Type 3, my primary motivation is to achieve success and be recognized for my accomplishments. This drive can be a powerful asset in the legal field, where ambition and results are often celebrated. However, it also comes with its challenges. The desire for validation can lead to a fear of failure and a tendency to prioritize appearance over authenticity. Recognizing these traits has helped me understand how my approach to relationships can impact my professional interactions. For instance, I’ve learned that my eagerness to achieve can sometimes come across as overly competitive, which can create barriers with colleagues. Being aware of this tendency has encouraged me to actively cultivate a more collaborative spirit, focusing on teamwork rather than individual accolades.

Understanding Others Through the Enneagram
One of the most valuable aspects of the Enneagram is its ability to foster empathy and understanding for others. By recognizing that my colleagues may have different motivations and fears, I can adapt my communication style to better resonate with them. For example:
– Type 1 (The Reformer): Values integrity and order. When working with a Type 1, I’ve learned that providing a clear rationale for my decisions helps build trust and shows respect for their principles.
– Type 2 (The Helper): Driven by the desire to be loved and appreciated. I’ve found that expressing genuine appreciation for their support fosters a stronger relationship.
– Type 4 (The Individualist): Emphasizes authenticity and personal expression. Engaging in open, honest conversations allows me to connect more deeply with Type 4s, who may be sensitive to superficial interactions.

By learning to recognize these different personality types, we can communicate more effectively and create stronger bonds within our professional networks.

Leveraging the Enneagram for Growth
Self-awareness doesn’t just help us understand our relationships with others; it also informs our own professional development. By identifying my tendencies as a Type 3, I can work to mitigate potential pitfalls. Here are a few strategies I’ve found helpful:

1. Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for input from colleagues about my communication and leadership style. This helps me identify blind spots and encourages open dialogue.
2. Practice Authenticity: I remind myself that my worth isn’t solely tied to my achievements. Embracing vulnerability and sharing my challenges can strengthen connections with others.
3. Foster Collaboration: Actively look for opportunities to support and uplift my colleagues. By celebrating their successes, I create an environment where everyone feels valued.
4. Cultivate Empathy: Make a conscious effort to understand and appreciate the motivations of others. This helps build rapport and fosters a more positive working environment.
5. Reflect Regularly: Take time to reflect on my interactions and consider how my Enneagram type influences my responses. This self-reflection is essential for continued growth.

In conclusion, understanding the Enneagram and our own personality types can significantly enhance our professional relationships as young lawyers. By improving self-awareness, we become better communicators, collaborators, and leaders. After all, law is as much about relationships as it is about results, and the more we understand ourselves and each other, the more successful we can be.

Jacob Eccleston is a real estate attorney with Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey, P.L.C. in the firm’s Kalamazoo, Michigan office. A Michigan State University College of Law graduate, Jacob is the current Chair-Elect of the SBM Young Lawyers Section.