An ancient form of psychological test, Enneagram is believed to be helpful in employee selection and promotion, and also in guiding students in making career decisions. Prachi Rege takes stock of the test
Though most of us don't like being judged or told what we are good or not good at, when it comes to personality analyses, curiosity always gets the better of us. It is not rare for most of us to get hooked on to online or print personality quizzes and then thirstily watch out for the results!
Enneagram is an ancient personality test that gives a model of nine interconnected personality types, each of which define different types of human nature. "It is an objective transformational tool that is believed to help manage one's career goals and private and professional relationships," says Suman Nair, managing director, Atiitya training and HR consultants Pvt. Ltd., an Indian consulting firm that specialises in leadership training programmes.
Primarily a narrative-based test, Enneagram involves observing people during personal interviews and giving feedback regarding the type of personality they belong to: The Reformer, Helper, Achiever, Individualist, Investigator, Loyalist, Enthusiast, Challenger and Peacemaker.
While each of these nine personalities are interconnected, they may overlap in a person's score sheet. Individually they have around three exclusive personality sub-types. "This number keeps increasing as one explores a person being analysed deeper," explains Nair.
According to Nair, an Enneagram test could be an ideal method to counsel students and identify their apptitude for a particular career. It could also help them in setting goals to develop their academic and subsequent career path. "It is a good source to understand your strengths and weaknesses and also find a solution. Hence it benefits students to make quick decesions," she states.
Nair, a visiting faculty at different institutes, regularly uses the tool on her students. She has used it to get a better understanding of a candidate shortlisted for a job. "I have used it to get additional insight into a person being hired or promoted for a particular job," she says.
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