Personality Frameworks

Using personality frameworks to identify key personality traits gives language to our strengths and weaknesses, that while fun – is also extremely helpful in a professional setting.

A central theme on MakeWorkWork has been this journey of self-discovery and learning about yourself; something the stoics preach. The ones we've gotten the most value from are the Enneagram, Strengths Finder, and the Four Tendencies. Find blogposts on each one to learn more about why they've been so meaningful to us.

"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom"
– Aristotle

Enneagram

The Enneagram has nine personality profiles based on what motivates us. It's incredibly detailed mapping out how each persona handles growth, stress – and where it really shines, how the dynamic between the types can play out.

Find the discussion on episode MWW15 and MWW31.

Strengths Finder

StrengthsFinder is built on the philosophy that it's not worth trying to overcome our weaknesses, we should double down on our strengths. They have 34 defined strengths across executive domains like strategy and execution. Once you've completed a detailed questionnaire it identifies your top five strengths.

Find the discussion on episode MWW28 and MWW37.

Four Tendencies

The Four Tendencies is a matrix mapping out how we react to outer and inner expectations. It asks if you are resistant to them, or if you comply with them creating the four 'tendencies' of Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels.

Find the discussion on episode MWW16.

"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power."
– Laozi

Our experience is that these frameworks are helpful as a mapping mechanism to reflect on. Mirroring ourselves in the clear language these frameworks offer makes us better at identifying our own strengths and weaknesses.

It's especially useful when collaborating with others, as it helps us own up to who we are – the good and the bad, making it easier to outline our priorities, or ask for grace when we need it.