How to Conduct the Two-Question Enneagram Test on Clients

Understanding your clients’ core motivations and behaviors is a key step that drives effective coaching. The Enneagram, a powerful personality typing system, is one of the tools that can help in this process. 

While traditional Enneagram assessments can be extensive, there’s a simpler method to introduce clients to this system: the two-question Enneagram test. 

In this blog, we’ll explore what the Enneagram is, why it’s helpful for coaching, and how this streamlined two-question test can talk about the key aspects of your clients’ personalities. We’ll also discuss how to interpret the results, helping you to tailor your coaching approach effectively.

What is the Enneagram Test?

The Enneagram is a powerful personality typing system rooted in ancient spiritual traditions, designed to help you, as a coach, to understand your clients’ core motivations, desires, tendencies, stressors, fears, and strengths. It’s an invaluable tool for gaining deeper insights into human behavior and personality.

The term “Enneagram” comes from the Greek words “ennea” (meaning nine) and “gramma” (meaning something drawn or written). This system identifies nine distinct personality types and uses a nine-pointed diagram to show how these types are interconnected.

In coaching, counseling, and spiritual practices, the Enneagram helps you understand what drives your clients and how they can use their natural strengths. Discovering a client’s Enneagram type can reveal how they perceive the world and uncover the influences that shape their life—from early experiences to current decisions. This knowledge drives greater self-awareness, empathy toward others, and guides them on a path toward personal fulfillment and growth.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the two-question Enneagram test.

What is the Two-Question Enneagram Test?

Typically, discovering one’s Enneagram type involves comprehensive testing and in-depth self-reflection. However, a simplified method, known as the two-question Enneagram test, can serve as an effective starting point.

The two-question test, particularly the Riso-Hudson QUEST, distills the complex Enneagram system into a straightforward approach, offering a 60-90% accuracy rate. This method’s simplicity and efficiency make it an excellent introduction for clients new to the Enneagram.

Before you start: test instructions

Before administering the two-question Enneagram test to clients, you must provide clear instructions. Focus on the following guiding principles:

1. General attitude and behavior: Encourage clients to focus on their overall attitude and behavior rather than getting caught up in the exact wording of the questions.
2. Gut instinct: Clients should trust their initial responses and avoid overthinking their choices. The test aims to capture instinctive reactions, which are often the most revealing.

The 2-Question Enneagram Test

The two-question Enneagram test consists of two groups of paragraphs. Each group presents three different paragraphs, and your clients must choose the one that best reflects their general attitude.

Group one: choose a paragraph that reflects your general attitude

1. Choice A: I am independent, assertive, and goal-oriented. I like to take charge and ensure things get done. I’m competitive and strive for excellence in everything I do.
2. Choice B: I am quiet, self-contained, and imaginative. I enjoy spending time alone and engaging in creative pursuits. I’m introspective and often lost in my thoughts.
3. Choice C: I am responsible, dedicated, and self-sacrificing. I put others’ needs before my own and work tirelessly to support those around me. I am reliable and always willing to help.

Group two: select another paragraph representing your general attitude

1. Choice X: I have a positive outlook, am enthusiastic, and enjoy helping others. I see the bright side of things and encourage others to do the same. I am friendly and sociable.
2. Choice Y: I have strong feelings, am sensitive, and self-guarded. I experience emotions deeply and can be very protective of my personal space. I value authenticity and emotional honesty.
3. Choice Z: I am self-controlled, logical, and efficient. I approach situations rationally and focus on achieving practical results. I am organized and prefer order and structure.

Your results

• Each combination corresponds to a specific Enneagram type, offering insights into the client’s personality:

1. AX: Type 7 – The Enthusiast: Optimistic and adventurous, always seeking new experiences.
2. AY: Type 8 – The Challenger: Assertive and protective, driven by a desire to control their environment.
3. AZ: Type 3 – The Achiever: Ambitious and success-oriented, focused on personal accomplishments.
4. BX: Type 4 – The Individualist: Creative and introspective, driven by a need for self-expression.
5. BY: Type 6 – The Loyalist: Responsible and security-oriented, seeking safety and support.
6. BZ: Type 1 – The Reformer: Principled and purposeful, striving for integrity and improvement.
7. CX: Type 2 – The Helper: Caring and interpersonal, motivated by a need to be needed.
8. CY: Type 5 – The Investigator: Analytical and perceptive, seeking understanding and knowledge.
9. CZ: Type 9 – The Peacemaker: Easygoing and accepting, desiring inner and outer peace.

After identifying their type, encourage your clients to reflect on the implications. Understanding their Enneagram type can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth. However, remind them that this is an ongoing process. The initial test results serve as a foundation for deeper exploration and self-discovery.

How Does the 2-Question Enneagram Test Help Coaches?

An Enneagram Test, specifically Type 2, can be a valuable tool for you in several ways:

Understanding client motivation:

• Core motivation: Type 2, often known as “The Helper,” is driven by a need to be loved and appreciated. Understanding this core motivation allows you to tailor your approach, focusing on the client’s desire to serve others and receive affirmation in return.
• Empathy and relationship building: Knowing that Type 2 individuals thrive on building deep, empathetic relationships, you can emphasize this strength in your coaching sessions, helping the client use their natural ability to connect with others.

Identifying growth areas:

• Boundaries and self-care: Type 2 personalities often struggle with setting boundaries and prioritizing their own needs. You can work with them to develop strategies for self-care and balance, ensuring they don’t burn out by overextending themselves in their efforts to help others.
• Recognizing intrinsic value: You can guide Type 2 clients to recognize their worth beyond their helpfulness to others, driving a healthier self-image and reducing dependency on external validation.

Enhancing coaching techniques:

• Personalized coaching approach: By understanding the specific characteristics of Type 2, you can personalize your communication style and coaching methods, creating a more effective and resonant coaching experience.
• Building trust and rapport: Since Type 2 individuals value connection and support, you can focus on building a strong, trust-based relationship, which is crucial for effective coaching outcomes.

Facilitating personal growth:

• Encouraging authenticity: You can help Type 2 clients embrace authenticity, encouraging them to express their true feelings and desires rather than constantly putting others’ needs first.
• Goal setting: You can work with the client to set goals that align with their values while also promoting personal growth, such as learning to say no when necessary and focusing on self-development.

In short, the Enneagram Type 2 test helps you by providing deep insights into the client’s motivations, strengths, and potential growth areas, allowing for a more tailored and effective coaching process.

Additional resources

To further support clients on their Enneagram journey, consider offering the following resources:

1. DIY Enneagram Workshop Kit: For interactive exploration of the Enneagram.
2. Enneagram Institute workshops: For improved communication and collaboration in teams or events.
3. Enneagram Resources by OliveMe Counseling: For a variety of resources related to the Enneagram types, including books and podcasts that delve into personal growth and understanding behavior patterns.
4. RelateBetter Enneagram resources: For understanding relational styles through the Enneagram, offering podcasts, books, and workshops aimed at improving relationships with oneself, others, and God.

The two-question Enneagram test is a valuable tool for introducing clients to the Enneagram system. Its simplicity and accuracy make it an excellent starting point, paving the way for deeper exploration and personal growth.

Conclusion

Remember, the results of this test should be seen as an initial step on a longer journey of self-discovery. The Enneagram system is complex and multi-faceted, and while the two-question test provides a useful starting point, deeper exploration and ongoing reflection are essential for a more comprehensive understanding.

Providing additional resources, such as workshop kits, team training options, and access to expert guidance, can further support your clients in their Enneagram journey.

By effectively conducting the two-question Enneagram test and offering continuous support, you help your clients gain valuable insights into their personalities, ultimately helping them in their quest for self-improvement and better interpersonal relationships.

To easily create and run the Enneagram test within a single platform and send it out directly from there, try the Forms feature on Simply.Coach—a digital coaching management platform that helps you streamline your practice by keeping everything organized in one place.

The Forms feature lets you easily collect and organize data into visually appealing reports, ideal for sharing with clients and sponsors. You can also track trends and progress with reports from regular 360º feedback and assessments.

Schedule a demo today to check it out.