The 9 Ways of Working: How to Use the Enneagram to Discover Your Natural Strengths and Work More Effecively

If you already have Goldberg's excellent "Getting Your Boss's Number" you probably don't need this volume. This volume however makes Goldberg's perceptive analysis and effective writing available in paperback (earlier title is out of print). Goldberg's work is not quite as casual in style as Renee Baron's delightful works ("Enneagram Made Easy" and "Am I Your Type"), but it will appeal much more to the no-nonsense business world. His examples of people at different points on the Enneagram are drawn from his business experience and effectively highlight the types of challenges and opportunities that work presents differently to individuals, depending on their Enneagram dynamics. I cannot imagine anyone not being fascinated and empowered by looking at themselves, their coworkers, and their family through Goldberg's careful presentation. He is respectful of all and does not approach Enneagram as a "pigeon-holing" or "typing" process. Rather it's an appreciation of strengths and challenges. From a background in psychology, I especially appreciate his discussion of the underlying dynamics and likely sources of how family experience helps us slide into certain Enneagram-number ways of operating.So much more readable and better-organized that most of the "classics" in Enneagram. If you enjoy processing and sharing insights about how humans function, you may also want to explore Baron's titles. The latter are excellent for a casual chat around the family room - then those who like to really APPLY the principles to their work and life will want to move into Goldberg.

This book was my intro to the Enneagram and it is excellent. It has very good descriptions of the 9 types and how to find out where you fit.Its real distinguishing feature is a breakdown on how each group relates to the others in practical everyday situations. Like what to do if you work for a 7 or what if you are a 7. I wasn't sure which type I was ( I'm a nine) and I read all the rest first. I kept trying to fit myself into a 7 or a 5 but, when I read the 9 chapter it sounded like he reached into my heart and pulled out the things no one else knows about me. I can still feel it today.Then they go on with more, practical info and advise about what to do with your new found knowlege.I've since read "Wisdom of the Enneagram" and "Personality Types." They are also very good but I wouldn't recommend them as your first Enneagram book.

Certainly this is one of the most practical, real-world approaches ever taken to the Enneagram. It's short on 'spiritual' hooey [which is strictly okay with me] and long on realistic application of the Enneagram to your professional and personal daily life. But that does not mean it is in any way shallow -- it is as specific, insightful and dead-on acurate as any book on the market. His descriptions of the types is thourough, well-organized and articulate. [BE AWARE, however, that it is largely a re-hash - if a superior re-hash -- of his earlier "Boss's Number."] If you are less interested in the new-agey, spiritual aspects of the Enneagram, and looking for a clear articulation of how the principles work in your dialy life, this might be the best of the bunch.

Goldberg's book is written in language that business people can quickly understand, and full of examples they can relate to. It's a superb presentation of the nine leadership styles--accessible and practical. I've used it very effectively in team sessions and in individual coaching ... My business clients especially gravitate to the "Cardinal Rules" at the end of each chapter (how to work with each type and how to work on yourself if it's your type).

Having studied the esoteric Enneagram as well as the growing literature on its practical uses, I have seen no better book on how to "work in" the Enneagram to one's daily life. Goldberg's writing is clear and succinct; his theoretical foundation solid; and the richness and imagination of his examples and situations are quite rewarding. A fun book, an approachable book, a great teaching tool, I highly recommend it.