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Writer's pictureCarrie Rosebrock

Enneagram Type 9: The Peacekeeper in a PLC

In a PLC, the Type Nine is the person who affirms everyone's point of view and seeks to find truth in all perspectives. A Type Nine is known as the Peacekeeper because they are motivated to keep harmony and homeostasis for themselves and those they care about. While a Nine is typically the easiest to get along with in the beginning, their lack of knowing what they actually think or believe can sometimes grind decision-making to a halt.



Enneagram 9 in a professional learning community


Type Nine's worst case scenario is a team of colleagues who actually love to argue (or just seek to create drama). While some people (Type Eights) may enjoy continuous rounds of debate, for a Nine--that is exhausting. Nines are usually managing the balance of emotions between people, so to constantly manage those emotions will leave a Nine with little space to connect with their own feelings. Eventually, Nines will disengage and shut down to preserve their inner peace.


To thrive in a PLC, structured discourse is helpful. Using a predictable agenda with inquiry-based questions allows for structured brainstorming and dissenting opinions. And various opinions are needed on the team--but Nines just need to know they aren't responsible for creating peace in the team; the agenda can do that for them. Type Nines also need permission to speak up for the topics they do feel strongly about, and they need to know their honesty is not disrupting harmony.


In low-stakes situations, encourage your Type Nine teammates to make decisions. Since they are usually happy with "whatever you want," it's important that they are offered (aka forced) to name their opinions and make decisions, too. Create opportunities for Type Nines to write down their opinions and share with the team to encourage honest feedback from the Peacekeepers.



Enneagram 9 qualities

A Type Nine at their best is patient and accommodating, but not at their own cost. They listen with confidence and add their valued opinion and perspective. They may sometimes experience compassion fatigue or quiet frustrations--and they may or may not even be able to name this. Because nines enjoy cooperation, they are often compromising even when their teammates are unaware. This can lead to resentments if the nine's voice is minimized too often in the collaboration.


Nines can be fantastic leaders as they easily encourage all voices to be heard. Mentoring and coaching is helpful for Nines to maintain their own voice in the process.




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