The 9 Ways of Working: How to Use the Enneagram to Discover Your Natural Strengths and Work More Effectively (Paperback)

by Michael J. Goldberg (Author) "There's a right way; let me teach you..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, High Performance Point, Ally Point (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"'A practical and immediately useful book for managers.'" -- Getting Results, American Management Association

"A dictionary of the people with whom you work! Keep it right on your desk... Goldberg has created a tool that enables the reader to improve managerial and peer relation skills using the Enneagram. Based on nine personality styles - each with different values, goals and ways of achieving them the Enneagram makes the intentions and behaviors of others understandable, allowing people to work together with power and impact. In using the Enneagram, management and staff are given practical steps to create a work environment of higher efficiency, clearer communication, stronger work teams and greater understanding. Goldberg's presentation is clear, concise and easy to follow." -- The Canadian Manager [review of hardbound edition]

"A thorough and complete guide to all nine Enneagram types. Entertaining to read, filled with practical examples, The Nine Ways of Working is without a doubt one of the best if not the best Enneagram books for making our work and personal relationships deeper and more rewarding. No one in business should be without it." -- Jack Labanauskas, Enneagram Monthly

"Gives many suggestions on the best way to handle different types of people, as well as ways to eliminate the faults associated with one's own personality type." -- Human Resources Professional [review of hardbound edition]

"Goldberg is a master of the Enneagram and his book is the best in the business on business." -- Clarence Thompson, editor, Enneagram Educator

"Offering insight into how people behave, relate and make decisions, [and] using expert direction he has already seen work for organizations such as Motorola and the CIA, Goldberg offers real solutions for everyone who wants to communicate more effectively" -- OR/MS, Operations Research/Management Science Today [review of hardbound edition]

A practical and immediately useful book for managers -- Getting Results, American Management Association

The 9 Ways of Working is a dictionary of the people with whom you work! Keep it right on your desk -- The Canadian Manager

Product Description
The Enneagram -- a system based on nine personality types -- is a uniquely powerful approach to understanding why people behave the way they do. The 9 Ways of Working teaches how to recognize the personality types of everyone you work with -- colleagues, clients, consultants, and the boss -- and use that information to understand how those people manage, make decisions, resolve or create conflicts, and more.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (April 21, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569246882
• ISBN-13: 978-1569246887
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #37,387 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent intro to the Enneagram, April 18, 2002

By	F. J. Cote (Downers Grove, Il USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ONLY enneagram book I use with business clients!, December 15, 2000

By	Mary R. Bast (Gainesville, Florida United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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).

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oriented toward business world; excellent elsewhere, too, December 31, 2003

By	richardpinneau.com (Colorado) - See all my reviews

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.