The Leader's Journey Podcast Self Reflection and the Enneagram
In this episode of The Leader’s Journey Podcast, host Trisha Taylor is joined by coach and colleague Aundrea Baker for a rich and practical conversation about self-awareness and the Enneagram. Together, they explore how understanding the inner motivations behind our behavior can lead to personal growth, deeper compassion, and stronger team dynamics. Whether you're new to the Enneagram or a long-time student, this episode offers insightful reflections and practical tools to help you better understand yourself and others.
Aundrea Baker is a leadership coach with The Leader’s Journey, bringing deep experience in church leadership, nonprofit work, and pastoral ministry. A former co-pastor and nonprofit founder, Aundrea holds a doctorate and has spent the past decade exploring the transformative power of the Enneagram. She lives in the Houston area and works alongside her husband Warwick, who is also part of the team.
Key Points:
-
Self-awareness is foundational for growth, especially in leadership.
-
The Enneagram offers language and insight into our inner motivations—not just behaviors.
-
Aundrea's personal journey with the Enneagram began during a season of burnout and transition.
-
Misidentifying one’s type is common; deeper exploration often reveals more accurate insights.
-
Understanding your type can foster self-compassion and reduce judgment.
-
The Enneagram helps coaches and clients uncover unconscious motivations and internal narratives.
-
It’s a dynamic system—growth is possible by accessing other traits and motivations.
-
Team dynamics benefit when members understand each other's types and communication styles.
-
Awareness of triads (assertive, compliant, withdrawing) can improve collaboration and reduce misunderstandings.
-
Compassion is key: the Enneagram should be a tool for empathy, not judgment.
Resources:
The Narrative Enneagram :https://www.narrativeenneagram.org/ -This is the organization in which Aundrea received her training. They have an online test, information about each type on the website, and conduct regular online training. For more information on the Hornevian Triad, see The Enneagram Map to Your Deeper Self: Living Beyond Your Type by Sandra Smith. -This book also offers basic Enneagram info with practices, blessings, and prayers. The Enneagram for Black Liberation: Return to Who You Are Beneath the Armor You Carry by ChiChi Agorom Finding Freedom: Understanding Our Relationships Using Object Relations and the Enneagram by Belinda Gore The Road Back to You by Suzanne Stabile and Ian Morgan Cron The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation by AJ Sherrill