How Your Greatest Strengths Can Undermine Your Communication

Ever seen two well-meaning colleagues talk past each other?

Take Alex and Jordan. Alex (Type 3) is goal-oriented—straight to the point, no fluff. Jordan (Type 9) values harmony and wants everyone to feel heard. When Alex pushes for a quick decision, Jordan asks for more time to ensure all perspectives are considered. Alex sees this as indecisiveness, while Jordan feels dismissed. Frustration builds. Neither realizes they’re overusing their strengths—Alex’s drive for results and Jordan’s desire for consensus—and it’s backfiring.

The trap? Our greatest strengths can become blind spots in communication.

The Enneagram Communication Traps

* Type 1: The Improvement Trap
Strength: Clear, logical, and principled.
Trap: Your drive for accuracy can feel like criticism.
Idea: Balance precision with encouragement.

* Type 2: The Overhelping Trap
Strength: Warm, empathetic, and tuned into others' emotions.
Trap: Offering help that wasn’t asked for or softening hard truths too much.
Idea: Let people ask for what they need.

* Type 3: The Efficiency Trap
Strength: Clear, persuasive, and goal-focused.
Trap: Skipping over emotions or making others feel like a means to an end.
Idea: Slow down—connection builds trust.

* Type 4: The Depth Trap
Strength: Expressive, insightful, and willing to go deep.
Trap: Not everyone is ready for deep conversations right now.
Idea: Read the room—sometimes lighter is better.

* Type 5: The Knowledge Trap
Strength: Thoughtful, logical, and data-driven.
Trap: Too much information can overwhelm others.
Idea: Engage without overloading—interaction beats info overload.

* Type 6: The Caution Trap
Strength: Thoughtful, prepared, and great at spotting risks.
Trap: Too many “what-ifs” can overwhelm the conversation.
Idea: Offer solutions, not just problems.

* Type 7: The Enthusiasm Trap
Strength: Engaging, upbeat, and full of ideas.
Trap: Jumping too fast between topics.
Idea: Stay present—let each idea land.

* Type 8: The Intensity Trap
Strength: Direct, confident, and not afraid of hard conversations.
Trap: Your forcefulness can shut others down.
Idea: Strength doesn’t mean pressure—give space to respond.

* Type 9: The Harmony Trap
Strength: Diplomatic, calming, and inclusive.
Trap: Avoiding conflict or holding back your opinions.
Idea: Speak up—true harmony includes clarity.

Summary

Self-awareness in communication isn’t just about knowing your strengths—it’s about knowing when they’re working against you.

* Are you overusing your go-to strength?
* What does the other person need right now?
* How can you adjust to be more effective?