Enneagram Conference Singapore 2025 – How my perspective of the Enneagram changed based on the friction in the culture.
Enneagram from a cultural perspective
This year’s Enneagram Conference in Singapore changed my perspective on the Enneagram. Since 2001, I have attended almost 40 national and international Enneagram conferences and every year I discover new aspects of the Enneagram.
It can be new aspects about the Enneagram itself, new aspects on the practical elements of the Enneagram, new aspects on my own personal use of the Enneagram, and this year, I have new elements on the cultural impact of the Enneagram.
(The hidden skills of your personality)
Before the conference I had the pleasure to talk about how “Culture eats Strategy for Breakfast” at a meeting arranged by DABS (Danish Business Association of Singapore), and even if I have presented this topic for decades I still had some new insights on culture as a topic and especially on the culture of Singapore.
The day before, I had a conversation with the taxi driver, who pointed out the men dressed in black on motorcycles. That, he said, was one kind of policeman. Another kind of policemen is the taxi drivers! He explained that he had to report any disorder of other drivers and report it with the documentation of the dashcam that he tapped on while explaining how every taxi driver would be expected to report traffic incidents of misbehavior at least once a year. And if he did not report at least once a year, it would be considered as he is not paying attention to his driving and could potentially lose his license.
The Culture of Singapore
The culture of Singapore is based on Order, Rules, Regulations, Structure, etc., and for 60 years, this has made Singapore one of the strongest countries for education, learning, skills, etc.. Not having any other ressources than “human mastery” the goverments of Singapore has created a strong identity and strong culture making the country ready for growth and development.
But how is the Enneagram thriving in a culture based on Order, Rules, Regulations, Structure, etc., compared to the cultures of Egypt, Dubai, Denmark, and the USA/California, which I am traditionally more familiar with?
Different presenters at the conference shared their perspectives and use of the Enneagram in relationship to leadership, teamwork, coaching, personal growth, psychological safety, branding and the overall perspectives of the Enneagram in Asia. We were an inspirering mix of national and international speakers (Denmark was represented by three IEA accredited presenters).
Cultural insights and the Enneagram
From the national/local presenters I experienced different reactions to the Order, Rules, Regulations etc. One perspective was a very practical use, with a strong description of various models and tools on how to support individuals and teams in achieving their goals, and we were presented with the achievements of the presenters themselves. The perspective of the Enneagram was a tool for success, a tool for better and sustainable achievements, and a tool for reaching the correct goals and KPIs.
Another perspective of the Enneagram was the emphasis on the “heart.” It was an invitation to remember to connect with employees, team members, clients, etc., and to practice emotional and social intelligence. This perspective was equally important, strong, and powerful as the perspective of getting things done and thriving with success, and I perceived it as two important ways of navigating within that specific culture.
The friction between different perspectives is the core of any culture
These two perspectives create friction, which, in my teaching, is the core of a specific culture: friction between “Let’s get things done” and ”Act with empathy, kindness, and generosity.” Every friction has to be balanced with certain behaviors, and that was the new perspective of the Singaporean version of the Enneagram. I would call the friction “Let’s be kind and dutiful while we achieve instant results within a short timeframe.”
I also see the Danish culture as a culture of Order, Rules, Regulations etc., but the two perspectives differ. One perspective is co-creation, co-laboration, and co-support, -help and -care. The government is not forcing taxi drivers to report on other drivers’ quality of driving, but I remember living with my American partner in Denmark, and she was surprised by the huge amount of unwritten rules she would violate daily. Still, the rules supports a social norm of not thinking too much about yourself but paying attention to the community and benefiting the bigger good.
The other perspective is similar to Singapore’s, as we rely on human skills as a nation. In 1836 Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig created the foundation for the school system in Denmark, where 1) everyone should have access to education, 2) everyone is equal (teacher versus student), and 3) learning was experimental and based on co-creation. Co-creation and community learning are deeply rooted in the culture of Denmark, and we have had a few more years compared to Singapore to integrate this into our culture. The culture of learning is compared to Singapore’s more philosophical and reflective, and it also focuses on the mental health and well-being of the individual.
The friction in the Danish culture is between “Collaboration, community and diversity” and ”Education, reflection and mastery.“ I would call the friction “Let’s not focus too much on ourselves while we achieve build mastery to support our future.”
The Singaporean version of the Enneagram
The Singaporean version of the Enneagram is a tool for achieving success and, sometimes, funded by the government. The focus is more short-term so it can be experiences as instant-results, fast pace decision making and let’s not spend too much time on reflections and intrapersonal dynamics.
The Danish version of the Enneagram
The Danish version of the Enneagram is also a tool, but for a more diverse use (individual, spiritual, team, cultural/OD, leadership, relationship, young adults, private/public, diversity etc. In Denmark the government is not planning our future as strongly as in Singapore, so we have to create our own mastery to support our own future. That means for many of the teachers in Denmark that we have to include other areas of personal, organizational, community, and leadership experience (NLP, Family Constellations, Integral Perspectives, Cultural Insights, Spiritual Guidance, Philosophical Coaching, etc.) into the work of the Enneagram.
This was the first time that I experienced such a strong sense of how the Enneagram is integrated into another culture, even though I have been teaching in cultures like Egypt, Dubai, and the USA. Being sensitive to culture is not necessarily a core competency for Danes, so this journey to Singapore widened my eyes to how we, as teachers of the Enneagram, can pay attention to the culture of which we are presenting our perspectives on the Enneagram.
I want to send my gratitude to Cindy Leong, founder of The Enneagram Academy in Singapore, for hosting the conference and making it possible for a wide array of presenters to share their perspectives on the Enneagram.
Working with cultures using Spiral Dynamics
If you are interested in working with cultures, let me suggest a framework based on Clare W. Graves, also known as Spiral Dynamics. This framework explores the evolution of human consciousness and cultural development through a series of integral levels. These levels, or value systems, provide a lens through which we can better comprehend the intricate tapestry of human cultures and their interactions.
The model suggests that human development progresses through a series of stages, each characterized by a distinct worldview and set of values. These stages are not merely linear but spiral, allowing for the possibility of regression or progression depending on individual or collective circumstances. Each level represents a different way of thinking, from survival-based instincts to complex, integrative worldviews.
Values and beliefs sets the cultural norms
At the core of understanding cultures through the Spiral Dynamics is the recognition that each level of development corresponds to a specific set of values and beliefs that shape cultural norms and practices. For instance, the early stages of development focus on survival and basic needs, which are prevalent in cultures facing existential threats or scarcity. As societies evolve, they may transition to levels that emphasize power, order, achievement, and, eventually, more complex values such as systemic thinking and holistic integration.
One of the key insights offered by Spiral Dynamics is the understanding of cultural dynamics. Cultures at different levels of development often interact in ways that can lead to conflict or synergy. For example, a culture operating at a level focused on power and dominance may clash with one that values egalitarianism and community. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating international relations, business negotiations, and multicultural interactions.
Moreover, the Spiral Dynamics highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the value systems of different cultures. In a globalized world, where interactions between diverse cultures are inevitable, appreciating the underlying motivations and values of others can foster empathy and cooperation. This understanding can also aid in conflict resolution, as it allows for the identification of common ground and the development of strategies that honor the values of all parties involved.
Understanding conflicts within cultures and between cultures
Understanding the value system of a culture is not only important for external interactions but also for internal cohesion and development. Within a single culture, individuals and groups may operate at different levels of the Spiral Dynamics, leading to internal conflicts and misunderstandings. By recognizing these differences, societies can work towards more inclusive and harmonious environments that accommodate diverse perspectives and needs.
Furthermore, the Spiral Dynamics provides a framework for cultural evolution and transformation. By identifying the current level of development and the challenges associated with it, cultures can consciously work towards higher levels of integration and complexity. This process involves not only addressing immediate needs and conflicts but also fostering environments that encourage growth and development.
Any culture is a balance of difference perspectives
In conclusion, the integral levels of the Spiral Dynamics offer a powerful tool for understanding cultures and their dynamics. By recognizing the distinct value systems that characterize different stages of development, we can gain deeper insights into the motivations and behaviors of societies. This understanding is crucial for fostering empathy, cooperation, and harmony in an increasingly interconnected world. Moreover, it provides a roadmap for cultural evolution, guiding societies towards more complex and integrative ways of being.
At the DABS meeting, I presented my version of Graves research where I combine each level with the different perspectives of the Enneagram and the friction that has to be balanced by each of the types. Visitng Singapore was a very alive way of experiencing the different levels of cultures and valuesystems and I would love to come back for a round 2 of “Culture eat Strategy for Breakfast.” Let’s hope that The Enneagram Academy of Singapore will host an other conference in the future!
