Understanding the people you lead is essential to leading them effectively. Different motivations require different approaches.
This is part 3 of an ongoing 9-part series exploring how each Enneagram type functions in the workplace. Throughout this series, I’ll break down what drives each type, how they contribute, what they need to succeed, and how you can work with and lead them more intentionally.
Today, we’re diving into Type 3: The Competitive Achiever.
What Drives Them
Enneagram Type 3s are driven by a strong desire to achieve, excel, and be seen as successful.. They are future-oriented, goal-focused, and thrive on progress. Their motivation comes from wanting to feel valuable and worthy, often linking that worth to their ability to perform, impress, and get results.
At work, they are often the ones setting the pace. Type 3s have a natural ability to see what needs to get done and move toward it with clarity and confidence. Their strengths include efficiency, adaptability, and a relentless drive, particularly when faced with high-stakes situations.
They genuinely want to contribute and be useful, but they’re often most comfortable when their success is visible. While their ambition can be inspiring, it can also lead them to focus more on how they’re perceived than on who they truly are. Their opportunity for growth often lies in learning to pursue authenticity over appearance.
The Misunderstanding
Type 3s are often misunderstood as overly competitive or status-driven. However most are actually just feeling as though they need to earn acceptance by performing well or appearing successful to their peers. Their high standards and polished presence aren’t about arrogance, they’re about belonging. Many 3s grow up believing that to be valuable, they must be exceptional.
This internal belief can make it difficult for them to slow down, admit struggle, or show up as anything less than “together.” Left unchecked, this drive can lead to burnout, workaholism, or a disconnection from their authentic self.
How to Motivate Them
Type 3s respond well to clarity, efficiency, and recognition. To engage and motivate a Type 3 set clear, measurable goals they can work toward. By placing them in leadership positions, you allow them the opportunity to prove their skillset. It is then vital to recognize these accomplishments, but while connecting them to something more tangible or meaningful such as a team mission, a long-term purpose, or personal growth.
What Not to Say
“You only care about yourself.”
This dismisses the Type 3’s drive, making them feel unseen and misunderstood. While their focus on success and performance can appear self-centered, they are often trying to do their best for the benefit of those around them. Their instinct is to make things better, faster, more effective and often assume that delivering results is how they’re showing they care. Most Type 3s deeply want to contribute, inspire, and make a meaningful impact. They're often trying to earn connection through achievement.
How They Lead
Type 3s often make strong, charismatic leaders. They’re clear, competent, and inspiring individuals that can translate vision into action and motivate others through example. Through setting ambitious goals, they consistently drive high performance within their teams.
Although they can be good at leading with confidence through uncertainty, their growth as leaders comes when they practice vulnerability. By slowing down to connect with people beyond productivity, Type 3s can learn that showing imperfection won’t diminish respect — it often deepens it.
When they blend their natural effectiveness with emotional awareness, they become some of the most compelling and empowering leaders out there.
How to Help Them Thrive
You can support your Type 3 colleagues or team members by encouraging self-reflection over self-evaluation. It can also be important to affirm their value beyond achievement by reminding them that they matter for who they are, not just for what they do.
With Type 3s, it’s also beneficial to promote balance and regular rest to help prevent burnout. They need spaces where they can be real, where they can take off the mask of success and be seen in their humanity. Setting time aside to release the pressure they’ve placed on themselves allows their motivation to recharge.
Practical Tips
Set clear, measurable goals
Recognize wins — as well as growth, effort, and learning along the way
Offer them opportunities for leadership
Model vulnerability as strength, not a weakness
Balance ambition with interpersonal team connection
Encourage unplugged time and reflection without guilt
Overall, Type 3s tend to bring energy, focus, and vision into the workplace. They raise the bar and inspire others to believe in what’s possible. When supported in being their authentic selves, they become not just top performers, but deeply human, mission-driven leaders.