Speak Up, Lift Up: Encouraging Words at Work

This week we’re looking at teams - whether it is a role you volunteer for or get paid to show up, you bring your whole self to the table - including how you communicate.

Learning to recognize your stance and others’ can turn team tension into teamwork, helping everyone feel seen, heard, and valued.

Workplace communication isn’t just about productivity - it’s about people.

Great teams thrive on trust, clarity, and mutual respect. One of the most transformative practices in team environments is assuming positive intent.

It changes how we hear feedback and offer it.

The Enneagram Communication Stances offer a lens into how team members typically respond - some may speak up quickly (Assertive), others may seek direction or approval (Dutiful), and some may need more time to reflect (Withdrawn).

Imagine this workplace scenario… A three-person team is working on a high-stakes presentation due in a few days. Communication has become tense and unproductive.

Let’s meet the team…

Jasmine (Assertive Stance)Jumps in with ideas, pushes for action, and wants momentum. She’s frustrated because no one is responding quickly to her suggestions.​“I keep offering solutions, but no one’s making decisions. We’re wasting time!”

Mark (Dutiful Stance):Wants to make sure everyone is aligned, follows expectations, and doesn’t rock the boat. He’s hesitant to speak up until he knows what others want.​“I’m waiting for everyone to agree on the direction. I don’t want to overstep.”​

Lena (Withdrawn Stance):Needs space to think and process before contributing. She’s overwhelmed by the constant back-and-forth and is pulling back.​“There’s too much noise. I need time to think through my part before I respond.”​

Which of these responses do you resonate with?

Where It’s Breaking Down:

• Jasmine (Assertive) feels like she’s leading alone and getting no feedback.

• Mark (Dutiful) is waiting for a signal that it’s safe to act.

• Lena (Withdrawn) is retreating to avoid pressure and chaos.

Keep in mind, each person is communicating from their default stance, but missing each other’s signals. Feel familiar?

Here are a few options to help this team move forward:

• First get curious and seek self-awareness in the situation.

  • Jasmine (Assertive) can pause and ask, “How do you all prefer to communicate when we’re under pressure?”

  • Mark (Dutful) can voice his internal hesitation: “I want to be helpful, but I’m unsure where to step in.”

  • Lena (Withdrawn) can let the team know she needs time: “I’ll have clearer feedback after I review this tonight.”

• Next look for ways to invite and adapt

  • Jasmine (Assertive) can slow down and invite input, creating space for others.

    ​ “I shared a few options—Lena, Mark, what are your thoughts before we decide?”​

    
    

  • Mark (Dutiful) can name his needs and ask for direction.

    ​ “Would it help if I draft the outline based on what we’ve said so far?”​

  • Lena (Withdrawn) can commit to re-engaging after reflection.

    “I’ll bring two revised slides to tomorrow’s meeting—we can review them together.”

The Outcome…by recognizing their different stances, each team member can:

• Feel heard (instead of dismissed, invisible, or overwhelmed),

• Adjust their approach without abandoning who they are,

• Collaborate more effectively with empathy and structure.

  
  

Identifying these patterns can help teams navigate differences with greater empathy and stronger collaboration.

Get Curious…How does your natural communication stance show up in team settings - and how might recognizing others’ stances help you respond with more clarity and grace?

This week, challenge yourself to offer one piece of specific, positive feedback each day to someone on your team (it doesn’t need to be the same person each day - spread the good). Watch how it shifts the energy and connection.

Rooting for stronger teams and kinder conversations,

Katie and Kristan