Uplands Invites CHHSM’s Berry to Lead Enneagram Workshop

Leadership Team members from Uplands Village in Pleasant Hill, Tenn., participated in a unique workshop in October that offered resources and insights into team relationships. “Introduction to the Enneagram,” presented by CHHSM’s the Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry, offered the team a broad explanation of how the Enneagram is applied to create in individuals a greater sense of integrated embodiment.

The Enneagram is a system whereby individuals learn about their “Enneagram type,” the habits and patterns of their lives, and recognize the power each has to interact, respond, and engage with the world. The study is a tool that creates more compassion and freedom in the world.

Cathy Taylor, interim CEO of Uplands, expressed “sincere gratitude for the excellent Enneagram training. Elyse’s knowledge and passion for the subject were evident throughout the course.

“I found the exercises and group discussions to be particularly valuable in deepening my understanding of the Enneagram types,” said Taylor. “The insights I gained have already had a positive impact on my personal and professional life.”

The Uplands workshop was the idea of former CEO Herschel Murner, a former Nollau Leadership Institute graduate who preceded Taylor at Uplands. “Once I described what the Enneagram is to Cathy, and how it is a useful tool for self-awareness and teamwork, she thought it would be a great topic to bring to her team,” said Berry, CHHSM’s associate for advocacy and leadership development. “The leadership team is made up of folks who had been at Uplands for decades, as well as those who were brand new. The workshop offered a chance for the team to learn how the Enneagram speaks to both the individuals of the group and how they show up with each other as one team.”

The day-long workshop also “offered time for participants to be with and get to know one another outside of the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day business,” Berry added. “And knowing how busy this team it, it was a powerful example of Cathy’s leadership in how she values and cares for her team by setting this time aside. The group was fantastic to work with.”

Pam Kenner, administrative assistant for Uplands, appreciated the workshop. “We all took away from the day a deeper understanding of our own personalities and the realization that, though we are different, we complement each other,” she said. “It was a surprisingly emotional day.”

The workshop included learning about and a discussion about each of the nine categories, or Enneagram “types,” followed by exercises.

“The exercises at the end of each presented type caused emotions to run high,” Kenner said. “Several of us cried because either we felt emotions ourselves, or we could see pain in our fellow leadership team members, and we cried for them.”

“When we realized that one of our team was suffering and had zero support in her situation, we all became teary,” she said. “It has made us be better about ministering to each other and being more aware.”

Kenner added that one of Uplands team members received news that her father had died later that afternoon. “We all rallied around her, largely as a result of the training earlier in the day,” she said. “We didn’t want her to feel alone like our other team member had. We are quick learners.”

The workshop proved to be an invaluable experience for both participants and facilitator Berry. The leadership team members “were open, engaging, and willing to share with one another,” said Berry. “I felt like I got the Uplands experience by being with them that day, seeing how each person is living into their values and passion for their work.”