DISC vs Enneagram vs Big 5 of Strategy — Which One Actually Helps You Grow?

DISC vs Enneagram — Which Is Better for Personal Growth and Leadership?

Both DISC and the Enneagram are widely used in personal development, coaching, and team settings.

DISC identifies four behavior styles (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness).

Enneagram classifies people into one of nine types, each with a core fear, desire, and coping pattern.

Each has its own appeal; DISC is practical and easy to apply, while the Enneagram goes deep into motivation and self-awareness. But in today’s world, the big question isn’t who am I? It’s how do I grow, perform, and lead in complexity?

That’s where the Big 5 of Strategy offers a more modern alternative.

Where DISC and Enneagram Help

DISC

Focuses on observable behavior

Popular in corporate training and communication workshops

Easy to understand and apply

Doesn’t assess performance or adaptability

Enneagram

Focuses on core motivation and personality patterns

Widely used in coaching and personal development

Deep, reflective, and insightful

Not designed for workplace performance

Why They’re Not Enough in 2025

Both tools offer insight, but neither helps you develop strategic capability.

In today’s world:

Roles change fast

Strategic thinking is expected at every level

Self-awareness must turn into action

DISC and Enneagram were built to describe how you are. They don’t show how to grow, adapt, or lead, especially under complexity.

The Big 5 of Strategy: A Capability-Based Alternative

The Big 5 of Strategy is designed for professionals navigating the modern workplace. It focuses not on personality types, but on strategic strengths you can apply and grow.

It assesses five dynamic, research-based competencies:

Grasp the Present

Shape the Future

Move the System

Deliver the Results

Adapt to Change

These are the skills that matter in today’s work and tomorrow’s.

DISC vs Enneagram vs Big 5 of Strategy At a Glance

Feature	DISC	Enneagram	Big 5 of Strategy
Model Type	Behavior styles	Personality archetypes	Strategic competencies
Output	One of 4 behavior styles	One of 9 personality types	Custom strength profile
Development Focus	None	Reflective, not action-based	Actionable and built-in
Workplace Fit	Team training	Personal coaching	Leadership, complexity, growth
Scientific Basis	Moderate	Low	Strong – research-backed
Flexibility	Static styles	Static types	Situational and adaptive