Enhancing Coaching with Assessments

In coaching, one of the most powerful catalysts for growth is self-awareness. In addition to using tried and tested coaching methodologies, tools and techniques when coaching a client, two popular tools that I use and recommend that can significantly enrich a coaching series, are use of the Integrative Enneagram (iEQ9) and the Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessments (Top 5 or Leadership Report using Top 10). Each offers a unique lens through which clients can better understand themselves, their patterns, and their potential. I have unpacked these assessments for you below to give you a deeper understanding of each and the benefits thereof.

The Integrative Enneagram (iEQ9) Assessment

The iEQ9 is a robust psychometric tool based on the Enneagram personality framework. It identifies a person’s core Enneagram type (from nine distinct types), along with subtypes, levels of integration, centres of intelligence (head, heart, body), and instinctual biases. It goes beyond a simple typology by highlighting motivation patterns, defence mechanisms, blind spots, and growth paths.

The value when used in Coaching?

• Helps clients uncover core motivations behind behaviours, not just the behaviours themselves.

• Promotes deep self-reflection, which supports emotional intelligence and personal development.

• Offers a roadmap for personal growth, resilience building, and stress management.

• Enhances relationship and team dynamics by exploring how different types interact under stress and in communication.

Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment

The Gallup StrengthsFinder identifies a person's natural talents across 34 themes, ranking them in order of dominance. These can then again, be categorised into four Leadership domains being: Strategic; Execution; Influence; Relationship. Various reports can be selected with only the one online assessment being done.  Personally, as a start, I recommend the ‘Top5 Report’ or the ‘Report for Leaders’ which works on the Top10 strengths.   This assessment highlights an individual’s natural talents and core strengths—how they think, feel, and behave most naturally.

The value when used in Coaching?

• Encourages a positive psychology approach, focusing on what’s strong, not wrong.

• Builds confidence and clarity by helping clients articulate and own their strengths.

• Supports performance and leadership development by aligning tasks and roles with natural talents.

• Helps reduce burnout and improve engagement by guiding clients to operate more in their strength zones.

• Gives a language for behaviours.

  
  

Why integrate an assessment into Coaching?

Either one of these can be used as part of a Coaching Series.  These assessments can offer a balanced inner and outer lens—the Enneagram deepens insight into why clients behave the way they do, while CliftonStrengths highlights how they naturally excel. When used in a coaching series, they:

• Create a shared language for growth.

• Deepens self-awareness.

• Empower clients to make intentional choices aligned with their values and talents.

• Foster greater empathy, agility, and resilience—crucial traits for leadership and life transitions.

Interested in finding out more to deepen your self-awareness and to build your potential? Drop me a message and I am happy to connect with you to devise a personalised Coaching Journey for you.