Ep. 88 Can the Enneagram Rip Open Plastic Gratitude? with Jenn Whitmer

When is a cookie a giant letdown?

(Nope, not a joke setup.)

When the cookie is a crumb compared to the work you do. Because a one-size-fits-all thank-you is just another way to say you don’t really see me.

In this episode of the Joyosity Podcast, Jenn gets fired up about the difference between generic appreciation and the kind that actually builds culture, boosts performance, and keeps your best people from walking out the door.

You’ll also discover how the Enneagram can be a powerful tool to personalize appreciation and create true belonging. Sure, it may feel like one more to-do at first—but it’s actually the shortcut to saving time, money, and your sanity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

01:24 What happens when your gratitude isn’t in the right language

04:36 The performance outcomes linked to belonging and feeling seen, heard, and valued (yep, we brought receipts)

10:26 How to stop giving “meh” thank-yous that land worse than a vanilla cookie

13:04 What each Enneagram type actually values in appreciation—and how to speak that language

23:34 How to appreciate what you see and want to see more of

27:01 A tiny challenge that leads to big impact

Host: Jenn Whitmer

Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosity, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy.

With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her storytelling style blends practical strategies with a dash of humor, making the hard stuff easier.

Her upcoming book Joyosity launches October 21, 2025—and it’s your new favorite leadership manual (even if you don’t think joy is your thing… yet).

Resources & Links:

- Learn more about the Enneagram with Jenn → https://jennwhitmer.com/enneagram

- Get first dibs on Jenn’s upcoming book Joyosity: Cultivating Joy at Work → http://jennwhitmer.com/books

- Walk through the process to identify your Enneagram type — accurately! But then also know what does that mean in your every day life. Join Jenn for an Enneagram Navigator session → http://jennwhitmer.com/enneagram-typing

Want to help others learn this too? Send it to your fellow leader who’s still handing out generic gift cards and wondering why no one’s smiling. Or better yet, leave a review —with specific appreciation, of course.