What if the behavior we're reacting to isn't actually the whole story?
A student talks back. Another shuts down. One refuses to participate. Another constantly challenges authority. It's easy to make assumptions about what we're seeing—but what if we became curious about what might be happening underneath?
In this episode, Michelle Connolly explores the connection between behavior, motivation, and the Enneagram, looking at how understanding the deeper motivations behind our actions can change the way we respond to them.
The Enneagram isn't about labeling students or trying to determine everyone's type. Instead, it can give educators another way to look at the people in front of them—to recognize that the same behavior can come from very different motivations, fears, needs, and experiences.
Turning back to the lens of Teachers How your own patterns and triggers influence the way we interpret student behavior? What happens when a student's actions push one of our buttons? And how can self-awareness help us interrupt the reaction cycle and respond more intentionally?
Together, we explore what happens when we move from:
Behavior → Interpretation → Motivation → Awareness → Choice → Response
Because understanding someone's behavior doesn't mean excusing it. We can hold boundaries, maintain expectations, and still become curious about the person behind the behavior.
As always... I'm Rooting for you 💕
Free Enneagram assessment https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/
Make sure to connect with Michelle to help you with those results and book a (free) 30 min meet and greet
https://calendar.app.google/RTu4pSag6PBBLWe97
Contact through email
Michelle@coremotivationscoach.com
instagram.com/coremotivations_coach
Youtube
Teacher Resource
https://www.kinf.org/programs/national-network
00:00 Introduction to the episode and its focus on classroom dynamics
01:02 The challenge of managing diverse student behaviors
02:15 Using the Enneagram to understand underlying motivations
03:22 The importance of curiosity over judgment in behavior analysis
04:52 Behavior versus motivation: pulling back the curtain
06:30 How fears and needs influence student behavior
07:36 Responding with curiosity and boundaries
09:04 Examples of understanding motivations behind behaviors
11:33 The cycle of classroom interactions and misunderstandings
13:02 The role of teacher triggers and self-awareness
14:18 Creating space for choice through self-awareness
15:27 Practical takeaways for teachers and non-teachers alike
17:20 The importance of curiosity in the new school year
18:16 Closing thoughts and contact information
