Are you striving to step up your leadership development game in a big way? If so, utilising the enneagram tool is a vital step in the process of enhancing your leadership capabilities and striving your team forward by recognising the presence of your own self-sabotaging thought patterns.
Frustratingly, we can sometimes feel acutely aware that a limiting belief or the voice of an inner critic is getting in the way of steady progress toward our goals and dreams, making them seem all the more unachievable. However, drawing focus on these aspects of the psyche in a practical way can be challenging without a handy road map to direct us… this is exactly where the Enneagram comes in.
The Enneagram Assessment is a powerful tool that allows us to understand ourselves and others with far greater clarity. The Enneagram provides an increased awareness of the self and enhancement of the way we perceive and engage with others meaning it can hold fantastic potential for those in positions of leadership within a workplace, as they are better able to understand their team and therefore harness their abilities by playing to each team member’s strengths.
This comprehensive personality test allocates people into nine interconnected personality types, each with distinct traits and behavioural patterns; as well as delving into how individuals navigate challenges based on their core motivations, fears and desires. By understanding individuals’ primary Enneagram type, individuals gain profound insights into their psychological dynamics, encouraging positive change in self-development and transformation which radiates through their personal life as well as their professional life. This tool not only facilitates self-discovery but also enhances empathy and communication by elucidating the diverse lenses through which people perceive the world. Through this multifaceted framework, the Enneagram fosters a deeper understanding of oneself and those around them, promoting more meaningful interactions.
The Enneagram is a nine-point diagram composed of a circle, a triangle, and an irregular hexagon. Its various points represent nine basic personality types, each of which is characterised by dominant behaviours, motivations, qualities, desires, and fears. Enneagram theory proposes that we are each born with a dominant personality type that is then further shaped by life experiences.
By investigating how our own unique natures are reflected within the Enneagram, we can shift unnecessary illusions, quiet the inner critic, and claim empowerment as we pursue a true calling. Equally, we can better comprehend how we interact with the world and interpret patterns of thought within others.
The nine Enneagram types are formed on the basis of a personality framework that can assist in team-building activities allowing you to discover a level of greater understanding of each role within the team and how to play to people’s strengths. To understand the nine personality types, please read the detailed descriptions of each role below:
1 THE REFORMER
The first personality type is ‘The Reformer’ who are generally more commonly known as perfectionists, driven by a desire to do things right and are often seen as being both critical and judgmental whilst also managing to be ethical thinkers and highly principled individuals. They also tend to excel in leadership roles because they are always striving to improve the way things currently operate which is often fuelled by their own motivations.
2 THE HELPER
Helpers are caring and compassionate people who are driven by a desire to be loved and appreciated and can often be seen as being selfless and giving but they also tend to have codependent and manipulative qualities which are displayed when unconsciously ‘seducing others’. Despite this, their ability to build strong relationships and create a sense of community allows them to lead well.
3 THE ACHIEVER
Achievers are driven individuals whose personality revolves around being successful in whichever form appeals to them. They are highly competitive, goal-oriented people who work hard to climb the ladder of success and their dedication often yields results as they have the ability to inspire others to achieve great things, alongside themselves.
4 THE INDIVIDUALIST
Some of the most creative and thoughtful leaders are Individualists as they have a unique ability to see the world in new and innovative ways, allowing them to bring a fresh perspective to current proceedings. However, they may be idealistic with their views and when their own needs aren’t met in terms of idea recognition, their self-awareness has a tendency to become clouded, reflecting in a moody and self-absorbed personality type.
5 THE INVESTIGATOR
Analytical and independent people who are driven by a desire to understand the world around them are categorised under Enneagram types by ‘The Investigator’. They are often seen as being intelligent and curious, but they can also be withdrawn and isolated, meaning they have a personality-based predisposition to struggle within a team environment.
6 THE LOYALIST
Individuals who conform to the ‘Loyalist’ type are typically security-seeking and cautious people who are driven by a desire to feel safe and protected. Whilst sometimes naturally suspicious or anxious, they are also able to build strong teams and create a sense of stability due to being perceived as reliable and trustworthy by their peers.
7 THE ENTHUSIAST
The most fun-loving type derived from the Enneagram system is ‘The Enthusiast’ as they are generally spontaneous people who are driven by a desire to experience new things. They are often seen as being optimistic and outgoing as they focus on creating change and being positive influences, but they can also be scattered and unfocused.
8 THE CHALLENGER
People with strong and assertive personalities who are driven to defend their beliefs have an Enneagram type of ‘The Challenger’. They come across as confident and sure of themselves, though at times this can come off as aggressive or domineering but they are also natural leaders who can motivate others to take action. The determination and commitment of ‘The Challenger’ make them influential, able to drive change and guide teams toward important goals. Their determination and commitment encourage their natural influential behaviours, encouraging the momentum of their team to drive change into a positive, upward trajectory by being future-oriented.
9 THE PEACEMAKER
People with an easygoing and agreeable disposition, driven by a desire to avoid conflict, are often identified as ‘Peacemakers’. They tend to be seen as patient and understanding, although there are moments when this can transition into passivity and indecisiveness. Their ability to establish a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere makes them suitable for leadership roles as they also possess the skills required to create a cohesive and serene environment, which in turn allows them to guide teams towards success.
It is important to note that no one Enneagram type is better than another as each type has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The key is to understand your own type and the types of people you work with in order to use this knowledge to build powerful working relationships within your team and strive for success.
In addition to each core type, the system extends to 27 different sub-types, shaped by triad groupings as well as “wings,” or the personality types that are adjacent. It also provides insight into the balance of three “centres” that influence how our personalities manifest: intellect, emotion, and instinct. While we may have a basic type that is considered unchangeable, the various additional elements are in constant flux and can be proactively diminished and cultivated.
Historic records of philosophies akin to the modern Enneagram can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and even ancient Egypt, although its exact origins are disputed. Fascinatingly, it possesses elements thought to be drawn from Christian, Judaic, Buddhist, and Hindu concepts. However, it was an Armenian philosopher and mystic named George Ivanovich Gurdjieff who brought the Enneagram into popular culture in the 20th century. Next, Bolivian philosopher Oscal Ichazo distilled the contemporary Enneagram personality types, before finally, Chilean psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo expanded Ichazo’s concepts in psychological terms.
As the value of this tool led to its increasing adoption, the First International Enneagram Conference was held at Stanford University in 1994. Today, a diversity of research helps us better understand its potential for aiding professionals, academic communities, and businesses aiming to promote psychological growth, ego development, and interpersonal effectiveness.
The Enneagram is a powerful assessment tool that can help to gain insight into a leader’s motivations, fears and desires and assess the way they respond in certain business, and life, situations.
Coaching with the use of the Enneagram allows for a more personalised and transformative approach to professional and personal development, encouraging a deeper level of self-awareness which can impact every aspect of life. It can also help to identify areas that may be holding you back from achieving your leadership potential.
Due to its unique insights into individual behaviours, the Enneagram is a great tool for specific coaching that is tailored to each individual leader.
Leaders are now recognising the growing significance of “self-awareness” as a critical factor in enhancing workplace outcomes and focusing on harnessing Conscious Leadership styles. Conscious Leadership centres on establishing leaders who possess a high degree of self-awareness, enabling them to navigate substantial challenges and overcome obstacles allowing them to form innovative solutions to complex problems that may arise within the workplace.
The Enneagram focuses on a crucial aspect of addressing and transforming leadership challenges by offering comprehensive insights into nine personality styles, each with three subtypes, creating 27 different personality subtypes, deciphering the reasons behind leader’s actions and guiding the shift in behaviour patterns. This approach encompasses all personality styles via access to the body, head and heart, within the context of executive coaching.
Enneagram coaching begins with utilising the assessment tool to determine your personality type from the 27 identified within the Enneagram. Then look at the nuances associated with your specific personality subtype to optimise your leadership growth.
Tailoring an executive coaching plan around your leadership development, we engage in a step-by-step process, shifting, for example, any self-limiting beliefs and patterns, and developing leadership behaviour to the level of your role.
Initiating or continuing your personal development journey through utilising the Enneagram system opens up a myriad of avenues for personal growth and transformation by uncovering subtle habits and patterns that may be holding back your leadership potential. Understanding these influences lets you take control of your path and interactions, not just as a leader but in everyday life. However, engaging with the Enneagram goes beyond understanding yourself; it assists with improving your communication and guides you into leading with a heightened awareness of your team’s personality traits.
By incorporating the Enneagram into CEO coaching, we are able to evaluate the results over time and examine underlying behavioural patterns around your leadership style. This involves using effective self-observations and practices aimed at bringing about positive change. The Enneagram provides a profound sense of clarity, enhanced self-awareness, and a transformative outlook.
To find out more about how we can help you specifically, please get in touch with Joanna to discover more possibilities that may be available to you.
Send us a message or get in touch on +44(0) 7715 134776
Joanna Bown
Distinctions Executive Coaching
Phone : +44 (0) 7715 134776
Email : joanna@distinctionscoaching.com
Skype : joannabowncoach
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