Leadership Tendencies for Each Enneagram Type

Introduction

While the previous article touched on leadership, this one dives deeper into the specific nuances of how each Enneagram type naturally approaches leadership, their inherent strengths, and common pitfalls.

Type-Specific Leadership Strengths & Challenges

• Type 1 (The Reformer):
  • Strengths: High integrity, ethical, organized, sets high standards.
  • Challenges: Can be overly critical (of self and others), perfectionistic, rigid.
• Type 2 (The Helper):
  • Strengths: Supportive, builds strong teams, empathetic, good at motivating others.
  • Challenges: Can be manipulative, over-involved, struggles with boundaries, seeks approval.
• Type 3 (The Achiever):
  • Strengths: Goal-oriented, inspiring, efficient, excellent at presenting.
  • Challenges: Can be image-focused, workaholic, neglects feelings, cuts corners for success.
• Type 4 (The Individualist):
  • Strengths: Creative, authentic, visionary, brings unique perspectives.
  • Challenges: Can be moody, withdrawn, overly sensitive to criticism, struggles with practical execution.
• Type 5 (The Investigator):
  • Strengths: Analytical, objective, strategic, knowledgeable, calm under pressure.
  • Challenges: Can be detached, secretive, struggles with emotional expression, hoards information.
• Type 6 (The Loyalist):
  • Strengths: Responsible, loyal, prepared, builds consensus, identifies risks.
  • Challenges: Can be anxious, indecisive, suspicious, overly cautious, prone to groupthink.
• Type 7 (The Enthusiast):
  • Strengths: Visionary, enthusiastic, innovative, optimistic, great at brainstorming.
  • Challenges: Can be scattered, avoids difficult tasks, lacks follow-through, impulsive.
• Type 8 (The Challenger):
  • Strengths: Decisive, protective, courageous, takes charge, inspires confidence.
  • Challenges: Can be controlling, intimidating, confrontational, struggles with vulnerability.
• Type 9 (The Peacemaker):
  • Strengths: Inclusive, diplomatic, calming presence, good at mediating conflicts.
  • Challenges: Can be indecisive, passive-aggressive, avoids conflict, complacent.

Becoming a More Effective Leader

Understanding your Enneagram type as a leader allows you to:

• Leverage your natural strengths: Double down on what you do well.
• Address your blind spots: Consciously work on areas where your type struggles.
• Adapt your style: Understand how to lead different types on your team.
• Foster growth: Encourage your team members to develop their own leadership potential.