Introduction to the The Enneagram as a Leadership Tool

The Enneagram is a fascinating tool of nine orientations that enables us to gain insight into the depths of our true potential. It seeks to provide insight into how we fund our foundation of assumptions so they work for us or they don't! (In some ways it provides a generic Owner's Manual to Life! That little book we all hoped came with us to provide insightful directions on how to employ us and treat us with care.)

Leadership development requires fluency at this level. Margaret Jackson, the Chairperson of the QANTAS board of directors put it this way, "Know your self, appreciate others, be bold and be brave." This tool enables you to do the first two at a depth rarely available in psychological profiling. From this foundation, with the wisdom of appreciation, the other two become natural behavior.

History:
The Enneagram has been based in oral tradition until recently and so its origins are obscure. Some claim there is evidence its use in Babylonian times, others are currently in the courts squabbling over their rights to its use.

Some use it as a personality tool I prefer it as a road map, a generic blue print for your 'model' of assumptions that can be used to direct intentional and purposeful growth. It enables the discarding of assumptions that are past their use-by-date, maybe formulated in childhood, and the growth of wiser concepts.

Its application:
The Enneagram orientation of an individual is determined in part objectively, through being aware of their assumptions, and partly subjectively, by finding the motive for their actions.

As such it fits perfectly into the newest assumptions of quantum physics that by measuring an event we influence it (there is a subjective component to every observation). Our language has lagged behind these forward concepts and we still prefer objectivity presuming it is more truthful. However, the information provided by the interview and the practicality of working with others has always been the definitive test for compatibility rather than the pre-selection psychological tools.

Questionnaires to determine our Enneagram orientation, which are readily available on the web, are not very accurate. Not because of the skill of the questionnaire compiler but due to the inability of ourselves to appreciate our unconscious motive objectively and compare it to others. How many thoughts have you ever had about this area of your life?

In working with the Enneagram for 15 years I have yet to fault it, despite rigorous testing. A skilled practitioner can provide information to identify an individual's orientation or, alternatively those who know us well.

The most telling insights into our orientation are those based in the person's conflict behavior. Because we assume our conflict is well clothed we do it with abandon - to others we are the Emperor with no clothes and they often perceive our actions with great clarity. Consult a skilled practitioner or ask loved ones, colleagues or friends to help you identify your orientation.

Leadership Development:
Much of the literature informs us that we can create ourselves to be leaders, we do not need to born so. However, there is little in the literature to direct us to the fertile ground for us to develop our leadership skills and abilities.

The Enneagram shows us our pot holes (limitations) and our mountains (talents). Our job as leaders is to develop conscious competence with both! The Enneagram shows us where these are so we can begin the work of our lives.

This article may be reproduced in printed or web format, provided the resource box below is included.

Rosemary Johnston is a professional corporate and personal coach. Working with executives from some of Australia's largest and most successful companies for over 15 years.

Rosemary's new book, "How To Develop Your Leadership Style and Skills to Take Charge of Your Career and Life" is now available to download at her web site. Read about how you can share some of the success Rosemary has had coaching leaders in Australian blue chip companies. http://www.leadershipfirst.com.au

---

Managing Monsters in Meetings - Part 3, Drifting From the Topic

Although new ideas lead to creative solutions, they can be... Read More

Five Steps Towards Greater Self Confidence

We watch the star athlete calmly make the final shot,... Read More

Two Leadership Traps: How To Avoid Them and How To Get Out Of Them (Part 2)

Here's how to get out of, or avoid, the "I... Read More

What is Leadership?

Leadership is what every organization needs and so few have... Read More

Lessons In Leadership: What Not To Do... From A Canoe!

When it comes to fishing, my husband takes the lead.... Read More

Introduction to the The Enneagram as a Leadership Tool

The Enneagram is a fascinating tool of nine orientations that... Read More

What Makes A Good Leader? Ask Uncle Sam

What do the major generals who are leading the war... Read More

The Compassion Paradox

Effective leaders are comfortable with paradox. They can call on... Read More

Leadership: Wisdom of the Ages

If you gather 100 experienced leaders together to share with... Read More

A Good Leader Knows The Teams Colours

Leadership can be a very challenging task. As leaders we... Read More

The Challenge to Lead

The topic of leadership has been and continues to be... Read More

Leadership For Deep Results: Without Them Are You Wasting Your Leadership And Your Life? (Part One)

I've challenged all leaders I have worked with during the... Read More

UNCLOS III Process model

The United Nations Conference on Law of the Sea was... Read More

7 Core Elements Of Your Vivid Vision!

What you are about to read may be found in... Read More

What Kind of Leader Are You?

You are a leader if someone is following you. This... Read More

7 Awesome Leadership Power Generators!

7 Awe-Inspiring Leadership Power-Generating Strategies!Here's a really simple way you... Read More

Teen View of Leadership From Around the World

It has been stated that the world of tomorrow will... Read More

Who Needs Heroes?

When we were talking the other day we started to... Read More

Coaching a Leader

One of my favorite memories growing up as a child... Read More

The Three Faces of Leadership

This article was published in the Nov. 2003 edition of... Read More

Effective Leaders are (#2) Technical

SET CLEAR AND REASONABLE OBJECTIVES FOR THEMSELVES AND OTHERS: Plan?... Read More

Leader is Not a Title

There is a steady flow of information in the form... Read More

It?s Not All About Cheese: The Missing Component in Employee Development (Part 1)

Spencer Johnson really hit a nerve when he wrote Who... Read More

Leadership is About Growing Others - Its Not About You!

"Before you become a leader success is all about growing... Read More

Weakness, Struggle, Fear, Knowledge, Growth, Courage, Leader

Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most remarkable men in... Read More

Leadership Training Seminar - What Makes A Great Leader?

At one point or another, we have all been either... Read More

Career Advice for Business Leaders: Empowering Others

Many potential leaders in business sabotage themselves and their organizations... Read More

A Blueprint for Leadership - How to Be a Better Leader

If you were to build a house, you would begin... Read More

Secrets of Creating Success with Ease

Do you ever strum your fingers on the desk top... Read More

Leadership ? Push vs. Pull?

At your next staff meeting consider leading your team through... Read More

Unleash It!

On airplanes, in restaurants, in the newspaper and on television,... Read More

Characteristics of a Good Leader

It's interesting to hear the responses from executives when I... Read More

Asking for Help

For many of us, asking for help is a difficult... Read More