The Leadership Style of Every Enneagram Type

“It ain’t what you don’t know that will get you in bother. It’s what you realize for certain that simply ain’t so.”

Mark Twain reportedly stated that years in the past and it has been confirmed true, repeatedly. Don’t imagine it? Here’s a brief record of “info” that turned out to be completely false.

The earth is the middle of the universe (Not true).

Bloodletting is an efficient medical apply for a lot of illnesses and illnesses (Seems it isn’t).

Lobotomies treatment psychological sickness (There are positively higher choices obtainable)

Mercury works as a strong drugs (It’s truly extraordinarily poisonous)

Folks may be loopy! One other “truth” that may be thrown into the trash bin of traditionally inaccurate info is that “Leaders are born and have a sure character sort.” That is fully and totally false. Not solely can lead with any “sort” of character, however you can too study to steer at any time in your life.

Believing you want a sure sort of character to steer can severely restrict your potential. The world deserves to see the chief you may be. You deserve it as effectively. To grasp how this works, we take a look at the Enneagram character instrument and break down how every Enneatype and management work collectively. This fashion, you’ll be able to start to know how chances are you’ll start your journey as a frontrunner.

Undecided what your Enneatype is? Take our on-line questionnaire now!

The Management Types of Each Enneagram Sort

Sort 1: The Perfectionist 

Main with Your Requirements

For those who’re a Sort 1, you’re most likely already modifying this text in your head. As a frontrunner, you carry integrity, construction, and an obsession with doing issues proper. Folks admire your skill to identify flaws and repair them on the spot. Nobody would ever accuse you of not attempting your greatest or “phoning it in.” However generally, perfectionism is much less “guiding mild” and extra “micromanaging shadow.” (Hey, all of us have our quirks.)

I personally love Ones as a result of you’ll be able to depend on them and you realize they’ll watch out and thorough. I do know a One isn’t going to ask me to do one thing they wouldn’t do, and that they’re going to be working simply as exhausting as me to make issues “proper.” That stated, generally they are often sticklers for the principles when slightly change and experimentation wouldn’t damage something.

What Drives You:You wish to make issues higher. Methods, initiatives, individuals—you imagine every thing (and everybody) has room to enhance, and you’re feeling it’s your duty to make that occur.

Your Superpowers:

You make order out of chaos like Marie Kondo on caffeine.

You maintain your self and others to excessive moral requirements.

You’re accountable and reliable.

You’re employed exhausting (generally too exhausting).

You encourage your crew to care about doing their greatest.

However Watch Out For:

Turning “excessive requirements” into “nobody can do it however me.”

Turning into that boss who critiques fonts in PowerPoint displays.

Overthinking minor particulars whereas deadlines loom.

Burning out since you received’t delegate.

Right here’s an Instance:Ever heard of Captain America? Now, I’m not saying you’re a superhero (or possibly I’m), however Cap’s ethical compass and obsessive have to Do The Proper Factor™ is quintessential Sort 1. Positive, he’s slightly uptight about justice, however would you actually need him to slack off? Precisely.

What to Work On:

Progress, not perfection. Repeat it till it sticks.

Delegate like a professional.

Find time for laughter and rest. Follow being within the second and letting go of the to-do record.

Have fun wins, even the small ones. Your crew will respect it, and so will your psychological well being.

 

Learn This Subsequent: 21 Indicators that You’re an Enneagram One Character Sort

Sort 2: The Helper

Main with Your Coronary heart

For those who’re a Sort 2, you’re the type of chief everybody secretly needs that they had. You’re approachable, supportive, and the human equal of a hug (however, like, the skilled type that doesn’t violate HR insurance policies). Your crew is aware of you genuinely care about them—and never nearly their productiveness. However right here’s the catch: your intuition to assist everybody can generally depart you stretched thinner than your persistence on a Monday morning.

My sister is a Sort 2, and he or she’s going to do every thing she will to verify everybody feels heard, appreciated, and valued in a piece scenario. Feeling unhappy? She’ll discover. Want a espresso since you’re completely exhausted? Chances are high, she’ll seize you one whereas she’s out operating errands. However generally, Twos (like my sister) tackle a lot that they’re doing three jobs without delay and forgetting to eat. (Professional tip: self-care isn’t egocentric.)

What Drives You:

Connection. You thrive on constructing significant relationships and serving to others succeed.

Your Superpowers:

You create the type of office tradition individuals write LinkedIn posts about.

You discover when Sharon in accounting is having a nasty day and really care sufficient to ask about it.

You encourage, uplift, and encourage your crew to do their greatest.

You’re a powerhouse of persistence and exhausting work.

However Watch Out For:

Saying sure to every thing after which questioning why your to-do record seems to be like a CVS receipt.

Taking over duties that aren’t yours as a result of “it’s simply simpler if I do it.”

Avoiding battle to maintain the peace, even when robust conversations (yuck) are essential.

Feeling damage when your efforts aren’t instantly appreciated.

Right here’s an Instance:

Image Ted Lasso. Positive, he’s slightly over-the-top together with his relentless optimism, however nobody may accuse him of not caring for his crew. He is aware of everybody’s title, favourite snack, and possibly the title of their childhood goldfish. And whereas he generally struggles to set boundaries, his heart-centered management retains his crew impressed.

What to Work On:

Say no with out guilt. Follow within the mirror if it’s worthwhile to. (“No, Sharon, I can’t bake 100 cookies for the potluck. However I’ll purchase some!”)

Handle you. You possibly can’t pour from an empty cup—or juggle 14 duties without delay with out dropping one.

Embrace battle when it’s wanted. Typically the kindest factor you are able to do is give trustworthy, constructive suggestions.

Bear in mind: serving to others doesn’t at all times imply doing the work for them. Empower your crew to unravel issues on their very own.

Learn This Subsequent: 21 Indicators That You’re an Enneagram 2 Sort

Sort 3: The Achievers

Main with Your Ambition

As a frontrunner, you’re the final word goal-setter, and your to-do record most likely seems to be extra like a mission briefing for a spy film. Folks admire your drive, confidence, and talent to show even the loftiest desires into actuality. However let’s be trustworthy—generally you’re so busy chasing the subsequent large factor, you overlook to get pleasure from the place you might be.

I as soon as labored with a Sort 3 who may promote something to anybody, any concept, any venture, any service. They have been inspiring, charismatic, and had an uncanny skill to make each venture really feel like a very powerful factor on this planet. You felt a stressed surge of vitality once you have been round them; such as you have been on the verge of embarking on one thing life-changing and you will need to seize the chance NOW. However, sometimes, they’d run themselves (and everybody else) ragged as a result of failure merely wasn’t an possibility.

What Drives You:

Success. You thrive on hitting milestones, successful recognition, and proving to your self (and others) that you simply’re able to greatness.

Your Superpowers:

You’re a visionary who units the bar excessive—after which raises it greater.

You possibly can spot alternatives quicker than a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Your vitality is contagious, and your crew can’t assist however get on board.

You know the way to promote concepts, merchandise, and just about the rest.

You encourage others to push previous their limits (and possibly break a sweat).

However Watch Out For:

Getting so laser-focused on achievements that you simply overlook to have a good time your crew.

Turning into overly involved with appearances (sure, it’s okay in case your garments aren’t title model).

Pushing your self and others so exhausting that burnout turns into inevitable.

Struggling to just accept failure—even when it’s a studying alternative.

Right here’s an Instance:

Consider Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation. Positive, she’s a bit intense (and possibly overly obsessive about binders), however her ambition and perception in her crew are pure Sort 3. She’ll make a spreadsheet to trace progress and plan a celebratory waffle get together when the objectives are crushed.

What to Work On:

Decelerate and benefit from the journey. Life isn’t only a spotlight reel.

Follow self-compassion. You’re greater than your achievements.

Let your crew shine—give them credit score and recognition for his or her contributions.

Bear in mind: generally much less is extra. Deal with high quality over amount, even in your objectives.

Learn This Subsequent: The Enneagram 3 Baby

Sort 4: The Individualist 

Lead with Your Creativity

For those who’re a Sort 4, you’re the chief who turns “meh” into magic. Whereas everybody else is following the established order, you’re over right here asking, However what if we did one thing fully completely different? Your creativity and emotional depth provide you with a novel edge, and your crew is aware of you’ll at all times discover a approach to make their work really feel significant. However right here’s the problem: generally your depth can overwhelm others—and even your self.

Certainly one of my favourite Sort 4s led a design crew and will dream up ideas so distinctive and galvanizing it felt like they’d crawled out of an artwork gallery and into the longer term. However when issues bought robust, they’d sometimes spiral into self-doubt or retreat totally. The important thing for them (and for you) is discovering steadiness: leaning into your creativity whereas preserving your feelings from taking up.

What Drives You:

Authenticity. You need your work—and your crew’s work—to matter. Cookie-cutter options aren’t your fashion. You intention to create one thing actual, significant, and distinctive.

Your Superpowers:

You see connections and prospects that others miss.

You infuse creativity and originality into every thing you contact.

You’re emotionally intuitive and may learn the room like a professional.

You encourage your crew to suppose exterior the field (or burn the field totally).

You carry a way of objective to the office.

However Watch Out For:

Overthinking choices till deadlines are staring you down.

Letting feelings hijack your productiveness (sure, Bob’s passive-aggressive electronic mail was annoying, however you’ve bought this).

Struggling to set boundaries, particularly when private emotions become involved.

Feeling misunderstood when others don’t “get” your imaginative and prescient.

Right here’s an Instance:

Consider Anne Shirley from Anne of Inexperienced Gables. Anne doesn’t simply see the world—she feels it, with all its magnificence, heartache, and surprise. Her unbridled creativeness and keenness encourage everybody round her, even when her dramatic aptitude generally will get her into bother.

What to Work On:

Set clear objectives and timelines to maintain your creativity grounded in motion.

Don’t take it personally if somebody doesn’t share your imaginative and prescient—make clear, clarify, and transfer ahead.

Follow self-care when feelings get overwhelming. Journaling, meditation, or a fast stroll can do wonders.

Bear in mind: your authenticity is your superpower. Hold being you—however don’t overlook to satisfy the deadlines.

Learn This Subsequent: The Enneagram 4 – The Individualist

Sort 5: The Investigator

Lead with Your Experience

For those who’re a Sort 5, you’re most likely studying this text with a skeptical eye and an inside monologue that goes one thing like: “Hmm, let’s see if this holds up.” (Truthful sufficient.) As a frontrunner, you’re somebody who thinks issues by, in depth. You’re much less centered on marking off a bunch of things on a to do record, and extra centered on ensuring you completely perceive the problems and targets within the first place. You’re authentic, deep, and gifted with a knack for recognizing patterns. Your crew is aware of they’ll depend on you for considerate, well-informed choices. However generally, you would possibly get so caught up within the analysis section that you simply overlook to really, you realize, lead.

I’ve identified so many Fives who have been most likely precise geniuses, however who struggled to take cost as a result of they felt overwhelmed by managing different individuals. However there are many Fives who may also harness their originality and depth and create ingenious options that drive groups ahead.

What Drives You:

Understanding. You’re fueled by a want to study, analyze, and grasp any topic that captures your curiosity. Management, for you, is about making knowledgeable choices and empowering others to suppose critically.

Your Superpowers:

You’re like Google—however with higher follow-up questions.

You remedy issues with precision and care.

You give your crew autonomy, trusting them to rise to the event.

You’re calm, by no means one to panic or make rash choices.

You carry objectivity and motive to even the stickiest conditions.

However Watch Out For:

Overloading your crew with an excessive amount of data.

Getting caught in “evaluation paralysis” and lacking key alternatives.

Coming throughout as distant or aloof once you’re centered by yourself initiatives.

Struggling to attach emotionally along with your crew.

Right here’s an Instance:

Consider Spock from Star Trek. Logical, methodical, and endlessly curious, Spock is the epitome of a Sort 5 chief. He’s a grasp at analyzing information and fixing issues, however generally his detachment from emotion leaves his human counterparts scratching their heads.

What to Work On:

Share your information in bite-sized, actionable methods. Ask your self, “What data is usable and related for his or her job?”

Prioritize motion over perfection. Your crew doesn’t want each truth—simply the important thing ones to maneuver ahead.

Follow emotional vulnerability. Letting your crew see a extra private aspect of you’ll be able to strengthen belief.

Learn This Subsequent: The Enneagram 5 – The Investigator

Sort 6: The Loyalist

Lead with Your Preparedness

For those who’re a Sort 6, you’ve most likely already double-checked the emergency exits, reviewed the backup plan, and made a contingency for each attainable end result—together with alien invasion. (Hey, higher secure than sorry.) As a frontrunner, you’re diligent, reliable, and at all times considering three steps forward. Your crew is aware of you’ll preserve them secure, even within the face of uncertainty. However generally, your cautious nature can tip into overdrive, leaving you pressured and second-guessing each determination.

I’ve a buddy who’s a Sort 6, and he or she’s always scanning their surroundings, in search of threats. I keep in mind we have been taking our children to the playground and he or she couldn’t cease eyeing a white cargo van within the parking zone. In the meantime, if I’d been there alone, I most likely wouldn’t have even seen the cargo van was there within the first place. She was ready for every thing.

Want a Plan B? A 6  has bought it. Plan C? Already drafted. However right here’s the factor—generally their over-preparedness makes them hesitate when a daring, on-the-spot determination is required. (Professional tip: not every thing requires a danger evaluation.)

What Drives You:

Safety. You may have a knack for creating stability and guaranteeing your crew has the instruments, plans, and help they should succeed. You’re the protection internet everybody is dependent upon.

Your Superpowers:

You’re the final word problem-preventer. Dangers? You’ve already mitigated them.

You’re loyal to your crew and can go to nice lengths to guard them.

You’re a grasp organizer, creating methods that preserve issues operating easily.

You empathize along with your crew’s worries and assist them really feel safe.

You’re the one individuals flip to when the sudden occurs.

However Watch Out For:

Overthinking and imagining worst-case eventualities which will by no means occur.

Struggling to belief your self and your instincts.

Being overly skeptical of change, even when it’s wanted.

Letting your worries trickle all the way down to your crew, creating pointless anxiousness.

Right here’s an Instance:

Consider Jason Bourne from the Bourne sequence. He’s hyper-alert, at all times ready, and has a contingency plan for each situation (even when it includes leaping by a window or commandeering a bike). His skill to evaluate dangers and suppose three steps forward makes him an unbelievable chief in high-stakes conditions. However Bourne’s fixed vigilance additionally reveals the Sort 6 wrestle: trusting others—and generally even himself.

What to Work On:

Belief your self—you’ve executed the prep work, and also you’re prepared. (Actually!)

Lean into relaxation. Not each scenario requires a doomsday plan.

Be open to vary, even when it feels dangerous. Innovation typically comes from uncertainty.

Follow delegating with out micromanaging. Your crew will thrive once you allow them to take the reins.

Learn This Subsequent: The Enneagram 6 – The Loyalist

Sort 7: The Fanatic

Lead with Your Infinite Optimism for the Future

You’re the type of one who begins a gathering with, “Okay, hear me out… what if we made this enjoyable?” Your vitality, optimism, and talent to see limitless prospects make you a pure motivator. However let’s be actual—your tendency to juggle 12 concepts without delay can generally depart your crew questioning the place to begin (or methods to sustain).

I do know a Sort 7 who may flip even the dullest workplace job into an journey. Submitting reviews? “Let’s make a playlist and race to complete!” Brainstorming session? “Snacks first, then BIG concepts!” However their love of pleasure generally meant skipping the boring-but-necessary particulars (like, uh, deadlines). The problem for you as a frontrunner is discovering steadiness—embracing the enjoyable whereas ensuring the trains run on time.

What Drives You:

Prospects. You’re fueled by the idea that there’s at all times one thing new, thrilling, and price exploring simply across the nook.

Your Superpowers:

You encourage your crew along with your imaginative and prescient and vitality.

You join concepts in artistic methods nobody else would consider.

You make work fulfilling (team-building karaoke evening, anybody?).

You adapt rapidly to vary and thrive in dynamic environments.

You retain morale excessive, even in difficult instances.

However Watch Out For:

Overcommitting as a result of you’ll be able to’t resist saying “sure” to all of the shiny alternatives.

Struggling to deal with the nitty-gritty particulars that make large concepts occur.

Avoiding robust or uncomfortable conditions in favor of “enjoyable” distractions.

Getting so caught up in new initiatives that you simply depart previous ones unfinished.

Right here’s an Instance:

Consider Willy Wonka (the Gene Wilder model). He’s bursting with creativity and pleasure, always dreaming up new concepts and delighting everybody round him. However his love of latest ventures generally leaves others scrambling to determine methods to make all of it work. (Professional tip: don’t lure your crew in a chocolate river—figuratively or actually.)

What to Work On:

Prioritize your initiatives. Not each concept must occur proper now.

Deal with follow-through. A superb plan is just nearly as good as its execution.

Embrace the uncomfortable moments—they’re the place development occurs.

Bear in mind: construction and self-discipline aren’t your enemies; they’re your secret weapons.

Learn This Subsequent: 7 Struggles of the Enneagram Seven Sort

Sort 8: The Challenger

Lead with Your Progress Mindset

For those who’re a Sort 8, you’re the boss individuals each worry and admire (in the easiest way). You’re daring, decisive, and able to tackle any problem—regardless of how large or intimidating. Your crew is aware of you’ll struggle for them and by no means again down from a battle, however generally your depth can really feel… slightly a lot. (Hey, not everybody needs to “crush it” at 8 AM on a Monday.)

I’ve seen Sort 8 leaders flip struggling groups into powerhouses just by believing of their potential and pushing them to do greater than they thought attainable. However I’ve additionally seen them bulldoze by others’ opinions as a result of “that is the quickest approach to get it executed.” The important thing for you? Balancing your energy with softness. You generally is a pressure of nature and a nurturing chief on the similar time.

What Drives You:Power and justice. You wish to defend your crew, arise for what’s proper, and push everybody (your self included) to be one of the best they are often.

Your Superpowers:

You make choices rapidly and confidently, even beneath strain.

You arise in your crew and defend them fiercely.

You encourage respect and loyalty along with your willpower.

You carry a transparent sense of course to chaotic conditions.

You’re not afraid to take dangers if it means reaching one thing nice.

However Watch Out For:

Coming throughout as intimidating or overpowering to quieter crew members.

Struggling to let go of management and delegate successfully.

Reacting with anger or frustration when issues don’t go as deliberate.

Being so centered on the objective that you simply overlook to think about others’ emotions.

Right here’s an Instance:

Consider Merida from Courageous. She’s daring, fearless, and decided to carve her personal path—actually and figuratively. Merida’s energy and independence make her a pure chief, particularly when she’s standing up for what she believes in. Nonetheless, her depth and refusal to compromise can generally create friction. Like Merida, Sort 8 leaders shine after they steadiness their fierce willpower with compassion and a willingness to pay attention.

What to Work On:

Follow energetic listening. Let your crew’s voices form the course you’re taking.

Be conscious of your depth. Some individuals want a little bit of softness to share their greatest work and concepts.

Delegate with belief—your crew can deal with it (actually).

Bear in mind: vulnerability is energy too. Letting others see your softer aspect will solely make you a greater chief.

Learn This Subsequent: The Enneagram 8 – The Challenger

Sort 9: The Peacemaker

Lead with Your Calm

For those who’re a Sort 9, you’re the crew’s secure harbor in a storm. Whereas others are panicking, you’re calmly saying, “Let’s determine this out collectively.” Your skill to see all sides and produce individuals collectively makes you a pure chief. However generally, your want to maintain the peace could make you hesitate when robust choices have to be made.

I’ve labored with Sort 9s who may diffuse the tensest conditions with just some phrases and a well-timed smile. However I’ve additionally seen them wrestle to say themselves, letting louder voices steer the ship. The problem for you is discovering your voice and trusting that your perspective issues—as a result of it completely does.

What Drives You:Concord. You excel at creating environments the place everybody feels valued, heard, and relaxed.

Your Superpowers:

You’re a grasp mediator who can carry conflicting sides collectively.

You create a relaxed, supportive ambiance that helps everybody do their greatest.

You’re deeply empathetic and genuinely care about your crew’s well-being.

You’re affected person and considerate, by no means dashing to judgment.

You see the large image and assist others keep grounded.

However Watch Out For:

Avoiding battle, even when it’s essential to maneuver ahead.

Struggling to make choices, particularly when there’s no “good” resolution.

Letting others overshadow your opinions or wants.

Transferring at a slower tempo than your crew would possibly want.

Right here’s an Instance:

Consider Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings. Frodo’s calm demeanor and talent to empathize with others make him the center of the Fellowship. He carries the burden of the One Ring not as a result of he’s the strongest or the loudest, however as a result of he’s grounded, affected person, and decided. Nonetheless, like many Sort 9s, Frodo generally struggles with interior battle and doubts his personal energy. His journey reveals how a Peacemaker can rise to the event after they belief their very own talents.

What to Work On:

Communicate up! Your perspective is efficacious, even when it stirs the waters slightly.

Embrace battle as a chance for development—it doesn’t must be scary.

Bear in mind: you’ll be able to’t make everybody completely happy, however you’ll be able to nonetheless lead with compassion and equity.

Learn This Subsequent: How Enneagram Nines Deal with Anger

Your Enneatype and Management Fashion

There isn’t a proper or flawed strategy to management from a character perspective. The best way you might be, your presents and your weaknesses, all play a component in how you’ll lead your groups. What makes you superior, humorous, barely annoying, or irritating (or a mix of all of the above) might be part of your management fashion as a result of is it part of you. Embrace that.

Depart that considered “I can’t be a frontrunner due to my character” in that pile of outdated concepts, subsequent to “The earth is flat” and “Washing your arms is pointless”. Step into your management potential.

Discover out extra about your character sort in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Energy of Character Sort, The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can even join with me by way of Fb, Instagram, or Twitter!