Enneagram: Leader’s Map to Self-Awareness

Why are some leaders able to steer their organizations steadily through turbulent times, while others leave their teams in a state of confusion and stress?

One of the key factors is self-awareness: a leader’s ability to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as deeper motivations.

Without deep self-awareness, a leader might inadvertently place their organization in a vulnerable position. Decisions may be driven more by emotional reactions than by clear and rational analysis, and at worst, the entire team might suffer due to the leader’s blind spots. A lack of self-awareness can also block the reception of feedback, slowing down both personal and organizational growth.

On the other hand, a leader’s strong self-awareness can elevate the culture of the entire organization. It forms the foundation for trust, which is vital both between the leader and the team, and among team members themselves. A leader who understands their own strengths and weaknesses can make more balanced and thoughtful decisions that support the organization’s long-term success. Furthermore, self-awareness enables leaders to better understand the needs and communication styles of their teams, enhancing communication and reducing conflicts.

But how does one improve self-awareness?

Enneagram – A Tool for Understanding Yourself

I first encountered the Enneagram twenty years ago in Italy and was immediately struck by its dynamic nature. The Enneagram not only identifies personality types but also reveals different kinds of stress responses and offers a pathway for personal growth. When I delved deeper into the Enneagram while earning my certification as an Enneagram coach a few years ago, I discovered its true potential.

The Enneagram helps uncover even unconscious root causes of behavior and the emotions driving them. By becoming aware of recurring patterns behind actions and feelings, individuals can rise above habitual reactions and take control of their responses in a new way. This allows them to break free from negative cycles and opens the door to growth. As a result, sense of balance both in work life and in personal life strengthens.

Like many of my clients, I can now better recognize the negative emotions that surface in certain situations and understand their origins. I’ve also learned that some negative emotions are worth tolerating because they are “false alarms”; listening to these alarms would slow down personal growth.

Just as nature follows predictable patterns and symmetrical forms, the Enneagram illustrates nine innate personality types that people fall into. Recognizing one’s personality type is a key part of developing self-awareness. At Xpedio, we use a narrative coaching method to facilitate this process, whether in individual coaching or group settings.

Each of the nine personality types reflects a recurring pattern based on an individual’s deepest motivations, fears, and behaviors.

Examples of Enneagram Personality Types

• Type 1: Often self-critical and striving for constant improvement, Type 1 individuals are highly organized and precise but can feel significant anxiety when things don’t go as planned. A Type 1 leader may strive for perfection but risk becoming overly critical of themselves and their team if things don’t go exactly as intended.
• Type 3: Ambitious and goal-oriented, Type 3 individuals often achieve great success but may overidentify with accomplishments and external expectations. This can lead them to neglect their personal lives and feel empty if they don’t meet their goals. A Type 3 leader might focus solely on results and overlook their team’s well-being.
• Type 5: Analytical and knowledge-driven, Type 5 individuals value information but may become reserved or withdrawn when they feel their boundaries are not respected. They fear lacking necessary resources or becoming overly dependent on others. A Type 5 leader might excel in problem-solving and sharing insights but could struggle to communicate effectively if they retreat too deeply into their thoughts.

How Understanding Different Enneagram Types Helps in Leadership?

1. Improved teamwork: By understanding the behavior patterns and motivations of different types, leaders can adapt their leadership style to meet the needs of their team members, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.
2. Tailored feedback: Leaders can customize their feedback to resonate with different types. For example, one type might crave recognition and praise, while another is fully satisfied with factual, analytical feedback.
3. Better stress management and conflict resolution: Understanding how different types respond to stress and conflict helps leaders prevent misunderstandings and offer effective solutions tailored to diverse personalities.
4. Enhanced decision-making: Leaders can appreciate why team members make decisions in specific ways and incorporate these factors into strategic planning and teamwork.
5. Clearer goal setting: Knowing the Enneagram types of their team, leaders can guide them in identifying personal development areas and setting realistic goals that support growth and improve performance.
6. Improved communication: Leaders can adjust their communication style to suit various types, ensuring clearer and more effective interactions within the team.

Using the Enneagram for Self-Awareness and Organizational Growth

The Enneagram is not just a tool for personal growth; it is also a powerful resource for enhancing organizational culture. By fostering an understanding of team diversity and improving collaboration, the Enneagram enables leaders to lead their teams with greater clarity, trust, and sustainability.

Implementing the Enneagram doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even a basic understanding can help leadership teams identify how individual behavior patterns influence decision-making and teamwork. Over time, this enhances organizational performance and the personal well-being of leaders.

Interested in discovering the potential of the Enneagram? Xpedio offers high-quality, comprehensive services for leadership development. Contact us and begin your journey toward better self-awareness and more impactful leadership!