Page 102 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

Strive for Self-Mastery 79

CHART 3.4 (Continued) Threes: Levels of Self-Mastery

Descriptions
on top of things and that they have foibles like everyone else,
these Threes possess a contagious enthusiasm, genuineness,
and confidence. Moreover, they are deeply spontaneous
because they trust that they are not responsible for making
everything happen.
Example: After recovering from a critical illness, Pam began a
process of intense self-examination. Not only did she learn to
examine her own intense drive to succeed, often at the
expense of herself, her family, and her colleagues, but she
also realized that she could value herself simply for who she
was, apart from her accomplishments. As a result, Pam
became not only much more relaxed but also more authentic.
She became a person that she genuinely liked.
Moderate self-mastery The Star
Core concern: Feeling successful, avoiding failure, and
gaining the respect of others.
At the mid-level of self-mastery, Threes focus on goals and
work, usually at the expense of their relationships. Driven and
competitive, they seek recognition and have a need to
outdistance their rivals. Although Threes at this level often
appear friendly, they’re most often motivated by their desire
for success. Many times, what looks like an emotional
response from them is more the kind of response that they
believe a person in their situation should have, not an authentic
reaction. At times, even they wonder who they really are.
Example: To Devon’s colleagues, it looked as if nothing ever
shook his confidence. He was able to give speeches to 500
people, work with the most challenging clients, and complete
tasks under a tremendous amount of pressure. While many
people enjoyed and admired Devon, others perceived him as
superficial.
Low self-mastery The Calculator
Core fear: Extreme fear of failure, since failure would make a
Three feel that he or she has no value.
At the lowest level of self-mastery, Threes may be described
as phony, self-serving, opportunistic, and a variety of other
adjectives that are often used to depict people who go after
whatever they want (usually, the external trappings of
success—e.g., money, status, and fame), with little regard for
whoever or whatever stands in their way. Although they
become extremely isolated, these Threes hide their inner
emptiness by believing that they actually are the image or
façade they have created. However, that image is only a shell
masking a hollow interior.
(Continued)