Page 115 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

92 What Type of Leader Are You?

CHART 3.9 Eights: Levels of Self-Mastery

Descriptions
Extreme self-mastery The Truth Seeker
Core understanding: Vulnerability and weakness are part of
being human, and multiple truths must be assimilated in
order to reach the real truth.
The challenge for Eights who seek extreme self-mastery is to
learn to manage their vast energy and reservoir of anger by
fully acknowledging their long-hidden vulnerability. When they
have accomplished this, Eights are generous, strong,
openhearted, and open-minded. Although still direct and
honest, they speak from the heart and the head as well as
from the gut, and they solicit and embrace differing opinions.
Their protectiveness of others is gentle rather than
controlling, and they are grounded, warm, and deeply
confident.
Example: The first time Edward became tearful in public, he
was deeply embarrassed and didn’t even know what was
bothering him. His strong and brave façade was crumbling,
and he worried that he was falling apart and losing everyone’s
respect. This event, however, catapulted Edward into a deep
level of introspection, and he emerged as a deeply confident,
gentle, and empathic person, one whom others would go
to for a sympathetic word, a keen insight, and a feeling of
being safe.
Moderate self-mastery The Immovable Rock
Core concern: Self-protection and showing weakness.
Eights who possess moderate self-mastery try hard to
manage their frustration and anger. Although they can be
sensitive and generous, they can also be controlling,
dominating, and aggressive. Quick to respond, they are also
quick to take action, and they expect immediate responses
from others. They have strong opinions, and their presence is
almost always felt, even when they are quiet. As a result,
others often look to them for decisions and clarity of direction.
Although these Eights can be humble regarding their
accomplishments and often become embarrassed when
complimented in public, they also like to be appreciated and
respected. If given a large challenge, they rise to the occasion.
Try to constrain these Eights or force them to contain their
vast energy, and they become angry, blaming, and/or sick.
Example: One of Carla’s greatest attributes was her ability to
create an organization that was extremely successful and
well respected, with a work environment that fostered
teamwork and high morale. Because of this, she felt
confused and demoralized when her human resources
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