Page 119 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

96 What Type of Leader Are You?

CHART 3.10 (Continued) Nines: Levels of Self-Mastery

Descriptions
Example: The day after Nora’s husband underwent
abdominal surgery, Nora was scheduled to take their four-
year-old son for a hospital visit. Although Nora had agreed to
do so, she was actually feeling put upon because she had
work to do and the hospital was an hour from their home.
Much to the disappointment of both her husband and her
son, Nora was five hours late in getting the child to the
hospital to visit his father, with no explanation other than that
she had had work to do at home. Soon after arriving, Nora
left the boy in the hospital room with his father (who was
unable to move), saying, “I’m just going out for a walk.”

Development Stretches for Nines

EXPRESS YOUR NEEDS DIRECTLY Each day, express one need, pref-
erence, or desire to someone else. Suggest where to go for lunch,
indicate how to proceed with a project, or ask for a raise. Express
these desires without someone first asking you what you want.
Take the initiative.

SET PRIORITIES AND KEEP THEM Commit to completing two tasks
or chores each day. Make sure you complete each task without any
interruptions.

TAKE A POSITION Each morning, think about one opinion that you
hold strongly, then share that opinion with two people during the
day. Every day, select a new opinion or idea and discuss it with two
new people. Continue this activity for two weeks, and then reflect
on it by asking yourself these questions: Has it become easier to
say what I really think? Are some topics easier to discuss than oth-
ers? Are some people easier to share with? After you’ve answered
these questions, continue the activity for one month, each day
selecting new topics and new individuals.