Page 126 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

Know the Business: Think and Act Strategically 103

COMPONENT 5: KNOWING THE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND TECHNOL-
OGY This means understanding the organization’s products, serv-
ices, and technologies; knowing the requirements for operating in
a regulated industry; making decisions and instituting organiza-
tional changes that take into consideration the long-term impact
on products, processes, and technology rather than focusing on
short-term advantages for your unit or the company; and making
sure that the products and services you provide for customers sup-
port the broader organization’s business, rather than just looking
at what will benefit your work area.

Low High
1 2 3 4 5

COMPONENT 6: KNOWING THE FINANCES This involves using budg-
ets, forecasts, and key indicators to measure and manage business
performance; understanding the company’s basic financial state-
ments (income statement, balance sheet, and financial ratios) and
how your unit’s goals, processes, and systems affect them; taking
an organization-wide view of financial management rather than a
view from your business unit only; assuming accountability for the
bottom line and demonstrating fiscal responsibility; efficiently and
effectively managing ongoing investments (in people, materials,
finances, and technologies) in the context of business strategies,
organizational priorities, and the deployment of resources to
value-producing activities; and demonstrating sound resource and
workforce planning to meet anticipated business requirements.

Low High
1 2 3 4 5

Think and Act Strategically

COMPONENT 7: CREATING A COMPELLING VISION This requires devel-
oping a long-term, values-based vision that moves people to action;
grounding the vision in a realistic knowledge of the current and
future environment and organization and making sure that it is nei-