Page 149 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

124 What Type of Leader Are You?

it difficult and demotivating to put their efforts toward something
that is intended to prevent something. For example, it is more
motivating for a sports coach to say, “Let’s beat this team,” than it
is to say, “Let’s keep this other team from beating us.” Visions,
strategies, and goals are most effective when they are explained
with words that imply positive action.
When Josh was new to leadership, he was described by one of
his employees in this way:

“I know Josh has a lot of experience as a project manager,
but he just doesn’t feel like a leader to me. While he may
know what we should do, he doesn’t communicate this to us
very effectively. Because of this, I lack confidence in him, and
I think many of my coworkers feel the same way. He appears
more adept at picking apart the ideas we suggest than at
helping us figure out a common direction.”

Development Stretches for Sixes

TAKE PROJECTS OR JOBS THAT WILL BE PRODUCTIVE STRETCHES FOR
YOU Don’t undersell yourself and take on work that is too easy
for you, as doing so won’t push you to expand your capabilities.
On the other hand, be careful not to be so attracted by the risk
and excitement of a new challenge that you take a job that is
more complex than your prior experience would suggest is a
good career move. Give yourself the time to fully develop your
skills.

MAKE SURE YOU DEVELOP A VISION AND STRATEGY BEFORE MOVING
TO GOALS AND TACTICS Although you may feel more comfortable
working with the concrete areas (missions, goals, and tactics), stay-
ing within this comfort zone will hurt your chances to rise in the
organization. At higher levels, you will need to lead from vision
and strategy.