Page 156 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

Know the Business: Think and Act Strategically 131

having fixed opinions does not mean being strong. While too
much flexibility is a weakness, so is too much rigidity. Repeat
these statements until you believe them.
Once you are more receptive to new ideas, review each item on
your list and ask yourself: What do I need to do to be even more
open-minded about this? Finally, pick three of the items and take the
actions you have identified as ways to help you become more open.

BE PATIENT You probably drive yourself very hard, but you need
to take time to relax, read, or do something that is calming, such
as stretching or walking. Not only will this give you more patience
with yourself, but it can actually prevent illness. Then, work on
being patient with other people. Every time you become frustrated
and want to confront someone for not living up to his or her com-
mitments, ask yourself: What might I not understand about this
person and his or her perspective on this situation?
Finally, learn to be patient with organizations. Organizations and
systems are very much like people: some pressure may contribute
to movement, but too much pressure creates resistance to change.
If you want to use humor in learning to become more patient,
remember this: You don’t change very easily, so why should the
organization?

Enneagram Style Nines

Leadership Paradigm:
Leaders help achieve the collective mission by cre-
ating a clearly structured and harmonious work
environment.
Seasoned Nine leaders take pleasure in knowing
all aspects of the business. Methodical and able to perceive all
points of view, Nine leaders enjoy understanding the industry, the
marketplace, and their customers, and they also embrace the
nuances and complexities of the organization’s products, services,
and technologies.