Page 168 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

Become an Excellent Communicator 143

time to reconsider their responses. Later, they will engage in con-
structive dialogue, preferring a somewhat structured, problem-
solving approach that deals with issues more than feelings and
produces a fair but speedy outcome.

Influence Others
Ones typically appear competent and confident and offer well-rea-
soned opinions, so others usually listen to them. At the same time,
Ones may not solicit or listen fully to others’ ideas. As a result,
Ones may not integrate other points of view into their own think-
ing and thus may not achieve their highest degree of potential
influence, since most relationships involve reciprocal influencing.

Using E-mail as a Developmental Stretch
Constance, a One, sent the following e-mail to Ian, her coworker,
about a bonus that Ian had recommended for a staff person named
Janice:

I think this bonus is entirely appropriate. Janice is a treasure,
and I think she needs to feel that we see and appreciate all
she has done and is doing for our organization.
Best,
Constance

ANALYSIS This e-mail illustrates the characteristic language pat-
terns of Ones. Although short, Constance’s e-mail offers several
opinions in an emphatic and unequivocal manner—for example,
I think, entirely, and all. In addition, the e-mail uses words that
imply rightness or correctness of action—for example, appropri-
ate and needs. Ones tend to discuss thoughts (often stated as opin-
ions) rather than feelings and to use words that imply right or
wrong and refer to correct or incorrect behavior.
This e-mail is actually gracious; however, if Constance wants to
use her e-mails as an aid in her self-development, she could do the
following: