Page 185 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

160 What Type of Leader Are You?

Fives have deeper relationships with those they trust, and they
are highly selective about those with whom they form strong
bonds. As a result of this cautious way of relating, Fives can initially
appear aloof, which can be an issue with people who prefer more
warmth. In addition, Fives have little patience for small talk, find-
ing it frivolous and a drain on their energy.

Communicate Clearly
Fives usually share data more than feelings and often speak suc-
cinctly, all in an effort to maintain their privacy and conserve
their energy. However, when Fives are extremely knowledgeable
about a topic, they may talk at length, expounding on all aspects
of the issue. At these times, they can get so caught up in ideas
that they may not notice that some people feel overloaded with
so much data.
When Fives speak, they typically appear self-controlled, rarely
using animated body language, and they prefer more physical
space between themselves and others than individuals of the other
Enneagram styles. However, when Fives feel relaxed and are with
someone they know very well, they can be highly spontaneous,
both verbally and physically.

Listen Fully
Fives can be excellent listeners, although most Fives listen more
for content than for feelings. When Fives perceive another person
as being overly emotional (which may be an average degree of
emotionality by the standards of others) or when a person seems
to Fives to be standing or sitting too close, they usually want to
back away or close off the conversation. This can give the other
person the impression that the Five doesn’t want to listen.
Curious and investigatory, Fives listen closely when they are
interested in the content of what someone is saying or when the
information includes data that directly affect them. Fives are also
accurate reporters, able to recount most information exactly as
stated.