Page 187 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

162 What Type of Leader Are You?

ence others, they do so through strategizing and sharing expertise
more than through relationships.
Because Fives are typically reservoirs of knowledge but talk less
frequently than individuals with other Enneagram styles, people
often take notice when they do speak up and try to influence others
directly. When Fives try to influence others indirectly, by going to indi-
viduals behind the scenes, their attempts are sometimes perceived
as covert and thus are viewed with suspicion. Fives also tend to be
less engaged than others in the numerous social networks within
organizations, thus hindering the full realization of their influence.

Using E-mail as a Developmental Stretch
The Five’s language patterns and core issues are clearly reflected
in the following series of e-mails. The correspondence begins with
an e-mail from Sarah to her coworkers in which she discusses the
possibility of carpooling to a staff party. The subsequent e-mails
are between Martin (a Five) and Sarah (a Two):

E-MAIL 1, FROM SARAH, REGARDING AN UPCOMING STAFF PARTY

This party sounds like so much fun. I wonder if anyone
would be coming from the Southside who might like to
make the drive with me. That probably only includes Martin
and/or Trish, but who knows?
Sarah

E-MAIL 2, FROM MARTIN TO SARAH
Hi Sarah,
I can pick you up, no problem.
Martin

E-MAIL 3, FROM SARAH TO MARTIN
Hi Martin
Or I can pick you up! Either way. Where do you live, or
would you be coming from work?
Sarah