Page 194 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

Become an Excellent Communicator 169

Sevens uneasy, and they are reluctant to discuss such feelings in
depth even with people they trust.

Communicate Clearly
Quick and spontaneous, Sevens usually talk fast and change top-
ics quickly. To the listener, these topics may seem unrelated, but
to the Seven, the association of ideas seems perfectly logical. When
talking, Sevens are also easily distracted by a new thought or by
something in the environment that stimulates them and diverts
their attention.
Sevens often convey their ideas through storytelling, with the
main point being left for the listener to discern. Their language is
usually optimistic and vivid, and they keep other people’s atten-
tion through their smiles, effervescence, facial expressions, ges-
tures, and animated body movements.
When they experience emotions such as sadness, fear, or anger
or receive negative feedback, Sevens tend to reframe it as some-
thing positive. For example, if they hear criticism of themselves,
Sevens will provide a context so that their behavior can be seen in
an affirmative way. When highly displeased, Sevens can be sharp
and sarcastic.

Listen Fully
Sevens perceive themselves to be good listeners and adamantly
want to be heard, but to Sevens, listening means quickly absorb-
ing what the other person is saying and then commenting on the
topic or something related to it, usually before the other person
has finished what he or she is saying. While the Seven’s listening
style is effective with some people, others may simply feel that they
have been interrupted and were not being listened to at all.

Give Effective Feedback
Sevens are more likely to give positive than negative feedback,
since their intention is to uplift rather than discourage. However,
they will give constructive feedback when they need to, citing