Page 202 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

Become an Excellent Communicator 177

Enneagram Style Nines

Create Genuine Relationships
Open, affable, and able to converse on a variety of
topics, Nines develop relationships that last a life-
time, even when they don’t see the other people
very often. However, Nines’ reluctance to say
exactly what they think and feel for fear of creating tension or con-
flict also hinders the development of deeper relationships.

Communicate Clearly
When Nines speak, they either affirm the other person’s point of
view or describe their own ideas and experiences in a highly
detailed, sequential manner—for example, instead of reporting
only the results of a meeting, Nines are likely to explain the struc-
ture and outcomes of the meeting in exact order so as to not for-
get anything important. Wanting to be fair to all sides, they either
elicit differing ideas from others or express an alternative view
themselves, without making it clear whether they agree with that
perspective. This makes it difficult for others to know what the
Nine is truly thinking and feeling.

Listen Fully
Nines make especially good listeners because they listen in a way
that does not make others feel judged. However, Nines’ affirming
responses, such as nodding their heads at the right moments and
saying “Uh-huh,” can give the impression that they are in full agree-
ment when this may not be the case.
While Nines do listen, it is not always with the complete atten-
tion they appear to be giving because Nines are not entirely non-
judgmental. They do have opinions and judgments, but they tend
to keep these to themselves or express them indirectly toward the
end of a conversation.