Page 204 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

Become an Excellent Communicator 179

even-toned way that people don’t really know what they think or
how strongly they feel about an issue.

Using E-mail as a Developmental Stretch
The first of the two e-mails that follow shows the language patterns
used by Nines when they want to affirm others; the second illus-
trates their language pattern when they are angry.
Belinda, a Nine and a board member of a nonprofit company,
sent this e-mail to the entire board after a board of directors’ con-
ference call.

Thanks for the fine minutes, Sheila.
Welcome President Jeremy.
Thanks Madame President, Alicia. [Alicia was the past
board of directors’ president.]
A good weekend to all.
Warm regards,
Belinda

Byron (also a board member) sent Jeremy (the current board
president) the following e-mail. In it, Byron expresses his anger
about Jeremy’s request that the board commit two days to an in-
person meeting, which is to occur six months later.

Jeremy,
I am of the opinion that you cannot ask people who have
ongoing work responsibilities to give up nearly two whole
days for this meeting. My suggestion is to try to carve out
three hours on Monday night, meet all day Tuesday, and
make the meeting as focused and productive as possible.
Byron

ANALYSIS In the first e-mail, Belinda’s explicit intention is to com-
pliment and honor specific individuals; consequently, she sent the
e-mail to the entire board of directors. This affirms these three indi-