Page 206 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

Become an Excellent Communicator 181

In situations of conflict:

• Stop the use of strident and overly formal language.
• Express concerns more thoroughly, using a respectful tone.
• Consider talking in person or by phone instead of writing an
e-mail.

Byron could have rewritten his original e-mail in this way:

Dear Jeremy,
When I learned that you would like the board meeting to last
two full days, I became concerned about the amount of time this
would require from all of us. I don’t have two full days available
at that time. Why don’t we spend three hours on Monday night
and a full day on Tuesday? I think we can cover what is needed
if we have a clear agenda and keep our discussions focused.
Please let me know what you think.
Byron

Developmental Stretches for Everyone

In addition to the e-mail writing suggestions that are specific to
each Enneagram style, the following tips can be useful to everyone:

• Include a salutation, such as “Dear David” or “Hi Janet.”
This personalizes the e-mail and makes the recipient more
responsive.
• Use an appropriate ending, such as “Looking forward to
your response” or “Regards.” This helps e-mail recipients to
not speculate about what you are thinking or what they
should do next.
• Include your name at the end of the e-mail. This personal-
izes the e-mail and makes it easier for recipients to refer to
later if they save it to a desktop file.