Page 217 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

192 What Type of Leader Are You?

Twos may also minimize their importance as team leaders by
becoming too involved in the detail work, usually to help team
members who have requested assistance or who are overloaded.
In doing so, Twos reduce their impact as leaders in three ways: (1)
people both inside and outside the team begin to see the Two as
a worker rather than a leader, (2) it becomes more difficult for the
Two leader to find the time to focus on the larger picture of where
the team is going, and (3) Two leaders can become so overworked
that they become short-tempered, thus undermining their effec-
tiveness in leading the team.
Here’s an example when Anne slipped into the role of team
member:

The 45-page conference program was written and required
editing. Although a team member named Shawn had volun-
teered for this job, he asked Anne’s assistance in editing a
portion of the program. Anne immediately said yes, although
her leadership responsibilities more than filled her day. When
confronted by her boss about why she was doing work at this
level rather than other higher-level activity, Anne admitted, “I
like helping people out, and I enjoy doing this type of work. I
can’t say no now, after I’ve already committed to doing it.
Besides, it gives me a way to know the program better.”
Her boss replied, “You’re leading this team well, but
maybe you don’t want to be the real leader. You could just
read the final program! Get someone else to help Shawn.”

Development Stretches for Twos

STEP INTO VISIBLE LEADERSHIP It is important for you to claim
both the authority that goes with the leadership role and the per-
sonal influence that you can have. Doing so makes it easier for oth-
ers to follow your lead; it also creates more respect for the
leadership role, and this increased level of recognition is impor-
tant, both for the team’s success and for your own professional