Page 288 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

262 What Type of Leader Are You?

Twos also take pleasure in organizing a complex set of tasks and
bringing them to fruition on time. Twos are particularly adept at
managing the numerous forms of communication involved in com-
plex change efforts. They usually deal with resistance to change in
a productive way. Two leaders take the time to listen to others’
opinions and concerns. Although they do not always do what oth-
ers want them to, they give people their full attention and consid-
eration, making dissenters feel respected, even if their ideas are
not ultimately implemented.
The following story shows how Twos accomplish a challenging
change effort:

Sally, the president of a nonprofit organization, was busy
coordinating the work of the board, supervising two full-time
staff members, and working on strategy development. The
organization needed an interactive Web site that would
enable it to track information, sell merchandise, and provide
the latest information to customers, along with other func-
tions. Although Sally’s knowledge of Web sites was limited,
she was the only person on the board with any experience
with them at all.
Not only did Sally lead the change effort related to the
new Web site, but she simultaneously changed the related
components of the organization’s infrastructure. She enlisted
the board members and staff in the design and writing of the
site, as well as in developing the supporting organizational
infrastructure. They all contributed because they believed in
the organization’s vision, and they knew how hard Sally was
working on this effort and wanted to support her.

Many Twos like taking charge of change because orchestrat-
ing people, tasks, and events appeals to their desire to play a key
role in organizing and implementing complex activities. How-
ever, Twos can also feel overwhelmed by large change initiatives;
there are so many different demands on the Two leader’s time