Page 29 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

8 What Type of Leader Are You?

Threes

Threes organize their lives to achieve specific
goals and to appear successful in order to gain
the respect and admiration of others.

Core focus: How can I gain the respect and
esteem of others?

Common labels: Performer, achiever, succeeder, initiator

Basic Issues for Threes

IMAGE Threes are known as the chameleons of the Enneagram,
because they can change their image to match a particular situa-
tion. They do this not to blend in or fit in, but rather to create a
positive impression—usually one of self-confidence, optimism, and
success. This shape shifting is more intuitive than conscious; for
instance, a Three might say, “I’m just able to read my audience
well.”

GOAL ORIENTATION Threes focus on achieving results, which tends
to make them highly productive. However, their productivity can
come at the expense of their and others’ feelings. Threes usually
perceive emotions, especially those of sadness or fear, as having
the potential to derail their accomplishments, and they can
become quite agitated when obstacles appear in their paths.

SUCCESS Because their sense of self-worth depends on their
doing a job successfully, Threes tend to focus on “doing” rather
than “being.” They believe they are valued for what they accom-
plish rather than for who they are. Ever active, most Threes are
likely to respond with confusion if it is suggested that they might
spend less time doing and more time simply being. “Being?” they
might ask. “What is that?”