Page 43 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

22 What Type of Leader Are You?

example, saying no, challenging someone else, and making tough
decisions. Desirous of restoring harmony, Nines are also adept at
mediating disagreements, as long as they themselves are not prin-
cipal parties in the conflict situation.

TAKING A POSITION Nines tend to discount and lose track of their
own thoughts, feelings, and needs, and they allow others to be the
more active and assertive parties in their relationships. It can be
extremely difficult for Nines to take a strong position in a number
of situations—for example, when discussing what movie to see,
deciding what family car to buy, or stating a direct opinion in a dis-
cussion about a contentious issue. Saying no can be particularly
troublesome for Nines, because doing so potentially creates ten-
sion and conflict with other people. Nines more typically say yes
and go along with the agendas of others, even if they really mean
no. In this regard, the Nine’s behavior can be passive-aggressive,
when the Nine gives a yes answer in response to a request that he
or she has no intention of actually fulfilling.

DIFFUSION OF ATTENTION When tasks are pressing or important
decisions are pending, Nines tend to lose focus and divert their
energy to secondary tasks and activities—for example, doing
nonessential paperwork, watching TV, or adhering to a time-con-
suming routine.

Nines: Leadership Paradigm and Related
Characteristics

PARADIGM: A leader’s job is to help achieve the collective mission
by creating a clearly structured and harmonious work environment.
Place a check next to the leadership characteristics that describe
you well.