Page 82 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

Drive for Results 61

Eights are involved). However, because Eights can be so demand-
ing and intense, it is even more important that they and those fol-
lowing them also relax and enjoy themselves. Others will usually
follow your lead, both because they admire you and because they
don’t want to get on your bad side. If you are extremely serious,
your employees will be too; if you can relax more, others will also
be more relaxed, and this will improve their productivity.

Enneagram Style Nines

Enneagram Style Nine leaders coalesce their teams
around common missions and develop well-organ-
ized, well-structured work plans. Because Nines
project a sense of calmness and predictability in
their work, their projects often move along
smoothly, with attention being given simultaneously to both the
larger project purpose and the details of the work. In addition, the
desire of Nine leaders for harmony among people and unity within
the team contributes to their ability to create high-performing work
teams whose members have a common sense of direction. With
their affable demeanor, Nines get along with just about everyone—
coworkers, subordinates, bosses, customers, and vendors. In addi-
tion, their ability to solicit and integrate multiple opinions enables
Nine leaders to make decisions that are thoughtful and purposeful.
The following story demonstrates what happens when Nine
leaders excel:

All the members of Aaron’s team knew that they could talk to
him about anything and that he would make time for them.
Even more important, they respected Aaron’s ability to
develop and manage the process of any project assigned to
their group, and they trusted him to make sure that everyone
on the team followed the agreed-upon process. They enjoyed
coming to work and felt respected by their coworkers. With