Page 97 - Using the Enneagram System to Identify and Grow Your Leadership Strengths and Achieve Maximum Success

74 What Type of Leader Are You?

CHART 3.2 Ones: Levels of Self-Mastery

Descriptions
Extreme self-mastery The Serene Acceptor
Core understanding: Accepting that everything, including
imperfection, is as it should be.
Enneagram Ones who demonstrate extreme self-mastery
take their self-development work seriously and understand,
befriend, and diminish the influence of their inner critic. While
still focused and discerning, they also exhibit dignity, patience,
and a peaceful acceptance of the idea that they and everyone
else are perfect even with their imperfections. They observe
their negative responses before they express them and then
make the choice of whether or not to share their reactions.
They are light-hearted, and they know how to have fun and let
their humor emerge spontaneously.
Example: In her 20s and 30s, Lillian’s reactivity and tendency
to be highly critical had caused problems for her in both her
personal and professional lives. Because of this, Lillian had
pursued multiple avenues in an attempt to understand herself
better. Having explored her inner critic and learned to observe
rather than to express or repress it, Lillian now feels free to
enjoy everything as it is rather than focusing on how she
thinks it “should” be.
Moderate self-mastery The Teacher
Core concern: Making a mistake, being imperfect.
Ones with moderate self-mastery can be discerning and
judgmental, opinionated and reactive, highly organized and
methodical, witty and wry, and easily irritated and resentful.
Events that suggest mistakes on either the One’s part or
another’s—particularly mistakes that violate the One’s values,
high standards, or sense of him- or herself as being beyond
reproach—cause Ones to react with strong negativity.
Although they’re often aware of their critical thoughts and
feelings and try to hide them from others, they often convey
their reactions through body language, or they may erupt
angrily at a later time over something that is of little
consequence. They can also become so enamored of
excellence in others that they overlook otherwise
dysfunctional behavior in these individuals.
Example: At a large conference of which Samuel was the co-
chair, a presenter whom he had highly recommended was not
being well received. As the presenter exceeded his scheduled
time and people were walking out halfway through his talk,
Samuel’s co-chair whispered in his ear that she was concerned
about the time. Samuel retorted loudly, within earshot of
others, “Don’t you dare interrupt this presentation!”
(Continued)