Leadership is complex and difficult in a demanding and constantly shifting world. Stakeholder expectations are high, numerous, and sometimes conflicting. And navigating the relationship landscape can be challenging to say the least!
To paraphrase one leader:
“Every day feels like stepping into a new, unfamiliar reality that bears little resemblance to the day before. It’s as if almost everything has shifted, changed, moved or disappeared from sight.”
There may be some exaggeration here, but I’m sure many leaders will resonate with the general sentiment.
Nothing stays the same for long, and often what we thought we knew yesterday is no longer true today. In the midst of this there’s a growing need for a reliable constant. A trusted ‘something’ that is timeless, unchangeable and firm. A compass that we can carry from the past to the present and forward into the future.
A reference point to guide us in a tumultuous world. Something that offers solace in the eye of the storm.
“Being” and “Doing”
It’s easy to get caught up with the numerous things that need to be done – expectations to be met, outcomes to be achieved, projects to be completed, and the ever-present pressure of deadlines. While it makes complete sense to attend to all the “doing”, it can distract us completely from our “being”. The “doing” vs “being” distinction is a difficult concept for many in a world that demands so much delivery, but it’s a distinction that is particularly valuable to explore.
“Being” is all about “who I am”, “how I lead my life”, and “how I show up as a leader”. This is different from “what I have to deliver”. The “how” of leadership is rooted in one’s beliefs, personal values, the principles that one holds dear.
What the Enneagram has to say
The Enneagram map of human behaviour speaks powerfully into the “how” of leadership.
Each of the nine Enneagram patterns embodies a particular set of characteristics or qualities that are noticeable when individuals are in the best version of themselves, or their ‘higher self’ as it’s sometimes called, where they display the ‘high side’ of their Enneagram style.
All of these qualities are available to us when operating at our best.
They emanate from a deeper personal value framework and the very best leaders display them often. Collectively, these qualities create a picture that I would suggest we all should aspire to step into. 
Let’s take a look at them.
Enneagram Point 1: Quality, Integrity & Continual Improvement
This highlights the importance of achieving, delivering and behaving in ways that represent the highest possible standards. Embedded in this are the concepts of integrity, honesty, adopting an ethical approach to all that one does. It’s also about supporting and working on constant improvement while knowing that perfection isn’t possible, but striving for ever higher standards.
Enneagram Point 2: Service, Support & Empowerment
Great leaders recognise the needs of others, particularly those who truly require a helping hand or support of some kind. At its very best, the support offered is unconditional – it requires no compensation, payment, or quid pro quo. It’s offered because it’s who you are, not what you can get in return. It’s simply and profoundly about adding value to other human beings and helping them grow.
Enneagram Point 3: Delivery, Achievement & Energy
Delivering on promises and commitments is an important part of leadership. It’s about working hard when needed and having a positive work ethic that is honest, energetic and encouraging. It includes a commitment to enabling oneself and others to constantly hone their knowledge and skills, all of which is in support of achieving successful outcomes.
Enneagram Point 4: Creativity, Compassion & Purpose
Leadership is about people as well as results. Great leaders know this and have a deep compassion for people. They understand the impact of stress and are sensitive to the suffering in our world. They see the uniqueness in everyone and seek to understand people as individuals. They value creativity and help others find meaning and purpose in their work and lives.
Let’s take a look at them.
Enneagram Point 5: Insight, Wisdom & Objectivity
The ability to see things as they are, to avoid assumptions and check the facts before taking important decisions are important aspects of leadership. But it’s about more than mere fact-checking and analysis. It’s having the insight and wisdom to know what the facts, the data, the analysis actually mean – the underlying story they tell and using this to guide decisions.
Enneagram Point 6: Vigilance, Trust & Teamwork
It’s important to avoid risks that could potentially derail progress or lead to disastrous outcomes. To do this it’s important to be observant and foresee what could happen so that through appropriate planning the risks can be mitigated or avoided completely. Great leaders also know the importance of building trust and mutual support in teams, all of which leads to open communication, synergy and psychological safety.
Enneagram Point 7: Vision, Optimism & Progress
It’s imperative that leaders are instrumental in creating compelling visions of the future that feel achievable. Great leaders are able to develop and communicate a vision in ways that are inspiring, optimistic and motivating. They help individuals identify with the vision and see how it ties into their own personal development, even their life purpose, as they work towards it.
Enneagram Point 8: Drive, Assertiveness & Influence
There are times when leaders need to display strength, energy and personal power in order to overcome obstacles that could potentially block progress. It’s also important to build high trust relationships that make it easier for others to be open to the leader’s influence. Of course, great leaders are equally open to valuable input and feedback and see these as learning opportunities.
Enneagram Point 9: Harmony, Listening & Inclusivity
Listening is a very under-rated skill, but the best leaders know it’s value in gaining accurate understanding and in showing respect for people. They also know the value of building harmonious relationships where differing ideas can be heard and challenged without the need for negative conflict. They understand the importance of diversity of thought and the need to include others to ensure they feel heard and understood.
And finally……..
I think you’ll agree that these nine sets of values-based characteristics are unarguable in terms of good practice. They reflect unchangeable, timeless principles that we can refer to hold onto and live into, especially in challenging times.
So, my invitation is to consider these qualities and evaluate yourself against them.
How are you “being”? What do you need to work on to be the best version of you? And how will you do this?
I hope you found this article useful.
Warm Regards
Colin Adam
Co-Founder: Five Lens People Development & LearnSmartly
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