Effective Leadership by Enneagram Type
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In the world of personality typologies, it’s not uncommon to hear questions like:
→ Which types work best in a romantic relationship?
→ Which type should I hire? (Psst! I’ll tell you what I tell my team clients – never use the Enneagram this way!)
→ Which types make the best entrepreneurs?
→ Which types are natural leaders?
And I’ll tell you, that last one typically elicits a series of a few types that *most* people agree upon. However, I really don’t like using the Enneagram in this way. Sure, certain types have some natural skills that lend themselves to leading people and managing teams, but that doesn’t mean those are the only types who can lead well.
In fact, I find that sometimes the types that we wouldn’t characterize as “natural leaders” become fantastic leaders because they have to do a lot of personal development as they build their skills. The process of learning is often the most important. After all, I’d rather have a boss who has tried and failed and tried again than one who has always skated through life and has nothing of note to offer in the face of adversity.
In my leadership studies grad program, I learned a lot about components of leadership, including knowing oneself and one’s values, accountability, ethics, and self-leadership. My biggest takeaway from this program was actually that we can’t lead others well until we can lead ourselves well. This naturally involves a good bit of personal development and inner work along the way, which is where (for me) the Enneagram comes into play!
This post attempts to surface some of the common strengths each type can offer toward effective leadership, and I stand by the idea that ANY type can be an effective and impactful leader. So whether you are in an official leadership position now, or you’re aspiring to lead your peers, these strengths & skills can help you understand or improve your leadership style.
Remember, if you don’t resonate with your type, that’s okay!
Some reflection questions to think about what leadership looks like for you -
→ What feels more important or more true for you?
→ How would you describe your strengths in leadership?
→ What leadership skills have you already developed?
→ What leadership skill would you like to develop next? (Keep this simple!)
Type One
Common Strengths for Effective Leadership
I push myself and my team toward excellence.
I am skilled at bringing structure and clarity.
I highly value integrity and honesty.
I am thorough and thoughtful in my approach.
I empower others to see the greater good.
I hold others accountable because I see their potential.
I believe the details matter, but I also see the big picture.
One Skill to Develop if You Haven’t Yet:
Adding some levity to your day – plan time for a fun break to loosen up & gain perspective
Type Two
Common Strengths for Effective Leadership
I am empathetic, encouraging, and caring.
I am bold when I need to be.
Inclusivity is important to me, and I bring people together.
I have a great work ethic (people often forget this about 2s!)
I am collaborative & approachable.
My team’s input matters to me.
I see specific giftings of others and delegate accordingly.
One Skill to Develop if You Haven’t Yet:
Giving straightforward feedback
Type Three
Common Strengths for Effective Leadership
I’m excited, energetic, and ready to make things happen.
My adaptability and resourcefulness are my greatest assets.
I am dedicated and focused on excelling.
I like to involve the whole team to make a transformative impact.
I am passionate about my work & inspire others to feel the same.
When I see strengths in others, I do my best to optimize them.
I see the way forward and act on it with positivity and inclusion.
One Skill to Develop if You Haven’t Yet:
Pausing to get more clarity before jumping in
Type Four
Common Strengths for Effective Leadership
I am a learner first, so I get input from my team.
I follow my passion wherever it leads.
I see the human impact of business decisions.
I lead by example – I hold myself to the same standards.
Ideas are gold! I encourage thinking outside the box.
It’s important to me that everything is aligned & meaningful
Developing others’ strengths helps me leave a lasting impact.
One Skill to Develop if You Haven’t Yet:
Sticking with decisions and letting things play out, even when you feel tempted to constantly readjust
Type Five
Common Strengths for Effective Leadership
I blend analysis with wisdom to guide my team.
Planning ahead means we have time to make sure things go well.
I am supportive, but I don’t micromanage.
Investing in details contributes to strong, evidence-based decisions.
I help create a collective understanding.
I am quietly confident.
I offer clarity in problem-solving because of my observation skills.
One Skill to Develop if You Haven’t Yet:
Taking time to connect individually with your team members
Type Six
Common Strengths for Effective Leadership
My ability to execute plans is one of my greatest assets.
I’m able to see how things might unfold and plan accordingly.
Offering my team individualized attention helps bring them together.
I am good at helping my team feel confident.
I share the plan & make sure the team understands before moving on.
I am highly responsible, and I always give my best.
I’m not afraid to make changes when I need to.
One Skill to Develop if You Haven’t Yet:
Redefining whose input matters in decision-making
Type Seven
Common Strengths for Effective Leadership
I am good at getting buy-in from my team.
I am open to ideas & I love brainstorming.
I am good at finding solutions because I’m quick on my feet.
While I love ideas, I am also decisive when necessary.
I believe we can do it! I see the grander vision.
I do my best to make coming to work enjoyable for everyone.
I am known for my positivity, yet I’m not afraid to give feedback.
One Skill to Develop if You Haven’t Yet:
Taking a stand and being the leader when you need to be (even though it feels more comfortable to avoid hierarchy altogether)
Type Eight
Common Strengths for Effective Leadership
I seek to be fair and authentic in my decision-making.
I see potential in others, and I push them to maximize it.
I want everyone’s voice to be heard on my team.
I am decisive and confident, so I’m good at moving things forward.
My ability to lean into discomfort helps me navigate stressful situations.
I am able to cut through ambiguity to see what’s most important.
I like to make big things happen!
One Skill to Develop if You Haven’t Yet:
Incorporating appropriate personal connection into your workplace relationships
Type Nine
Common Strengths for Effective Leadership
I am able to see multiple perspectives and find the way forward.
I empower others by helping them feel connected and cared for.
I see the good in everyone.
Listening patiently helps me gather information & think through it.
I make sure that everyone feels represented.
My steady determination lets people know they can rely on me.
I never ask my team to do what I’m not willing to do myself.
One Skill to Develop if You Haven’t Yet:
Giving definitive instruction or feedback, especially when something won’t work with the strategy you think is best
Want to bring the Enneagram into your workplace? Click here to learn more about how we can work together.
