The 9 Types of Leadership

1. The Enneagram: A powerful tool for understanding personality and improving leadership

"The Enneagram helps solve much of the mystery behind why different people see the world in totally different ways."

A comprehensive framework. The Enneagram is a personality system that identifies nine distinct types, each with its own core motivations, fears, and patterns of behavior. Unlike other personality assessments, the Enneagram provides deep insights into the underlying drivers of human behavior, making it an invaluable tool for self-awareness and leadership development.

Practical applications in the workplace. By understanding their own Enneagram type and those of their colleagues, leaders can:

• Improve communication and collaboration
• Manage conflicts more effectively
• Build stronger, more cohesive teams
• Develop more empathy and emotional intelligence
• Identify and leverage individual strengths
• Address blind spots and areas for growth

The Enneagram's power lies in its ability to reveal not just surface-level traits, but the core motivations and fears that drive behavior. This deeper understanding allows for more targeted personal development and more effective leadership strategies.

2. Type One: The Perfectionist - Striving for excellence and ethical conduct

"Ones strive to communicate in an effective and appropriate way, with a speaking style that tends to be precise, detail-oriented, logical, and task- or fact-based."

Driven by high standards. Type Ones are motivated by a deep desire to be good, right, and perfect. They have a strong inner critic that constantly evaluates their actions and the actions of others against an ideal standard. This drive for perfection can lead to:

• Exceptional attention to detail and quality
• Strong ethical principles and integrity
• A commitment to continuous improvement

Challenges and growth areas. While their perfectionism can be a strength, it can also lead to:

• Excessive self-criticism and stress
• Difficulty delegating or trusting others to meet their high standards
• Rigidity in thinking and difficulty adapting to change

To grow, Type Ones can work on:

• Developing more flexibility and acceptance of imperfection
• Balancing criticism with appreciation for what's working well
• Cultivating patience and understanding for different approaches

3. Type Two: The Helper - Fostering connections and supporting others

"Twos report experiencing a deep sensation of well-being when something they do meets their high standards of quality or perfection."

Relationship-focused leaders. Type Twos are driven by a need to be liked and valued by others. They excel at:

• Building and maintaining positive relationships
• Anticipating and meeting others' needs
• Creating a supportive and harmonious work environment

The dark side of giving. While their focus on others can be a great asset, Twos may struggle with:

• Difficulty expressing their own needs and desires
• Resentment when their efforts go unappreciated
• Burnout from overextending themselves

For personal growth, Twos can focus on:

• Setting healthy boundaries and learning to say "no"
• Developing self-care practices and attending to their own needs
• Recognizing their inherent value beyond what they do for others

4. Type Three: The Achiever - Driving results and managing impressions

"Threes are more sensitive to criticism than they let on, and they can feel injured by critical feedback."

Success-oriented leaders. Type Threes are motivated by a desire to be successful and admired. Their strengths include:

• High productivity and goal-orientation
• Adaptability and image management
• Ability to inspire and motivate others

The cost of constant achievement. Threes may struggle with:

• Workaholism and difficulty slowing down
• Prioritizing image over authenticity
• Avoiding failure at all costs, potentially missing growth opportunities

To grow, Threes can focus on:

• Connecting with their true feelings and desires beyond external success
• Cultivating deeper, more authentic relationships
• Embracing vulnerability and learning from failures

5. Type Five: The Investigator - Valuing knowledge and maintaining boundaries

"Fives are relatively uncomfortable sharing their personal feelings, concentrate on facts and information, and try to maintain boundaries around their personal space."

Analytical and independent leaders. Type Fives are driven by a need to understand the world and maintain self-sufficiency. Their strengths include:

• Deep expertise and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently
• Innovative thinking and problem-solving

Challenges of the observer. Fives may struggle with:

• Difficulty connecting emotionally with others
• Tendency to withdraw or hoard resources (time, energy, knowledge)
• Overthinking and analysis paralysis

For growth, Fives can focus on:

• Developing emotional intelligence and social skills
• Sharing knowledge and collaborating more openly
• Balancing intellectual pursuits with physical and emotional experiences

6. Type Six: The Loyalist - Assessing risks and seeking security

"Sixes excel at making contingency plans, so when problems do happen, they are usually ready for them and adept at handling them."

Vigilant and responsible leaders. Type Sixes are motivated by a need for security and certainty. Their strengths include:

• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Strong loyalty and commitment to their team
• Ability to anticipate and prepare for potential issues

The pitfalls of constant vigilance. Sixes may struggle with:

• Excessive worry and anxiety
• Difficulty trusting others or their own judgment
• Tendency to overthink and delay decision-making

To grow, Sixes can focus on:

• Developing trust in themselves and others
• Balancing worst-case scenario thinking with optimism
• Cultivating courage to act despite uncertainty

7. Type Seven: The Enthusiast - Embracing possibilities and avoiding pain

"Sevens love to score quick victories I can feel good about—it bothers me when people slow me down, especially with a lot of detailed description about why something won't work."

Visionary and optimistic leaders. Type Sevens are driven by a desire for positive experiences and avoiding pain. Their strengths include:

• Creativity and ability to generate ideas
• Enthusiasm and ability to inspire others
• Adaptability and quick thinking

The shadow of constant positivity. Sevens may struggle with:

• Difficulty following through or focusing on details
• Avoidance of negative emotions or difficult situations
• Tendency to overcommit or become scattered

For growth, Sevens can focus on:

• Developing discipline and follow-through
• Embracing and processing negative emotions
• Cultivating presence and contentment in the current moment

8. Type Eight: The Challenger - Exerting power and protecting the vulnerable

"Eights tend to be intense, passionate people who have the capacity to feel things deeply if they let themselves."

Strong and decisive leaders. Type Eights are motivated by a need to be strong and avoid vulnerability. Their strengths include:

• Ability to take charge and make tough decisions
• Courage to confront issues head-on
• Passion for protecting and empowering others

The cost of constant strength. Eights may struggle with:

• Tendency to intimidate or overwhelm others
• Difficulty showing vulnerability or admitting mistakes
• Black-and-white thinking and excessive control

To grow, Eights can focus on:

• Developing emotional intelligence and empathy
• Embracing vulnerability as a form of strength
• Balancing assertiveness with gentleness and consideration

9. Type Nine: The Peacemaker - Promoting harmony and mediating conflicts

"Nines excel at facilitating meetings and groups, making sure things follow a solid structure and everyone gets heard."

Inclusive and harmonizing leaders. Type Nines are motivated by a need for peace and avoiding conflict. Their strengths include:

• Ability to see all perspectives and mediate conflicts
• Creating inclusive, comfortable work environments
• Promoting collaboration and consensus-building

The downside of conflict avoidance. Nines may struggle with:

• Difficulty making decisions or asserting themselves
• Tendency to "numb out" or procrastinate
• Passive-aggressive behavior when anger is repressed

For growth, Nines can focus on:

• Developing assertiveness and setting priorities
• Embracing healthy conflict as a path to growth
• Connecting with their own desires and opinions

10. Leveraging the Enneagram for personal growth and organizational success

"The Enneagram is about growth and development and change—it's never about justifying unconscious habits as a way of avoiding the work you need to do on yourself to grow."

A tool for transformation. The Enneagram is not just a system for categorizing people, but a roadmap for personal and professional development. By understanding their type's core motivations, fears, and patterns, individuals can:

• Identify and work on their blind spots
• Develop strategies to manage stress and conflict more effectively
• Cultivate their unique strengths and leadership style

Organizational impact. When implemented at an organizational level, the Enneagram can:

• Improve team dynamics and communication
• Enhance leadership development programs
• Foster a culture of self-awareness and continuous growth
• Increase empathy and understanding among diverse team members

To leverage the Enneagram effectively:

• Encourage voluntary participation and self-discovery
• Use it as a tool for growth, not for labeling or limiting people
• Combine Enneagram insights with other leadership development tools and practices
• Create a safe environment for open discussion and vulnerability

Last updated: February 8, 2025