Leading others well hinges on our own inner health, making self-awareness crucial. Who we are affects how we lead, thus everyone’s leadership is unique. Some lead through strategic vision, others through motivation, and others through their “can do” attitude. Believe it or not, the Enneagram can be used to develop and enhance your leadership skills.

If you’ve ever wanted to be a better leader, understanding your Enneagram type is a great place to start! It helps you grow and lead from a truly healthy place. If you haven’t taken the Enneagram, you can take the test for free here, or for a small fee here. Once you know your enneagram type, you can refer below to see how to strengthen your leadership skills!

Type 1: The Reformer leads through example, organization, consistency, responsibility, pragmatism, and attention to detail.

Ones are detail-oriented and often described as “perfectionists.” However, because they believe their thoughts and values are true north, they often micromanage or take full control.

To become a better Type 1 leader, be aware of the patterns that constrict your employees. Intentionally mentor those under you, trust their abilities and input, and refuse to take over and do it yourself.

Type 2: The Helper leads through motivation, developing excellent relationships, supportiveness, and resourcefulness.

Twos are commonly generous, helpful, and resourceful. While this may be seen as a benefit, it is a disservice when their own needs are not prioritized. Their ability to lead is quickly diminished by their need to be seen as helpful.

To become a better Type 2 leader, take care of yourself before caring for others. While it seems contradictory, you will help your team grow when you care for them from a place of wholeness.

Type 3: The Achiever leads through clear goals, focus, entrepreneurial spirit, energy, and “can-do” attitude.

Threes offer unmatched energy, clarity, and excellence to any team. However, they commonly feel the need to prove themselves and tend to overachieve at a level that puts their team in danger of operating unsustainably.

To become a better Type 3 leader, recognize that your value comes from who you are and not what you do. Your leadership is strongest when you motivate and inspire others rather than step into the spotlight with your own accomplishments.

Type 4: The Individualist leads through values-based vision, creativity, inspiration, compassion, and interpersonal connectedness.

Fours are highly creative and bring unmatched interpersonal-connectedness to any team. However, they’re known to feel as though they do not fit in. To compensate, they may separate themselves from the team identifying as special or unique.

To become a better Type 4 leader, let go of your need to be unique. Once you see yourself as part of the team, you will have stronger intuition and insight into your team’s needs.

Type 5: The Investigator leads through research and planning, logical insight and analysis, objectivity, and expertise.

Fives are expert observers and extremely intelligent, however, they have a fear of being inadequate.

To become a better Type 5 leader, trust your expertise and intentionally connect with your team. Your organization will flourish when you use your insight and clarity to assist others.

Type 6: The Loyalist leads through collaborative, creative problem solving, risk assessment, loyalty, and perseverance.

Sixes are incredible problem solvers, plan for every worst-case scenario imaginable, and are loyal to a fault. However, they’re very skeptical and often do not take risks because they fear negative outcomes.

To become a better Type 6 leader, intentionally practice trust. From the potential of a project’s success to the people on your team, let go of skepticism. Your natural-born leadership will shine when you can pay attention to the details that matter rather than the ones that scare you.

Type 7: The Enthusiast leads through innovation, high energy, idea generation, enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement.

Sevens have endless enthusiasm and a trove of valuable ideas. Because they see the positives of nearly any experience, they often jump into new ideas or projects without finishing the one in front of them.

To become a better Type 7 leader, focus on the project at hand before jumping to the next. By doing this you’ll offer vision and enthusiasm to your team without putting too much on their plate.

Type 8: The Challenger leads through strategic vision, understanding influence networks, honesty, boldness, and action.

Eights are excellent strategizers and focus on action. However, they are typically controlling and often step into the role of bullying others if control is threatened.

To become a better Type 8 leader, let go of control when you feel yourself becoming demanding, unforgiving, or vindictive. Choose vulnerability by talking with someone you trust (or even the person who you feel threatened by) and dismiss the option of sabotage. You lead best when you are connected with your heart.

Type 9: The Peacemaker leads through diplomacy, consensus, inclusiveness, patience, respect for others, and consistency.

Nines are diplomatic and encourage a peaceful environment. Because of this, issues are easily overlooked which can put their team and organization at risk.

To become a better Type 9 leader, intentionally confront problems at hand. When you step in and stand up for what’s right you will give your team tangible assurance that they can trust.