9 TYPES OF LEADERSHIP

The World Needs Your Leadership NOW!

We're at a point in our history where leadership is more important than ever. Meg Wheatley, bestselling leadership author, says in her book Who Do We Choose to Be?: Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership, Restoring Sanity, “In the face of irreversible global problems and the devolution of leadership, I…challenge every leader…with these questions: Who do you choose to be for this time? Are you willing to use whatever power and influence you have to create islands of sanity that evoke and rely on our best human qualities to create, relate, and persevere? Will you consciously and bravely choose to reclaim leadership…that creates possibility and humaneness in the midst of increasing fear and turmoil?“

Now, you may be telling yourself: “Don’t look at me - I’m not a leader! I’m not in a position of authority. I’m not a manager. I don’t lead a team. I don’t belong to a board. I’m not a leader in my community.” Well, guess what: If you have a heartbeat, you’re a leader. When you help someone cross the street, you’re a leader. When you encourage or inspire someone, you’re a leader. When you express curiosity and contribute your ideas in a considerate way, you’re a leader. When you roll up your sleeves and give a voice to causes that are important to you, you’re a leader.

If we’re all leaders, what does that imply? The truth is that the world desperately needs our gifts - NOW. The Enneagram, a powerful personality system that talks about nine different and interconnected ways of thinking, feeling and and acting in the world, provides us with a lens through which to look at the gifts we each bring as leaders.

The table below outlines each type, their focus, and their gifts as a leader. If you don’t know your type, explore which gifts you resonate with or have been recognized for. Which type do you most identify with?  How will you create islands of sanity in these uncertain times?

Type 1 - The Reformer	Focus: Being good, getting it right. Gifts As A Leader Begins with the end in mind Focuses on principles, ethics and standards Clarifies responsibilities and creates detailed plans Uses processes and systems Focuses on quality and continuous improvement
Type 2 - The Giver	Focus: Being helpful. Gifts As A Leader Anticipates what others and the group need Has everyone’s best interests at heart Helps others grow and develop Creates flourishing communities that prosper with care Encourages others enthusiastically
Type 3 - The Acheiver	Focus: Getting it done. Gifts As A Leader Gets things moving Sets clear targets Enthusiastically encourages others to achieve targets Practical Drives towards success
Type 4 - The Romantic	Focus: Being special; purpose and meaning. Gifts As A Leader Focuses on purpose and meaning Creative, does things with flair Challenges others to their best efforts Models authenticity Sensitive to emotions and human dynamics
Type 5 - The Observer	Focus: Knowledge and non-intrusion. Gifts As A Leader Objective Patient Encourages independence Does careful research, analyzes and synthesizes information Calm under pressure
Type 6 - The Loyal Skeptic	Focus: Safety and security. Gifts As A Leader Comes alive under adversity Responsible, concerned Does scenario planning due to their focus on hazards Takes protective action for those they care about
Type 7 - The Epicure	Focus: Pleasurable possibilities, fun. Gifts As A Leader Strong visionary Acts quickly under pressure Equalizes authority Devises the plan and delegates Brings humor, excitement and ideas
Type 8 - The Protector	Focus: Justice, fairness, empowerment. Gifts As A Leader Sets direction and moves forward with confidence Decisive Gets the right people in the right roles Holds others accountable Protects those close to them
Type 9 - The Mediator	Focus: Harmony. Gifts As A Leader Inclusive Shares credit with others Lays out a goal, unifies a vision, establishes warm relationships and gets out of the way Creates a structured and harmonious environment

So, what should you do with this information? Knowledge is one thing, action is another. As a leader, the first step is to know yourself . The second step is to take action and intentionally share your gifts. Next, and call on others to share their gifts. Finally, work with others to co-create an environment where everyone shares their gifts while working towards a common purpose. Because the time is now. You are needed NOW.

How will you lead today?