Do you struggle to take on leadership roles and set boundaries in the workplace? Learn how to navigate emotional drain and conflicts with the help of practical tools and the Enneagram wisdom in this video.
Our guest speaker, Teodora Paucean, a renowned Life and Relationship Coach, will guide you through recognizing your strengths and weaknesses as a leader and give you insights for setting boundaries and protecting your inner peace.
Please watch the webinar recording or if you prefer to read, continue reading the written transcript below.
Introduction: Enhancing Leadership Through Enneagram Wisdom
Thank you all for joining today’s session. As a self-employed coach and trainer with a background in Psychology, I’m excited to guide you through the enriching world of the Enneagram of personality and its profound impact on leadership assertiveness.
Understanding Emotional Drain and Insecurities in Leadership
In today’s exploration, we’ll address the emotional drain caused by insecurities, a common challenge faced by many leaders. The session will shed light on how these insecurities, if unmanaged, can lead to conflicts, impacting work relationships, teamwork, performance, and retention.
The Role of Empathy and Self-Awareness in Leadership
True empathy and self-awareness are foundational in effective leadership. By delving into personality typology, such as the Enneagram, leaders can gain valuable insights into cognitive diversity, creating an environment where individual strengths contribute to a cohesive team dynamic.
Holistic Understanding of Cognitive Diversity
In my experience in human resources, I’ve observed that a lack of self-awareness can lead to assumptions about uniform thinking and communication styles. Today’s focus on the Enneagram is part of a broader approach, acknowledging the significance of systems like MBTI and cognitive functions in understanding cognitive diversity comprehensively.
Personal Journey: Applying Personality Typology in Professional Roles
Embarking on my self-awareness journey at 16 with MBTI and later the Enneagram, I, as an INFJ and Enneagram Type 2, found profound insights that shaped my personal and professional growth. With a background in Psychology, conflict analysis, and management, I’ve consistently applied personality typology in various roles, emphasizing its pivotal role in self-awareness and interpersonal dynamics.
Boundaries in Leadership: Impact on Mental Health and Team Dynamics
Effective leadership hinges on the establishment of clear boundaries. Leaders who neglect this aspect often face burnout, depression, and anxiety, impacting both individual and team well-being. This segment emphasizes the crucial role boundaries play in creating a positive work culture and fostering team cohesion.
The Ripple Effect: Positive Leadership and Team Well-Being
Leaders who set and communicate boundaries set a positive example, creating a ripple effect that enhances team dynamics, work culture, and retention rates. Conversely, the absence of clear boundaries can contribute to a negative work culture and hinder team performance.
Understanding the Enneagram:
The Enneagram, a personality-based system with roots in ancient traditions and modern psychology, focuses on emotional components. Unlike the MBTI, which delves into the structure of the mind, the Enneagram metaphorically represents the soul, exploring core insecurities and their impact on various life aspects. The system categorizes individuals into nine types, each driven by unique fears and desires. Understanding these types is crucial for leaders aiming to navigate their own and their team’s dynamics effectively.
Types Most Likely to Struggle with Boundaries:
Among the nine Enneagram types, five are prone to struggling with boundaries: Type 2 (The Helper), Type 3 (The Achiever), Type 4 (The Individualist), Type 6 (The Loyalist), and Type 9 (The Peacemaker). For instance, Type 2’s desire to be liked may hinder their ability to say no, while Type 3’s focus on competence can lead to overwhelming workloads. Recognizing these tendencies equips leaders to address boundary challenges within themselves and their teams.
The Feeling Triad and Emotional Intelligence:
The Feeling Triad, comprising Types 2, 3, and 4, is characterized by a strong focus on self-image. Understanding the fears and desires of each type within this triad provides valuable insights for leaders. Emotional intelligence, a key leadership trait, involves recognizing and managing emotions. Leaders with strong emotional intelligence can leverage their strengths and address their weaknesses, fostering healthier team dynamics.
Leadership Strengths and Weaknesses:
Each Enneagram type brings unique strengths and weaknesses to leadership roles. For instance, Type 2 leaders excel in empathy and support, but they may struggle with people-pleasing and manipulation. Recognizing these traits allows leaders to harness their strengths while actively working on areas that may hinder their effectiveness.
Practical Tools for Leadership Development:
- Non-Violent Communication:
- Developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, this tool aids leaders in setting boundaries, providing a structured approach for giving negative feedback and discussing sensitive topics.
- Time Management – Eisenhower Metrics:
- The Eisenhower Matrix helps leaders prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, offering a strategic approach to time management.
- Intrapersonal Intelligence:
- Recognizing and managing one’s own emotions is crucial for effective leadership. Techniques like labeling emotions and engaging in activities like journaling and meditation contribute to the development of intrapersonal intelligence.
- Pika Technique:
- This coaching tool assists individuals in identifying physical signs of strong emotions, changing negative patterns to positive ones, and implementing lasting changes in behavior.
- “Fill Your Cup” Model:
- Leaders can proactively monitor their needs by visualizing a set of cups representing various aspects of well-being. Regularly checking and addressing these needs fosters a balanced and resilient approach to leadership.
Conclusion:
In the intricate tapestry of leadership development, understanding personality frameworks, emotional intelligence, and effective boundary-setting is paramount. Leaders who embark on this journey not only enhance their own capabilities but also contribute to the growth and well-being of their teams. As Carl Jung aptly stated, “Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakes.” The pursuit of self-awareness is a continuous process that enlightens and empowers leaders on their quest for excellence.
Note: To explore these concepts further and deepen your understanding, consider enrolling in a comprehensive training program that combines the MBTI and Enneagram as complementary systems. Remember, self-awareness is a lifelong journey, and the tools discussed here serve as guides in this transformative process.