Coaching with the Enneagram: Tips about Type 2's, for Leaders

The Enneagram is a valuable tool to use in a coaching style of leadership. Our coaching style can be adapted to get the best out of the interaction, particularly in managing and developing performance. The following tips will be useful if you know the Enneagram type of your staff member.  



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TYPE 2 - THE GIVER

Psychological defences focus on ability to anticipate needs of others, to seek to help in order to elicit protection and support from others. Pride through helping others.

•          Focus upon anticipating and meeting the needs of other people – very good at intuiting what people need.

•          Natural empathy with others – relationships and emotional connections are important, particularly with those in need or with a power figure they are attracted to.

•           Can relate and communicate effectively with a very diverse range of people and personalities.

•           Can be generous and caring supporters but need to be appreciated.

•          Seek approval, status and influence through relationships with others.

 

COACHING TIPS FOR TYPE 2’s -

  • Help the Type 2 to focus on their own needs rather than others.

  • Help them to recognise that having needs is not being selfish. Learn to say no.

  • Help the Type 2 to move to their relax point (Type 4).

  • Help them to rationalise what is behind the anger and how it manifests.

  • Gain understanding of the extent of their giving and impacts on themselves and others.

  • Get them to consider if they are over-giving.

  • Develop understanding of the need to allow others to help them.

  • Focus on deliverables and timelines as well as people.

  • Help them to understand the damage their emotionally charged anger can cause.

  • Because the attention is on others, coaching for a Type 2 can seem selfish to them. Turn this around and focus on their needs.

  • Be empathetic but focus on the outcomes while maintaining rapport.

  • Depending on the level of self-awareness the motivation behind seeking affirmation could be explored.

  • Focus on the outcomes of the coaching.

  • Ensure clear commitments in place.

Author: Dr Veronica Lunn

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Veronica has had significant experience working with large and small organizations, industry groups and individuals, providing workshops, seminars, forums and one on one coaching. With a strong background working with local government and state government, as well as the private sector, Veronica is an accredited Enneagram practitioner and teacher and brings high level facilitation and relationship skills to Griffith Consulting.

For more information about Veronica or the Enneagram, please contact us here, today.

Breegan Gloury