Coaching with the Enneagram: Tips about Type 3'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.

TYPE 3 - THE ACHIEVER

Psychological defences focus on need for success, achievement and positive image.
Self –esteem based on personal productivity (what they do / have achieved).

•          Focus upon image and success.

•          Characterised by hard work, efficiency and competition.

•          Focus on keeping busy.

•          Goal focused.

•          Avoid failure and negative feelings. 

•          Feelings can be suspended until the work is completed.

•          Can adapt behaviour to make connections or to gain
approval of others (the chameleon).  

COACHING TIPS FOR TYPE 3’s:

·    Focus back in on the feelings.

·    Not all about the doing.

·    Get them to share the real self and be real.

·    Get to the core issue of self-worth.

·    Help them to understand that they do not need to be workaholics to be accepted and appreciated. 

·    Get them to reflect on the benefits of a slower, more considered approach.

·    Think about what you want before you act.

·    Reflection on tendencies to be a workaholic.

·    Make a “to be” list.

·    Encourage reflection on the true cost of being overly focused on task and outcomes at the expense of relationships.

·    Encourage reflection on impact of competitiveness and self-interest at expense of team goals and pride in achievement.

·    Don’t be afraid to fail.

·    Get to the intrinsic values and explore how their behavior reflects these values.

·    Move beyond what they think you want to hear.

·    Let go of image.

·    Encourage focus on others.

·    Encourage understanding of the difference between external accomplishments and inherent self-worth.

·    Because they will tend to want to know what they need to do, encourage understanding of the distinction between doing and being.

·    Encourage them to be their authentic self.

·    Make them comfortable and realise that they do not need to play a role or put on a mask.

·    Grow understanding that self-awareness and mastery of self is the real goal.

Author: Dr Veronica Lunn

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.

November 14, 2019