Leadership Perspectives: Which Enneagram Type is Best Suited to Lead?

Is there a better personality type for leadership?

The short answer is, no, the longer answer is, personality type doesn't determine leadership ability, self-awareness does.

I am one of the Enneagram types that many outdated assessments would deem "unsuited for a leadership role." I am an Enneagram 9. Enneagram 9's can be passive, they can struggle to make tough decisions and they can get bogged down trying to keep everyone happy rather than moving forward with what really needs to happen.

Enneagram 9's can also be powerful leaders that move forward with unbelievable strength because of the unwavering commitment of a team that feels heard, seen and valued.

I have been a leader in numerous capacities over the last two decades. Yes, I had difficulty when tensions were high and people were miscommunicating but when I moved, big things changed. When I lead a team it is never just me moving and deciding, it is a team that is fully bought in and employing the best of what they have to offer. So I guess what this comes down to is, what makes a good leader? According to Harvard Business Review there are 8 Essential Qualities of Successful Leaders:

• Authenticity

• Curiosity

• Analytical prowess

• Adaptability

• Creativity

• Comfort with ambiguity

• Resilience

• Empathy

Every Enneagram number has the capacity to develop these skills. They aren't personality specific. What the Enneagram offers is a pathway to grow towards greater self-awareness to become a great leader.

What follows is a short list of strengths, challenges and next steps for each Enneagram number to focus in on what will set them apart as an effective and successful leader:

Enneagram ONE leaders bring exceptional integrity and high standards to their teams, but can struggle with over-criticizing and controlling outcomes. Their greatest leadership challenge is learning to trust others' methods and approaches. Enneagram Ones need to find ways to relax and to focus on the things they enjoy about their work - you don't need to be overresponsible all the time.

Enneagram TWO leaders excel at building deep, supportive team relationships and creating environments of emotional safety, yet often sacrifice their own needs to maintain harmony. Their leadership journey involves learning to set clear boundaries and recognize that supporting the team doesn't mean being everyone's caretaker. Enneagram Twos need to look at what makes them great outside of what they can do for the people around them.

Enneagram THREE leaders are naturally driven, motivational, and results-oriented, but can become trapped in performing success rather than authentically leading. Their challenge lies in moving beyond personal achievements to truly invest in team growth and potential. Enneagram Threes need to see the other characteristics they bring to their team beyond their efficiency and skill, ask your team what they like about you.

Enneagram FOUR leaders bring creative and out-of-the-box perspectives to problem-solving, but can get bogged down by emotional turbulence and inconsistency. Their leadership potential is often hindered by a tendency to get lost in personal feelings rather than maintaining strategic focus. Enneagram Fours need to believe in their abilities outside of their extensive emotional capacity - don't discount what you bring to the table just because it looks different than someone else.

Enneagram FIVE leaders are analytical and strategic, excelling at deep thinking and comprehensive planning, but may struggle with emotional connection and practical implementation. Their challenge is moving from theoretical brilliance to actionable leadership that inspires and connects with teams. Enneagram Fives need to laugh more - a personal connection to your quirky sense of humour will spur your team on!

Enneagram SIX leaders are loyal and strategic, excelling at risk management and creating stable, supportive environments, but can be paralyzed by anxiety and indecision. Their leadership journey involves building self-confidence and learning to trust both themselves and their team members. Enneagram Sixes need to go with their gut - you know what to do, just do it.

Enneagram SEVEN leaders are energetic and optimistic, bringing creativity and adaptability to their teams, but can struggle with follow-through and avoiding challenging conversations. Their leadership potential is often undermined by a tendency to chase new ideas without fully implementing existing ones. Enneagram Sevens need to enter more fully into difficult conversations - the depth of understanding will expand your team's abilitiy and strength.

Enneagram EIGHT leaders are powerful and decisive, naturally commanding respect and driving results, but can be intimidating and struggle with vulnerability. Their challenge lies in softening their approach while maintaining their strong leadership presence. Enneagram Eights need to pause and let the rest of us catch up - you don't need to do this alone. We will go further if we go together.

Enneagram NINE leaders are inclusive and perceptive, seeing multiple perspectives and creating harmonious team environments, but can struggle with conflict avoidance and indecisiveness. Their leadership journey involves developing assertiveness and learning to address conflicts directly and constructively. Enneagram Nines need to honour their first reaction - you know what you want, just say it.

What makes a good leader?

The one that looked over this list, let themselves feel uncomfortable for a moment, and has now resolved to move forward looking at things from a different perspective.

The most powerful thing any leader can do is to try something different.