Do you enjoy having more than one iron in the fire? Are you always looking ahead with an optimism that inspires others to follow your lead? You could be an Enneagram Type 7 leader, also known at the Enthusiast. The most optimistic of all the nine types, Enneagram 7s are dynamic, action-oriented leaders. Their focus on the future and desire for new experiences make them visionaries. They recognize and take advantage of new opportunities, and effectively plan ahead to make things happen.
The Type 7 is part of the Enneagram framework that identifies distinct personality types. It is one of the tools used by the team at Trilogy Effect to help leaders build self-awareness and to understand that the way they look at the world can impact their career (and life!) trajectory.
Wendy Appel, a founding partner of Trilogy Effect, identifies as an Enneagram 7 and says she typifies the Type 7 characteristics and experiences. These leaders are extremely enthusiastic people, and that enthusiasm is often driven by anxiety and worry. They channel this anxious energy into action and the novelty of new experiences and opportunities, often in an effort to avoid negative emotions.
The Enneagram 7 Leader
Type 7s as Visionaries and Thinkers
Such traits make Type 7s appear fun, exciting, and spontaneous, but it can also make them seem like dabblers, only skimming the surface. Such an observation does them a disservice, because as visionaries they have an intuitive ability to see what trends and innovations are going to take off and can plan accordingly. Type 7s are also head-centered, so they tend to be intellectuals and consumers of information, which enables them to develop plans that provide a range of opportunities and prospects.
Appel characterizes British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson as possibly a Type 7 in that he’s a forward-thinking leader. She notes that instead of having just one company Branson has multiple enterprises because Type 7s like to keep their options open, and keep “more than one iron in the fire.” Her colleague and Trilogy Effect’s Managing Partner Heather Marrasse adds that many Type 7s work successfully in private equity, seeing it as a bit of a playground for them to invest in start-up ideas. They are also great networkers with the ability to multi-task.
Crisis Leadership Tips for Enneagram 7
Even in a crisis Type 7s like to put a positive spin on things. By applying realistic optimism, they can see silver linings in any given situation. As a leader they also help others see this positivity culminating in a robust future vision or plan. This can be a real asset, but it can also be a liability, because when they are in crisis mode Type 7s can lose the connection with their own heart. In doing so, they may also lose that connection with others who are struggling and need support. This is when Type 7s need to learn to stay in the moment and not move on too quickly. They must recognize when they are simply doing things to move away from how they are feeling and trust that they can move through the moment and effectively resolve the situation. This ensures they are taking the right action, in the right time, and in the right place.
Type 7s in a Nutshell
Type 7s at their best are optimistic, accomplished and a fountain of ideas. While they can be impatient with others and with a slow pace of action, they are generous with their time and resources. They are also quick to recognize and applaud the contributions of other members of their team. Sevens are the people who get things going and like to work in an environment that provides them considerable freedom and variety. That’s when their visionary strengths come to the forefront, making them productive, innovative, and inspirational.