Harmony is the primary goal for Enneagram Type 9 leaders, known as “Peacemakers.” They strive to create a tranquil environment free of conflict and friction, which is critical to maintaining their own inner peace of mind. They’re not known to rock the boat.
At their best they are resolute and accepting leaders with the ability to bring people together and heal conflict. Their intense desire for peace sometimes makes them reluctant to express their own opinions or display strong feelings, which can make them appear somewhat withdrawn and stoic. Yet, these characteristics can also make them very receptive to hearing all points of view. They are able to see multiple perspectives and will bring a calm stability to a wrought situation.
Enneagram 9 Leaders
Trilogy Effect’s leadership development experts employ the Enneagram framework to identify nine distinct leadership Types. It is a system that provides for transformational development that offers leaders an opportunity to explore their team members’ core motivations and inherent gifts. Through the Enneagram lens, people can become aware of their own automatic patterns of seeing and reacting to situations. Equipped with this self-awareness, leaders can make conscious choices to bring out the best in their teams.
Grounded Leadership with Challenges
The Type 9’s ability to foster consensus can provide team members with a sense of security. They are natural counselors and teachers with a gift for persuasion. Trilogy Effect partner Mary Beth Sawicki describes them as mediators, “They are inherently patient, inclusive, kind, and stable leaders who tend to be very grounded and grounding at the same time.” She says she senses this immediately when she is around a Type 9 leader, “I can feel myself exhaling and feeling my feet on the ground, stable and secure.”
This stabilizing quality derives from Type 9s inhabiting the instinctual / gut center of intelligence. They can be very grounded in the physical world and comfortable in their own skin. When they are in touch with these instinctive abilities, they can wield considerable influence and project personal magnetism. On the other hand, when they are detached from their “gut feelings,” they can appear disconnected and remote.
So, while their leadership may be grounded and calm, their pursuit of peace makes dealing with difficult and confrontational situations problematic. This desire for harmony can cause them to become complacent and try to minimize problems in an effort to appease others, to have “peace at any price.” Mary Beth explains, “They have trouble expressing and dealing with anger because they fear it may harm relationships, but by not expressing it they often get what they fear the most, discord.”
In that regard, Type 9s really have to work hard to express their own anger and needs, and to trust that they will benefit as leaders by doing so.
Enneagram 9: Nice, but Stubborn and Idealistic
Type 9s tend to have an idealized view of the world and often ignore matters that may threaten this ethos. In an effort to keep their “rose-colored” glasses firmly in place, when trouble arises, they will often numb themselves to it, idealize their past and others, and retreat into their own inner world. Being a distinct individual who asserts themselves against others is very scary for Type 9s. They would rather take refuge in being somewhere else (physically, intellectually or emotionally) else or simply retreat into their daydreams.
Mary Beth notes that when they are under pressure, this behavior can make them appear quite stubborn. “While Type 9s are incredibly kind, they are also some of the most stubborn people I have met. If you look at the laidback Peacemaker versus the tough and decisive Type 8 Challenger, you would think the Challenger would win out, but Type 9s just shut down the action. They will close up like a little clam and withdraw completely instead of addressing the conflict confronting them,” explains Mary Beth. “That kind of avoidance can really shut down a productive conflict and keep things from moving toward a solution or compromise.”
Leadership Tips for Type 9 Peacemakers
The biggest challenge for Type 9s, according to Mary Beth, is to learn how to express anger directly and not to be afraid of expressing their feelings. “It may require practice, like with a trusted friend or associate and just say to them, ‘Look, this is a new muscle I’m flexing’. Asking, can I have this awkward conversation with you without damaging the relationship? At first it may feel uncomfortable. Over time it is something a Type 9 will become at ease with.”
This helps Type 9s to start seeing the real world around them and to awaken from their idealized perceptions. When they are able to get in touch with their vitality and express opinions, feelings and most importantly anger, they can be very effective leaders and conciliators. Mary Beth agrees. “When they get more in touch and stay with the conversation or situation, you’ll see more of their spark and humor. They can be quite funny and engaging while they are navigating the conflict.”
Effective Leaders In Good Company
When Type 9s are able to feel autonomous and fulfilled they display great poise and vitality because they are present in themselves. They are able to form more profound relationships and be very effective leaders with a sharp sense of ambition and a talent for bringing calm to other’s lives.
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