I’m an 8, which means I like to be strong, grounded and independent, to keep situations and contexts under control, and to be honest and direct in all things. At my best, I worry less about protecting myself and use my strength and presence to empower other people to claim their full power and potential.

So, from the context of my own personal armor, believe me when I say that it is incredibly freeing to have common language and a good framework to discuss what motivates and drives myself and my coworkers and friends. I especially appreciate what Dave said about the enneagram being a typing system that helps you realize and strategize the kinds of things you can do to climb out of the box that typing systems sometimes put us in, to grow in emotional intelligence and become more effective in all our relationships: professional, personal, spiritual, etc. It helps me empathize with other people and appreciate the natural (and learned) gifts, talents, worldviews and skills they bring to whatever work we are doing. For me, that looks like being less of a top-down manager and more of an empowering servant leader.

It’s a good thing. I join with my fellow workshop participants in recommending any of Dave’s workshops!

I know I’m a type six because I naturally embody fear. What’s going to go wrong (and when and how badly)?
I know I’m a type six because I think the world is going to fall apart and I always want a plan to deal with it. Where are the emergency exits?
I know I’m a type six because I am challenged to trust anyone or anything. They’re gonna mess it up and I’m gonna get screwed.
I know I’m a type six because I find to hard to trust myself. Did I leave the stove on? I better drive home and check.
I know I’m a type six because I tend to worry. It needs to be on my calendar with two reminders so I don’t forget it.
I know I’m a type six because I analyze things to death. I often make the best decision after it’s too late.
I know I’m a type six because I prefer to have a plan and a back up plan and stick to it. Heaven forbid something goes wrong.
I know I’m a type ix because I believe that I should make this post perfect. What if someone reads it and doesn’t understand exactly what I intend (the stakes are high, Dave’s reputation might be tarnished, it might be my fault).

The fear feels so real it has become my known reality, but I now know where I got/get stuck, and that if I work at it, I’ll find a way to get out of this box chose this time around.

You presented with your usual humor and kindness. Your passion for the Enneagram as a tool for self-knowlege is contagious. I came home and read about the various Enneagram styles of hours; I was hungry to understand more. I appreciated your help when I got stuck despairing over the personality deficits of my style. You gently guided me to thinking broader and bigger than that!
This class was another big step towards understanding and appreciation of myself and others.

With appreciation,
Mary

I spent the rest of the day after the intro workshop observing my behavior and pondering how type driven it is. I would find myself thinking “I just did that, and that is exactly what someone of my type would do”. It was powerfully illuminating and profound. I can give you specific examples because you would find them fascinating, but I don’t want to ruin the learning for those who are yet to discover their type. Let me know if you want me to share them.

Please feel free to pass me along as a reference if you need one. I’m happy to answer questions and look forward to seeing you at the Enneagram in Organizations Workshop.

-Isha