Recorded a podcast today with Ben Battaglia where he is looking at the Enneagram through a lens of leading or being on a team.

I am a Type 7 and we talked about my experience as a team member and leader all while my personality being that of “The Enthusiast.”

A few things that stuck out to me:

I’m best when slow and build in time for thought. As a 7 I integrate towards 5 which means as I’m at my most aware, healthiest, I act as a curious observer. I still bring lots of energy and momentum but slow down to consider and ponder. Leading into the next point…

Sevens can be consistent providers of energy and momentum. We can be seen as life’s of the party but it goes deeper than that. Thoughtfully applying provocation to a team an use our strengths to move and serve.

As a seven, I think quickly and like to think. A seven is in the thinking triad and therefore prioritizes thought over feeling and instinct. I often bring a team into quick thinking but can be dangerously leading a team into thought processes that are non-productive. Important to widen then narrow my thinking.

Sevens are know to be pain avoidant. For me, I fear being stuck, stagnant, obsolete, unconnected. This can powerfully move a team away from a danger or move a team away from a necessary painful moment. What I found important is to be clear about what matters and remember that. Use momentum towards the bigger picture and find hope in that even in uncertain or challenging situations.

Leaders of sevens should give them room to go and build energy but also give clear direction. Ben said it well that a seven can be like a boulder rolling down a hill. If going the wrong way hard to change course.

More on the podcast when it’s published.