"WOW—I finally make so much sense to myself."
That’s exactly how I felt a few years ago during a year-long conscious leadership program with The Conscious Leadership Group. One tool in particular shifted how I saw myself and others: the Enneagram.
The Ironic Trap
Here’s the irony: the parts of ourselves we resist often create the exact opposite of what we’re trying to avoid. Patterns I once called “flaws”, or even saw as strengths became powerful clues for growth:
- My relentless need for more (nothing ever feels enough)
- Compulsion to keep energy “good and up”
- Wearing rose-colored glasses to protect others from discomfort
- Sidestepping my own painful emotions
As Beatrice Chestnut says:
"One of our deepest unconscious patterns is the false belief that we already know ourselves well enough to understand why we think, feel, and act the way we do."
"One of our deepest unconscious patterns is the false belief that we already know ourselves well enough to understand why we think, feel, and act the way we do."
Staying curious and open rather than defensive is the doorway to a deeper relationship with ourselves and others.
Patterns Are Clues, Not Flaws
Almost every type creates the very problem it fears:
- Type Seven: Fears limitation → gets trapped in distraction chasing endless possibilities
- Type Eight: Fears being controlled → becomes controlling in resisting control
- Type Three: Fears being worthless → overworks, risking burnout and disconnection
Recognizing our patterns is a huge win! It’s the pathway to greater freedom and wellbeing, and the first step toward authentic leadership.
The Enneagram as a Map
The Enneagram isn’t a box.
It’s a map of human dynamics, showing how unconscious patterns shape our lives and leadership. I love this framing: "Rather than putting in a box, the Enneagram shows us how small or limited we have made our own box - and invites us to be our free authentic self."
Each type carries a core fear:
- Type 1: Fear of being wrong or imperfect
- Type 2: Fear of being unloved
- Type 3: Fear of being worthless
- Type 4: Fear of insignificance
- Type 5: Fear of dependence or looking foolish
- Type 6: Fear of being without guidance
- Type 7: Fear of being trapped or deprived
- Type 8: Fear of being controlled
- Type 9: Fear of loss of connection or conflict
This awareness is gold. It allows us to turn automatic reactions into conscious choices.
Why This Matters for Leaders & Teams (and Any Human System)
Teams, families, communities, and other human groups are like natural, living ecosystems, not machines. Unlike machines, which follow predictable, fixed patterns, living systems are dynamic, interconnected, and constantly adapting. By understanding human dynamics, and taking responsibility for our part, we can reduce friction, prevent drama, and create a greater level of influence as we lead from presence and awareness rather than quick, adrenaline-driven reactivity.
The Enneagram provides a roadmap to:
- Recognize unconscious patterns in yourself and others
- Reduce reactive behaviors in high-stakes situations
- Foster authentic, aligned communication
- Build stronger, more resilient groups
Quick Reflection for the Week
Use these lenses as you move through your week. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what your type is. Pick one and try it on; there’s no right or wrong approach:
- Type 1: Channel high standards into inspiration, not criticism
- Type 2: Include yourself in your care
- Type 3: Authenticity amplifies success more than achievement alone
- Type 4: Depth and creativity are leadership superpowers
- Type 5: Generosity with wisdom creates impact
- Type 6: Anticipating challenges is a gift
- Type 7: Energy inspires vision—don’t outrun presence
- Type 8: True power is revealed through vulnerability
- Type 9: Step forward fully; your presence creates harmony
Explore Further
If this sparks your curiosity, there are two ways to go deeper:
Grab and Go – a personalized IEQ9 Enneagram Leadership Assessment with a 1:1 debrief. (Don’t let the name fool you—it’s packed with powerful tools!) Walk away with a clear leadership map for your growth edge.
Team Enneagram Workshops – reveal hidden group dynamics, foster collaboration, and unite your team around a shared purpose.
Our patterns are gateways to growth and authentic leadership, not enemies.
I would love to connect with you! Email me or book a call, I’d be thrilled to explore how you (or your team) can turn patterns into your most powerful leadership asset.
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With passion,
Isabelle Labbé
Isabelle Labbé
