You see I have not stopped talking about and exploring the depths of this amazing tool since the day I was introduced to it approximately two years ago. Okay that's not entirely true, my friends have without exception all benefited hugely from this tool as well, but I often think I am fanatical about it!
What the Enneagram is, is a framework that allows us to explore the world and our psyche in a manner that, for the most part, makes amazing sense. And I mean amazing. One develops an understanding of yourself and others that allows you to be in this world in a position of comfort and belonging.
What the Enneagram has done for me is give me a direct line to making myself heard, bringing my gift to the world in a manner that does not mean I am without it thereafter. What the Enneagram continues to do for me is to improve my relationships with family, friends and colleagues alike. What the Enneagram has done for our office is to help us work together far more effectively.
This tool, when used in conjunction with a good coach - personal or professional - is life changing. An example is a project that I had been busy with for approximately four years. It didn't matter how much I scheduled it or worked on it, I simply did not see it through to fruition at the time. Each little delay was allowed to develop into days and even weeks of waiting before I could summon the courage to take on the bureaucracy again.
After my Enneagram coaching sessions I managed to see it through to completion within six weeks. All I had to identify was my core motivation for not completing it and recognise this for what it was; a blind spot in my make-up. This was illustrated with a simple and easy tool once the Enneagram was understood. I used this tool (for the umpteenth time) again yesterday with another large challenge I had encountered. By doing this I was able to cut through a huge amount of peripheral information and find an effective solution within minutes. That little exercise saved my company about R96 000 per annum in expenses.
So to end my rave, my opinion is simple: This tool is fantastic. The Enneagram framework is awesome and the process of coaching for leaders and/or individuals imperative. Wishing all nine numbers a great day!
The Enneagram forms an integral part of CANdo Coaching's (a division of Staff Training) approach, to find out more visit the CANdo Coaching page.
© Debbie Engelbrecht
Debbie Engelbrecht is the MD of Staff Training. A national skills training company. She is also an Enneagram accredited Life and Business Coach. For more information visit www.StaffTraining.co.za