What is the best enneagram test to take?
Actually, I recommend not taking a test! Since the Enneagram measures motivation instead of behavior (like the Myers-Briggs test), that is much harder to determine via multiple-choice test. Certain tests may give you your "Top Three" numbers... which could contain your true type, but also may contain your wing, stress or security types. The best way to discover your true type is to read about all Nine Types. You'll likely be able to rule out 4-5 types right away. Spend some time observing how you are in stress and security. Examine how you think, feel, and act... and why. This will give you clues to your type! You may want to attend a class or schedule a one-on-one coaching session to learn more!
Enneagram with Leaders & the arts
Any person in any form of leadership position should be aware of themselves - what they are motivated by, what their strengths and weaknesses are, how they prefer to communicate with others, and how others respond to them. Without knowing these things, they will not be as effective in leading their team towards achieving goals or creating a positive team environment. Leading even just one person makes you confront the reality that not everyone sees the world the way you do. As Suzanne Stabile says, "You can't change how you see, but you can change what you do with how you see." Insisting that everyone sees the world the way you do is a recipe for failure and fragmented relationships. Adding more people to your team only adds additional lenses of seeing reality, which can make leading a team very complex. Understanding yourself is the first key to leading a team effectively.
Within the arts, we have a unique experience with the types of leaders and the types of people that we lead. While some may try to force the arts to function like the corporate business world, the reality is that the arts are a different industry. In business, the goal is to make money. Businesses are concerned with profit and margin and year-over-year growth. With the arts, while money is (unfortunately) a necessary evil to create, it's not the chief end. Artists create for many reasons - emotional expression, collaboration, telling stories, preserving history, political commentary, sharing ideas and philosophies, and creating beauty. The qualities of artists and those who lead them must focus on creating an environment where these experiences can flourish. In the Western world, emotion in business is regarded as a liability. However in the arts, emotion is the foundation for all creation. How much more should leaders in the arts have to be mindful of the environments they create and the ways they communicate in order to achieve their goals?
Contact Elisabeth for a customized workshop for your leaders, artists, or organization.
If you are a theatre artist and interested in participating in her ongoing research, please email here!
Within the arts, we have a unique experience with the types of leaders and the types of people that we lead. While some may try to force the arts to function like the corporate business world, the reality is that the arts are a different industry. In business, the goal is to make money. Businesses are concerned with profit and margin and year-over-year growth. With the arts, while money is (unfortunately) a necessary evil to create, it's not the chief end. Artists create for many reasons - emotional expression, collaboration, telling stories, preserving history, political commentary, sharing ideas and philosophies, and creating beauty. The qualities of artists and those who lead them must focus on creating an environment where these experiences can flourish. In the Western world, emotion in business is regarded as a liability. However in the arts, emotion is the foundation for all creation. How much more should leaders in the arts have to be mindful of the environments they create and the ways they communicate in order to achieve their goals?
Contact Elisabeth for a customized workshop for your leaders, artists, or organization.
If you are a theatre artist and interested in participating in her ongoing research, please email here!