The thing about our strengths is that too much of a good thing can become a problem. When I’m teaching about the Enneagram types, I like to talk about the superpowers of each type. We are all naturally good at certain things because of the way we see the world and what we value the most. And that same superpower can become an Achilles heel if we aren’t paying attention. Let’s explore how this looks a little different for each of the types. 

Enneagram 8

Superpower

STRENGTH

These are highly determined and goal-oriented leaders who are competent, influential, and strong. They lead through strength, stability, and control. Because they thrive under pressure and love a good challenge, they are inspiring and their can-do attitude is contagious. They are confident and assertive because they know how to make things happen and work hard to get results. They can also be protective of others.

Achilles Heel

They have a tendency to be dominating and lead through intimidation. They see vulnerability as a weakness, often trying to control others or their environment to avoid it. They can bring more energy or power to a situation than is needed, and their risk-taking can turn into a liability.

Enneagram 9

Superpower

PEACE

These are easy-going, harmonious, and non-confrontational leaders who lead through an others-focused style while weighing both feelings and facts. They are creative, optimistic, accomodating, friendly, and reassuring. They are natural mediators that bring people together because they can see all sides of issues.

Achilles Heel

These leaders can become conflict-avoiders who ignore issues in order to keep the peace. Others can become frustrated by their indecision, unresponsiveness, or procrastination. They can even retreat into their own world or shut down if things get too crazy, becoming complacent, indifferent, or apathetic. They tend to get lost in the shuffle, not attending to their own needs or desires.

Enneagram 1

Superpower

MORAL COMPASS

These rational and idealistic leaders are driven by their principles with a purposeful and self-controlled style. They are on a mission, and their strong sense of responsibility will help them create a little more justice in the world. They are naturally wise and discerning, able to sense the potential of a person or situation. They have an intuitive knowledge of what's right that is coupled with a strong sense of integrity.

Achilles Heel

These reforming leaders often have expectations of others that aren't realistic. They demand perfection in themselves and can become judgmental, self-righteous, or nitpicky. When people don't live up to their idealism, they can be resentful or angry. They are also prone to working themselves to the bone because there is just so much stuff to fix in the world.

Enneagram 2

Superpower

SUPPORT

These are caring and generous leaders who lead through humility and altruism. They pride themselves in servant leadership and their warm-hearted sincerity makes them friendly and empathetic toward others. They are sensitive to others' feelings and are naturally great communicators.

Achilles Heel

These leaders are so focused on others they neglect their own needs. They tend to expect others to reciprocate. And rather than directly asking for what they need, they hope you will intuitively know and show up for them. They will even resort to manipulation to get what they want. They can become bossy or overbearing. Because they are so people-pleasing, they have a hard time receiving criticism and are prone to burnout.

Enneagram 3

Superpower

RESULTS

These are ambitious leaders who lead through charisma and drive. They are inspiring, self-assured, charming, highly competent, and accomplished. Their ambition comes from a need to prove themselves and distinguish themselves from others. They are all about making a good impression, and their personal accomplishments combined with their adaptable and confident nature is often a source of admiration from others.

Achilles Heel

Because they tend to focus on success and how they are perceived, they can become image-conscious and spend a lot of time trying to impress others. They are driven by a fear of failure that can cause arrogance, jealousy, and problems being sincere. They can get to the point where they don't know who they are independent of what they do or achieve. They can have a hard time slowing down and just being.

Enneagram 4

Superpower

EMOTIONAL DEPTH

These are sensitive and self-aware leaders who lead with creativity, inspiration, and emotional intelligence. They know who they are and exude authenticity. They are open to exploring different avenues in search of the ideal. They are introspective and carefully evaluate decisions based on their values -- making sure their actions align with their emotions. Their connection to their emotions and self-awareness helps balance vulnerability and emotional strength and helps them be good at understanding others' emotions with compassion.

Achilles Heel

Because they focus so much on themselves and how unique they are, they can feel like no one really understand them. Their emotional intensity can feel dramatic and self-absorbed to others. They can become envious of others or get stuck in what is missing. They convince themselves that something is wrong with them, causing them to withdraw instead of connecting.

Enneagram 5

Superpower

INSIGHT

These are independent, insightful, and innovative leaders who lead through intelligence, vision, clarity, and expertise. They are naturally curious and are able to concentrate on developing complex ideas, and this focus makes them especially innovative and inventive problem-solvers. At their best, they are visionary pioneers, seeing the world in a unique way and being able to see a subject in context. The people around them benefit from their expertise and intelligence in their field.

Achilles Heel

Their ability to be observant can make them seem detached. And their need to gather as much information and data as possible leads them to be too analytical, rational, or objective when others need them to empathize and connect emotionally. Their gift of being calm in a crisis is only present when they can detach from their own emotions and stay objective. Their strong self-reliance and fear of inadequacy can drive them to withdrawal and isolation.

Enneagram 6

Superpower

AWARENESS

These perceptive and thoughtful leaders lead through strategic planning and cautiously avoiding risks. Their skeptical and questioning nature make them great problem-solvers because they can anticipate issues and prepare for any scenario. At their best, they exude courage, positive thinking, and strong leadership because they are so responsible and organized.

Achilles Heel

That ability to be aware of potential pitfalls also makes these leaders overly cautious and skeptical -- which can show up as hesitation, procrastination, suspicion, pessimism, doubt, or anxiety. They never quite feel like they have the necessary attributes, skills, or resources to handle challenges on their own. And their need to feel secure can make them overly loyal to people or organizations as they search for outside support or structure.

Enneagram 7

Superpower

PLAYFUL - These leaders are exciting visionaries who lead through enthusiasm, sensation, and experience. They tend to be optimistic and spontaneous, with an infectious enthusiasm for life. Their desire for new experiences and a sense of adventure drive their creativity and idea generation. And their energy and optimism bring levity and playfulness to the task at hand. They are imaginative and have a quick-thinking mind that can visualize big accomplishments and get everyone excited.

Achilles Heel

Their need for adventure and spontaneity makes it hard for these leaders to follow through on projects. They are easily distractible and onto the next best thing. They can also burn out and lose their energy and excitement, causing them to bail out and try something new. Their fear of boredom or monotony can contribute to a lack of focus. In order to avoid painful situations in the present, they tend to view the world through rose-colored glasses.

Note: I drew some of this content from The Refresh Leadership team. You can check out their article series if you want to know more.

You can find a visual version of this content on my Instagram feed here. For more information on the Enneagram system, check out my Enneagram 101 page here.