by Laura Clapp
Assessment Associate at NL Moore & Associates
We’ve been doing a series on the Enneagram and Pastoral Succession over the last couple of weeks. If you missed it, learn more about the other Enneagram types by checking out Part 1 and Part 2 of this series.
The Enneagram is a personality typing tool that helps us discover our core motivations and how we can live out the healthiest version of who we have been created to be. This is especially important during a season of pastoral succession. The Enneagram can help provide self-awareness about how this particular season may impact pastors so they can lead well and finish strong.
“The capacity of a leader, or a group of leaders, to face their own shadow side through the power of Jesus Christ is critical to effectiveness in the succession planning.” This profound statement from the succession-planning classic, The Elephant in the Boardroom by Crabtree and Weese, points us to the value of the Enneagram. This tool offers understanding about the potential shadow side of our design. By raising our awareness, we can proactively pursue a transition that is healthy for both the pastor and the church.
Let’s take a look at the potential shadow side of each of the nine Enneagram types and how pastors can overcome or navigate them as they pursue a healthy succession. This post covers the final three Enneagram types, but check out Part 1 and Part 2 by clicking the links above.
Type 7 – The Enthusiast
Succession could be an exciting time for the Type Seven. Sevens tend to enjoy new adventures. They are visionaries who lead through innovation. They are often great at starting things up, but typically don’t enjoy day-to-day management or maintenance. Often, Sevens don’t prefer to be the authority figure in leadership. They like to influence but may attempt to get around being the authority through their charm. All things considered, the Sevens core fear is being deprived, trapped in pain, limited, bored, or missing out on something exciting. They can struggle to confront the pain in their lives. The opportunity to pursue new passions or a new field of work will lead the Seven to feel optimistic about succession. Their focus on the positive can contribute to an easier succession, but they must be aware of their tendency to avoid the difficult feelings they fear. When activated, their core weakness of gluttony will create an insatiable desire to fill themselves up. The gluttony, which is not just about food, but about experiences, people, things, etc., may cause them to seek after stimulating ideas and activities. It is important for Sevens to have good accountability systems in place to help them as they move through this season of change. Sevens may prefer to move on quickly, rather than engage in a long succession process. They may choose to depart prior to the call of the next leader, setting the stage for an interim pastor to bridge the gap until a new pastor arrives.
Type 8 – The Challenger
The natural inclination of the Type Eight will be to maintain power and control in the process of succession. Eights bring an intensity and presence with them that shapes their environment. They fear being seen as weak, powerless, controlled or manipulated. If the succession process is not initiated by the Eight, they may feel their worst fear of betrayal is being realized. It is likely their response will be one of aggression and conflict. When the Eight’s core weakness of lust or excess is activated, they desire more control. They may seek to self-protect by denying any emotions that may cause them to feel vulnerable. Eights are at their best when they initiate their succession plan. They will then lead out with strategic vision, honesty, and boldness. Throughout the process, the strength of their leadership can be used for the greater good. Underneath the strong, powerful exterior, Eights have a tender heart that cares intensely for those around them. Those feelings of protection and strength can be channeled toward positive, inspiring communication that benefits everyone involved. As a decisive person of action, the Eight may want to dictate the terms or be active in the selection of their successor. Unless strong self-awareness is present, the tendency of the Eight to dominate and lead powerfully can make it very difficult for church leadership to take the reins of the process. It is also extremely challenging for an Eight to lead alongside the new leader for any length of time. A short interim or gap may be helpful, a direct handoff without overlap, or a clean break as the baton is passed will give the new leader the freedom and authority needed to lead.
Type 9 – The Peacemaker
Type Nines are thoughtful, reassuring, patient, and receptive leaders. Their ability to mediate and see everyone’s perspective is the unique gift of the Nine. The Nine brings an ability to see all sides and insert wisdom into the succession planning process. They are natural agents of reconciliation that offer a sense of calm and empathy, which is extremely valuable to all involved in succession planning. With this great gift comes an internal tension the Nine can feel deeply. Their greatest fear is being in conflict, overlooked, or shut out. The process of succession may feel to the Nine like their fears are being realized. In order to avoid those feelings, the Nine will “go along to get along” and may not use their voice to speak up through the transition. They will merge with the thoughts, feelings, and agendas of others to create a false harmony. When their core weakness of sloth is activated, they seemingly refuse to be fully awake to themselves (their desires, their needs, their abilities) and may resist asserting their perspective in an effort to keep the peace. It is important for the Nine to understand their voice and presence matters, and they have the unique ability to bring people together during a season that could be disunifying. The church may benefit from a Nine overlapping with the new leader for a defined period. Most Nines have the ability to come alongside a new leader without coming across as controlling or defensive. New pastors may benefit from understanding the Nine’s experience, opinions, and insight into those they have led. Their tendency toward optimism will be beneficial to all in creating a sense of hope for the future.
As you approach succession, how might Enneagram inform your process? Knowing your Enneagram type can provide you with personal insight. It also empowers those working with you in the planning process to craft the healthiest succession possible for you and your church.
We are here to help. If you would like information on how NL Moore & Associates can help you and your team strengthen your understanding of one another, please reach out. We would love to speak with you.