Executive Coaching: Added Value of the Enneagram

Carl Gustav Jung stated that the realization of the Self is a natural process, as natural as the physical growth of a child. Unless the child gets ill or dies, it has no other direction or option than to grow. In nature, everything alive has two directions of development—growth or decline.

Growth does not stop after we’ve become adults

After the visible physical growth of the child, psychological growth continues (in a healthy situation). The psyche matures further, and there comes a moment when the natural process of self-awareness and self-realization begins. We become more aware, and within this grown awareness the need for fullfilment will naturally arise.

Attention moves from the exterior world

Upto the age of 40, attention and energy goes into finding a place in the exterior world. Here’s the thing—most executives are likely to have passed this age 40 milestone. As they enter the third quarter of life, between 40-60 years, their place in the exterior world is more or less realized, this topic loses importance and life is experienced as less fullfilling. As a result, the potential excess energy needs another object of attention in order to release.

Transition to the inner world

In this period when people lack new and fullfilling objects that require their energy, they are likely to experience a lack of vitality, creativity, and inspiration. They may have feelings of boredom, ask “is this all there is” and even get depressed or ill. Some people choose what seem like easy ways out—they start to play golf, drink more, find a lover, or live a ‘cosmetic’ life (spend money on clothing, art, houses, cars, holidays, etc.). These quick fixes prevent uncomfortable feelings from arising. While there is nothing wrong with this approach, it rarely brings true fullfilment, and keeps a person from realizing their true potential, worth and value in life—their true value for self, others, and work. This longing for self-fulfillment that executives often experience strongly begins to arise more often, and will bring their attention to their inner world.

The Enneagram supports growth

I started this blog by stating that we have only two options—growth or decline. Most people (and executives) I know choose growth. The Enneagram is a powerfull self-supporting instrument that supports growth, and working with a coach with Enneagram understanding facilitates that process.

In the twenty years that I’ve been an Executive Coach, I have not come across a model, instrument or technique that works as effectively ánd compassionately as the Enneagram. It brings one’s attention and energy to a good alternative and fullfilling new object—the exploration of one’s true Self. The Enneagram brings the resources that enables a person to develop skills of self-observation and self-reflection. These two basic skills bring self-insight and these are initial requirements for self-management, awareness and fullfilment.

As an Executive Coach, I am delighted to use the Enneagram within the coaching process to help executives and leaders become more aware of their potential for true fullfilment. It brings them and their organization new inspiration, creativity and revitalization.

Jeanette van Stijn is an entrepreneur who has managed her own companies, worked with organizational development projects, and has taught ‘train-the-trainer’ programs at several educational facilities. Her company Reflexxi is specialized in the Enneagram and focuses on in-company activities such as coaching, mediation, training (teambuilding for example) and giving lectures.  See More on Jeanette>