Enhancing Educational Leadership: Exploring the Enneagram's Impact on Interpersonal Relationships

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the Enneagram on enhancing educational leadership by exploring its influence on interpersonal relationships. Through qualitative interviews with educational leaders, the study investigates three key themes: self-awareness and leadership style, understanding and valuing individual differences, and conflict resolution and team cohesion. The findings reveal that the Enneagram framework plays a crucial role in enhancing self-awareness among educational leaders. By understanding their Enneagram type, leaders gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, communication styles, and decision-making processes. This self-awareness enables them to make conscious choices in their leadership approach, adapt their styles to connect with and support team members, and foster effective communication. Additionally, the Enneagram facilitates understanding and valuing individual differences within educational leadership teams. Recognizing the diverse motivations, fears, and communication preferences associated with each Enneagram type, leaders create an inclusive environment where differences are appreciated, and conflicts are approached constructively. This understanding fosters empathy, respect, and collaboration among team members, promoting team cohesion and harnessing the collective potential of the team. Moreover, the Enneagram proves instrumental in conflict resolution by providing a framework for understanding the underlying dynamics of conflicts. Leaders approach conflicts with empathy, seeking common ground and resolutions that address core concerns. This approach creates a safe space for open and constructive discussions, strengthening relationships and advancing team objectives. This study highlights the transformative power of the Enneagram in enhancing educational leadership and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, understanding differences, and effective conflict resolution in creating positive learning environments. It recommends integrating the Enneagram into leadership development programs and suggests avenues for future research to explore the experiences of different stakeholders and the long-term impact of the Enneagram on leadership effectiveness.