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©2022 The Enneagram in BusinessMAKE GREATDECISIONSEXPANDING YOURTHREE CENTERS OFINTELLIGENCEPART 2Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhDThe Enneagram in Business Mini-Book©2022 The Enneagram in Business

Decision-making and the EnneagramWe all make decisions, large and small, every day, butare we using all three Centers of intelligence to do so? When making a decision, ask these three questions:Head CenterWhat information does my head have to offer aboutthis decision?Heart CenterWhat does my heart say about my feelings and valuesrelated to this decision?Body CenterWhat does my gut know about what decision I shouldmake?Think of the three Centers as our three advisors, yetwe want our advisors to be trustworthy ones. TheEnneagram can help us do that! Here are ways each type can gain more productive useof each Center when it comes to decision making:Head Center (astute insight); Heart Center (authenticrelating); and Body Center (steadfastness, meaningthat you are holding your ground without being rigid).

Enneagram OnesHead CenterAstute insightGo beyond the facts to the patterns implicit in thefacts; understand the themes derived from thesepatterns.Heart CenterAuthentic relatingBe willing to share deeply held feelings whendiscussing issues.Body Center SteadfastnessHold firm in your decisions, but not to the point ofrigidity.

Enneagram TwosHead CenterAstute insightBase your decisions more on objective informationthan on subjective perception.Heart CenterAuthentic relatingBe completely honest with others about yourreasons for making a decision.Body Center SteadfastnessHave the courage of your convictions so that you willneither back down nor become defensive whenothers disagree with your decisions.

Enneagram ThreesHead CenterAstute insightMake certain that your desire for efficiency doesn’tcause you to spend insufficient time analyzing themeaning of the data.Heart CenterAuthentic relatingShare your real feelings (including anxieties) relatedto the decisions you must make; this will helpdismantle the overly confident image you havecreated that serves as a barrier between you andothers.Body Center SteadfastnessExplore your deeper values and hold firm on values-based decisions.

Enneagram FoursHead CenterAstute insightDevelop insights of the mind in addition to insightsof the heart. Ask yourself: "What do I think is true?"in addition to "What do I feel is true?"Heart CenterAuthentic relatingLet others tell you their real thoughts and feelingsabout a decision; be open to whatever is said.Body Center SteadfastnessBeing adamant and overly tenacious about adecision rarely enlists people, but neither doesbeing overly compliant or passive. Find the middleground.

Enneagram FivesHead CenterAstute insightMake sure your insights include information aboutfeelings as well as facts.Heart CenterAuthentic relatingCreate fewer communication barriers betweenyourself and others; people will then give you moretruthful information.Body Center SteadfastnessHold firm on decisions you have made using yourmind, heart, and gut in an integrated way; be flexibleand reconsider decisions you have made using yourmind only.

Enneagram SixesHead CenterAstute insightLearn to differentiate your projections fromobjective insights by honestly examining your ownfeelings and motivations. This will help you clarifyyour intentions and allow you to make betterdecisions. Heart CenterAuthentic relatingBe true to yourself even when you need or wantsomething from another person; don’t engage iningratiating behavior.Body Center SteadfastnessWhen you are sure of a decision, believe in yourselfand hold your ground in the face of opposition;make sure you do this in an approachable ratherthan a reactive manner.

Enneagram SevensHead CenterAstute insightTo have insight takes time and reflection; allowyourself both of these in order to get a deeper viewof the issues.Heart CenterAuthentic relatingRelate through more than your mind alone; whenyou relate through your heart as well, your decisionswill be better.Body Center SteadfastnessBecome confident in your depth of knowledge andin your capacity to feel; this confidence will enableyou to make the best decisions and to stand bythem.

Enneagram EightsHead CenterAstute insightHonor your insights, but ask yourself what insightsyou might be missing that could alter your decisions.Heart CenterAuthentic relatingBecome more aware of presenting yourself as boldand confident; when you allow yourself to be morevulnerable, people will increase their support of youand your decisions.Body Center SteadfastnessBe clear, but be careful not to become inflexible orunresponsive.

Enneagram NinesHead CenterAstute insightHonor your insights related to decisions you aremaking and be willing to verbalize them. Heart CenterAuthentic relatingShare how you really feel about different aspects ofa decision and the decision-making process early inthe discussion.Body Center SteadfastnessWithout being stubborn, hold firm on decisions thatyou believe are best, even in the face of oppositionand conflict.

ABOUT THE ENNEAGRAM IN BUSINESSEstablished in 2004 by Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, The Enneagram inBusiness offers excellent quality, state-of the-art products and services.Our vision is to help elevate consciousness globally using theEnneagram integrated with other innovative approaches; our mission isto provide an abundance of Enneagram-based resources for use aroundthe world. These include the following:» Eight Enneagram books, including several best sellers» Full-color Enneagram training tools, both in hard copy and virtual formats» Global Enneagram certification programs for consultants, trainers, andcoaches» Premier leadership development and team development offerings» Training, coaching and consulting services, both virtual and in-person» A comprehensive, interactive online Enneagram Learning Portal (ELP)» A global network of over 70 top-quality Enneagram professionals(EIBN)ENNEAGRAM BOOKS by Ginger-Lapid-BogdaBringing Out the Best in Yourself at WorkWhat Type of Leader Are You?Bringing Out the Best in Everyone You CoachThe Enneagram Development GuideConsulting with the EnneagramThe Enneagram Coloring BookThe Art of TypingThe Art of the Enneagram (co-authored with Russell Tres Bogda)TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | EnneagramLearningPortal.com |info@TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | 510.570.2971