Professionally and personally, building relationships is key to success and fulfillment. Genuinely caring about people, having empathy and bringing out the best in others is a marker of a conscious leader. Organizations who are led by these kinds of leaders make it to the top of Best Place to Work lists.

In the Enneagram, relationship and connection are in the domain of the Heart center of intelligence, types 2, 3, and 4. These three are all about love and approval and creating an image to ensure they always have it. When they are present in mind, body and heart, they are naturals at connecting with others and maintaining good relationships. Each type has a special gift in this area:

• 2’s anticipate people’s needs, are very empathetic and helpful to others. At their best, they exemplify the servant leadership style.
• 3’s are driven to success and achieving results. At their best, they see talents in others and give them opportunities to shine.
• 4’s seek and maintain interpersonal connections. At their best, they inspire people to find meaning and purpose in what they do.

Watch this short video to learn more about how the heart types build and maintain relationships: 

All of us have our own leadership style and way of making connections with others, even if you aren’t a heart type. The Enneagram is a dynamic system and the wings and arrow lines of the symbol show us how to most easily access the heart center for ourselves.  The outer circle signifies unity. When we see ourselves in others, we let go of limiting concepts and habitual patterns that previously defined us and the world around. That’s when the most real and satisfying relationships happen.