A Case Study in Leadership: How Lee Kuan Yew Used His Enneagram Type to Transform Singapore

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September 16, 2023, would have been Mr Lee Kuan Yew's 100th birthday.? Over the years, many have asked me what is his likely Enneagram type.? Based on my research, I think he was most likely a highly evolved Enneagram Type 8, the Challenger.

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For those who do not know who was Mr Lee Kuan Yew, he was the founding prime minister of Singapore and a visionary leader who transformed the country into a prosperous and modern nation. He was also a lawyer, a writer, and a respected statesman in the international arena. He is widely regarded as the father of modern Singapore and one of the most influential figures in Asia.

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Mr Lee Kuan Yew was also a complex and multifaceted personality who could be seen as having different Enneagram types depending on the context and perspective. However, based on my research (through his books and videos), I would suggest that he was most likely a type 8, the Challenger.

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The Challenger is described as the powerful, dominating type: self-confident, decisive, willful, and confrontational. They are motivated by a need to be strong and in control, to protect themselves and their loved ones, and to challenge injustice and corruption. They value honesty, justice, and independence, and they have a high energy and assertiveness that can inspire or intimidate others.

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Under his leadership, Singapore experienced rapid economic growth and social development. He also played a key role in the country's independence from Malaysia.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew is often cited as an example of a strong and decisive leader. He was willing to make tough decisions, even if they were unpopular. He was also a pragmatist who was willing to adapt his policies to changing circumstances.

One example of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's strong leadership was his handling of the 1969 race riots. The riots were sparked by a dispute between the Chinese and Malays, and they threatened to tear the country apart. Mr Lee Kuan Yew responded quickly and decisively, imposing a curfew and deploying troops to the affected areas. He also made a number of speeches to calm the situation and promote racial harmony.

Another example of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's pragmatism was his decision to adopt a meritocratic system of government. Under this system, people were selected for government positions based on their ability and qualifications, rather than their family background or connections. This system helped Singapore to attract talented people from all walks of society, and it contributed to the country's rapid development.

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Some possible quotes that hinted he was an Enneagram Type 8 are:

• "I am often accused of interfering in the private lives of citizens. Yes, if I did not, had I not done that, we wouldn't be here today. And I say without the slightest remorse, that we wouldn't be here, we would not have made economic progress, if we had not intervened on very personal matters - who your neighbour is, how you live, the noise you make, how you spit, or what language you use. We decide what is right. Never mind what the people think."
• "I ignore polling as a method of government. I think that shows a certain weakness of mind - an inability to chart a course whichever way the wind blows, whichever way the media encourages the people to go, you follow. If you can't force or are unwilling to force your people to follow you, with or without threats, you are not a leader."
• "I started off believing all men were equal. I now know that's the most unlikely thing ever to have been, because millions of years have passed over evolution, people have scattered across the face of this earth, been isolated from each other, developed independently, had different intermixtures between races, peoples, climates, soils... I didn't start off with that knowledge. But by observation, reading, watching, arguing, asking, and then bullying my way to the top, that is the conclusion I've come to."
• "To straddle the middle ground and win elections, we have to be in charge of the political agenda. This can only be done by not being beaten in the argument with our critics. They complain that I come down too hard on their arguments. But wrong ideas have to be challenged before they influence public opinion and make for problems. Those who try to be clever at the expense of the government should not complain if my replies are as sharp as their criticisms."
• "A nation is great not by its size alone. It is the will, the cohesion, the stamina, the discipline of its people and the quality of their leaders which ensure it an honourable place in history."

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The following are some examples of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's Enneagram Type 8 personality in action:

• Passionate: Lee Kuan Yew was deeply passionate about Singapore and its people. He was determined to make the country a success, and he was not afraid to work hard to achieve his goals.
• Protective: Lee Kuan Yew was fiercely protective of Singapore's interests. He was always on the lookout for threats to the country, and he was quick to respond to them.
• Determined: Lee Kuan Yew was highly determined and would stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He was not afraid of hard work or challenges.
• Honest: Lee Kuan Yew was brutally honest and straightforward. He said what he meant and meant what he said.
• Direct: Lee Kuan Yew was direct and to the point. He didn't beat around the bush or sugarcoat his words.

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Mr Lee Kuan Yew was a loyal and devoted husband and father who loved his family deeply. He was also a generous and compassionate person who cared for the welfare and happiness of his people. He once said, "I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There's nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life."

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Therefore, based on these examples and evidence, I would conclude that Mr Lee Kuan Yew was most likely a type 8 on the Enneagram system: a powerful and passionate leader who challenged himself and others to create a better world for everyone.

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About the Author

Dr James Leong is a leadership trainer and executive coach who empowers people and organizations to achieve their full potential. He combines neuroscience, psychology, and coaching to help his clients overcome challenges and reach their goals. He has trained thousands of individuals and organizations across various industries and sectors, sharing his expertise and insights with them. He is a member of several professional associations and a certified practitioner of various psychometric tools such as the Enneagram and MBTI. Dr Leong is also a longtime student of the creator of the Enneagram Dr Claudio Naranjo, whom he studied with from 2010 until his teacher’s passing in 2018. Dr Leong has helped many psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors integrate NLP and hypnotherapy, and the Enneagram into their practice to great success. Both his Masters and Doctoral dissertations are on the Enneagram Types, their Leadership Potential and Related Stress. He is also a sought-after speaker at global NLP and Hypnotherapy conferences.

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Dr Leong is based in Singapore and speaks English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. He enjoys traveling, reading, and practicing Mindfulness Meditation, Strength Training and Tai Chi Chuan. Dr Leong is a visionary leader who inspires others to pursue their dreams and passions. He believes that everyone has the potential to create positive change in themselves and the world.

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Copyright (C) 2023 by Dr James Leong

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