Develop Your Psychological Capital and Become the Leader You Were?Meant?to?Be

Psychological capital (PsyCap) is a positive psychological state that consists of four components: hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. These components are related to the three centers of intelligence in the Enneagram model: the head, the heart, and the body. Developing PsyCap can help leaders enhance their well-being and performance, as well as foster a positive organizational culture. In this article, we will explore how Enneagram Type 3, 6 and 9 leaders can develop their PsyCap, and what benefits they can gain from doing so. We will also examine the neuroscience behind each type and how it influences their personality and behavior.

Enneagram Type 3 Leaders

Type 3 leaders are driven by the need to achieve success and recognition. They are adaptable, goal-oriented, and image-conscious. They tend to focus on their head center of intelligence, which helps them plan and execute their strategies effectively. However, they may also neglect their heart and body centers, which can lead to emotional detachment, stress, and burnout.

To develop their PsyCap, Type 3 leaders need to balance their head center with their heart and body centers. They can do this by:

• Cultivating hope: Hope is the belief that one can set and pursue meaningful goals, and find alternative ways to overcome obstacles. Type 3 leaders can increase their hope by clarifying their values and purpose, and aligning their goals with them. They can also seek feedback and support from others who share their vision, and celebrate their progress and achievements.
• Building efficacy: Efficacy is the confidence in one's ability to accomplish a specific task or goal. Type 3 leaders can boost their efficacy by setting realistic and challenging goals, and breaking them down into manageable steps. They can also learn from their successes and failures, and acknowledge their strengths and areas for improvement.
• Enhancing resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity or stress. Type 3 leaders can improve their resilience by developing a positive mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth. They can also practice self-care and coping skills, such as mindfulness, relaxation, exercise, and hobbies.
• Fostering optimism: Optimism is the expectation that good things will happen in the future. Type 3 leaders can cultivate their optimism by focusing on the positive aspects of their situation, and reframing negative thoughts into more realistic and constructive ones. They can also express gratitude for what they have, and share their optimism with others.

By developing their PsyCap, Type 3 leaders can benefit from:

• Increased well-being: PsyCap can help Type 3 leaders reduce their stress levels, enhance their emotional intelligence, and improve their relationships with others. They can also feel more fulfilled and authentic in their work and life.
• Improved performance: PsyCap can help Type 3 leaders achieve higher levels of productivity, creativity, and quality in their work. They can also motivate and inspire others to perform better, and create a positive organizational culture.
• Greater satisfaction: PsyCap can help Type 3 leaders enjoy their work more, and feel more proud of their accomplishments. They can also appreciate the value of their contribution, and receive more recognition and respect from others.

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The Neuroscience of Type 3:

Type 3 leaders are influenced by the dopamine system in their brain, which is responsible for reward-seeking behavior. Dopamine motivates them to pursue goals that bring them pleasure, such as success, status, or admiration. However, dopamine can also make them addicted to achievement, and cause them to neglect other aspects of their life that are important for happiness.

To balance their dopamine system, Type 3 leaders need to activate other neurotransmitters in their brain that are related to the heart and body centers of intelligence. These include:

• Oxytocin: Oxytocin is the hormone that promotes bonding, trust, and empathy. Oxytocin helps Type 3 leaders connect with others on a deeper level, and express their emotions more freely. Oxytocin can be released by physical contact, such as handshakes; social interaction, such as conversations or compliments; or emotional support, such as listening or sharing.
• Serotonin: Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and memory. Serotonin helps Type 3 leaders maintain a stable and positive mood, and cope with stress better.
• Endorphins: Endorphins are the chemicals that produce a sense of euphoria, pain relief, and well-being. Endorphins help Type 3 leaders enjoy the process of achieving their goals, rather than just the outcome. Endorphins can be triggered by laughter or humor; music or art; hobbies or passions; or challenges or risks.

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Enneagram Type 6 Leaders

Type 6 leaders are motivated by the need to find security and support in a complex and uncertain world. They are loyal, responsible, and vigilant. They tend to rely on their head center of intelligence, which helps them analyze and anticipate potential problems and solutions. However, they may also overuse their head center, which can lead to anxiety, doubt, and indecision.

To develop their PsyCap, Type 6 leaders need to balance their head center with their heart and body centers. They can do this by:

• Cultivating hope: Hope is the belief that one can set and pursue meaningful goals, and find alternative ways to overcome obstacles. Type 6 leaders can increase their hope by identifying their core values and purpose, and aligning their goals with them. They can also seek guidance and collaboration from others who share their vision, and acknowledge their progress and achievements.
• Building efficacy: Efficacy is the confidence in one's ability to accomplish a specific task or goal. Type 6 leaders can boost their efficacy by setting realistic and attainable goals, and taking action steps to achieve them. They can also learn from their successes and failures, and recognize their strengths and areas for improvement.
• Enhancing resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity or stress. Type 6 leaders can improve their resilience by developing a positive mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth. They can also practice self-care and coping skills, such as mindfulness, relaxation, exercise, and hobbies.
• Fostering optimism: Optimism is the expectation that good things will happen in the future. Type 6 leaders can cultivate their optimism by focusing on the positive aspects of their situation, and reframing negative thoughts into more realistic and constructive ones. They can also express gratitude for what they have, and share their optimism with others.

By developing their PsyCap, Type 6 leaders can benefit from:

• Increased well-being: PsyCap can help Type 6 leaders reduce their anxiety levels, enhance their emotional intelligence, and improve their relationships with others. They can also feel more secure and supported in their work and life.
• Improved performance: PsyCap can help Type 6 leaders achieve higher levels of productivity, creativity, and quality in their work. They can also support and empower others to perform better, and create a positive organizational culture.
• Greater satisfaction: PsyCap can help Type 6 leaders enjoy their work more, and feel more confident of their abilities. They can also appreciate the value of their contribution, and receive more recognition and respect from others.

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The Neuroscience of Type 6:

Type 6 leaders are influenced by the noradrenaline system in their brain, which is responsible for alertness, arousal, and vigilance. Noradrenaline helps them scan the environment for threats or opportunities, and prepare for action. However, noradrenaline can also make them hyperactive, restless, and fearful.

To balance their noradrenaline system, Type 6 leaders need to activate other neurotransmitters in their brain that are related to the heart and body centers of intelligence. These include:

• Oxytocin: Oxytocin is the hormone that promotes bonding, trust, and empathy. Oxytocin helps Type 6 leaders connect with others on a deeper level, and feel more secure and supported. Oxytocin can be released by physical contact, such as hugs or handshakes; social interaction, such as conversations or compliments; or emotional support, such as listening or sharing.
• Serotonin: Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and memory. Serotonin helps Type 6 leaders maintain a stable and positive mood, and cope with stress better.
• Endorphins: Endorphins are the chemicals that produce a sense of euphoria, pain relief, and well-being. Endorphins help Type 6 leaders enjoy the process of achieving their goals, rather than just the outcome. Endorphins can be triggered by laughter or humor; music or art; hobbies or passions; or challenges or risks.

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Enneagram Type 9 Leaders

Type 9 leaders are motivated by the need to maintain harmony and peace in themselves and others. They are adaptable, supportive, and inclusive. They tend to focus on their body center of intelligence, which helps them sense the needs and feelings of others. However, they may also neglect their own needs and feelings, which can lead to passivity, complacency, and withdrawal.

To develop their PsyCap, Type 9 leaders need to balance their body center with their head and heart centers. They can do this by:

• Cultivating hope: Hope is the belief that one can set and pursue meaningful goals, and find alternative ways to overcome obstacles. Type 9 leaders can increase their hope by identifying their core values and purpose, and aligning their goals with them. They can also seek inspiration and encouragement from others who share their vision, and celebrate their progress and achievements.
• Building efficacy: Efficacy is the confidence in one's ability to accomplish a specific task or goal. Type 9 leaders can boost their efficacy by setting realistic and meaningful goals, and taking action steps to achieve them. They can also learn from their successes and failures, and assert their strengths and areas for improvement.
• Enhancing resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity or stress. Type 9 leaders can improve their resilience by developing a positive mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth. They can also practice self-care and coping skills, such as mindfulness, relaxation, exercise, and hobbies.
• Fostering optimism: Optimism is the expectation that good things will happen in the future. Type 9 leaders can cultivate their optimism by focusing on the positive aspects of their situation, and reframing negative thoughts into more realistic and constructive ones. They can also express gratitude for what they have, and share their optimism with others.

By developing their PsyCap, Type 9 leaders can benefit from:

• Increased well-being: PsyCap can help Type 9 leaders reduce their passivity levels, enhance their emotional intelligence, and improve their relationships with others. They can also feel more harmonious and peaceful in their work and life.
• Improved performance: PsyCap can help Type 9 leaders achieve higher levels of productivity, creativity, and quality in their work. They can also support and empower others to perform better, and create a positive organizational culture.
• Greater satisfaction: PsyCap can help Type 9 leaders enjoy their work more, and feel more confident of their abilities. They can also appreciate the value of their contribution, and receive more recognition and respect from others.

The Neuroscience of Type 9:

Type 9 leaders are influenced by the endorphin system in their brain, which is responsible for producing a sense of euphoria, pain relief, and well-being. Endorphins help them cope with stress and discomfort, and maintain a calm and balanced state. However, endorphins can also make them numb to their own needs and feelings, and avoid conflict or change.

To balance their endorphin system, Type 9 leaders need to activate other neurotransmitters in their brain that are related to the head and heart centers of intelligence. These include:

• Dopamine: Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that motivates reward-seeking behavior. Dopamine helps Type 9 leaders pursue goals that bring them pleasure, such as success, status, or admiration. Dopamine can be increased by setting and achieving challenging goals; receiving feedback or praise; or celebrating progress or achievements.
• Noradrenaline: Noradrenaline is the neurotransmitter that regulates alertness, arousal, and vigilance. Noradrenaline helps Type 9 leaders scan the environment for threats or opportunities, and prepare for action. Noradrenaline can be increased by exposure to novelty or variety; physical activity or exercise; or facing challenges or risks.
• Oxytocin: Oxytocin is the hormone that promotes bonding, trust, and empathy. Oxytocin helps Type 9 leaders connect with others on a deeper level, and feel more secure and supported. Oxytocin can be released by physical contact, such as hugs or handshakes; social interaction, such as conversations or compliments; or emotional support, such as listening or sharing.

Conclusion:

PsyCap is a valuable resource for leaders of any Enneagram type. By developing their hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism, they can enhance their well-being and performance, as well as foster a positive organizational culture. However, each type has its own strengths and challenges when it comes to developing PsyCap. By understanding their personality and behavior patterns based on the Enneagram model and neuroscience, they can balance their centers of intelligence and optimize their potential.

If you are interested in learning more about how to develop your PsyCap as a leader based on your Enneagram type, you may want to consider executive coaching with Dr James Leong. Dr Leong is an experienced leadership and management consultant who specializes in Neuroscience and the Enneagram. He can help you identify your type, understand your motivations and challenges, and design a personalized plan to improve your PsyCap.?

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, hypnotherapy, 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.

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.