10 Coaching Questions for Enneagram 7's
Why so serious?
According to the Enneagram Institute, Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.
We have named this personality type The Enthusiast because Sevens are enthusiastic about almost everything that catches their attention. They approach life with curiosity, optimism, and a sense of adventure, like “kids in a candy store” who look at the world in wide-eyed, rapt anticipation of all the good things they are about to experience. They are bold and vivacious, pursuing what they want in life with a cheerful determination. They have a quality best described by the Yiddish word “chutzpah”—a kind of brash “nerviness.”
(*Definitions are from The Enneagram Institute. You can take a free enneagram test here if you are interested.)
Sevens have more fun! And why not? Who says the serious have a better life? Why is the goal always efficient productivity? While 7's can sometimes seem scattered it's only because their minds are so busy. They actually think faster than any other type. They are future-oriented and look at life as an opportunity to explore and enjoy! Their optimism can be contagious and uplifting when they use their "powers" for good.
7's as coaches can ask empowering questions that assist their clients to see many angles of what they are considering and to identify and remove negativity that could be holding them back.
7's being coached may need assistance counting the cost of what they are considering. They may also need help staying the course.
Here are 10 questions for 7's:
1) Where should you focus? 7's may need to slow down and consider what the focus should be for the time they are in whether it is that day or planning for the future. Developing a habit of writing down what's important can help keep the main thing the main thing. Journaling can be a valuable tool even if it is just a list.
2) Who can benefit? 7's bring joy and a lightness to situations and to people. Knowing where and when to shine can be a game-changer!
3) How are you coming across? 7's can come across as not in touch with reality when in fact there is a keen awareness of the vibe in the room or in a person. Acknowledging that awareness and then moving toward the light can be a superpower.
4) What are you planning? Fueling the desire for fun, joy, and distraction can help the 7 buckle down and focus when they need to. What would bring life? It doesn't even need to be a trip to Disney (though that may always be a good plan) it could be a picnic dinner in the living room on a blanket, or putting fun decor in your office or home.
5) Is there anything you are avoiding? At times 7's can avoid acknowledging pain in themselves or others. Processing grief can be difficult for them personally or in walking with others in those seasons.
6) How are you being heard? 7's think so fast and therefore at times can talk too fast or share an idea they have that is 7 steps down the road before others even know what road they are on or why there is a need to go down that road. Slowing down enough to share the process can help others get on board.
7) Who do you need in your corner? Having gp-to people who will ask the right questions can keep a 7 from jumping too soon or investing in something that isn't needed or won't be maintained.
8) How can you find rhythms of rest? 7's love to be on the go and being alone and quieting their souls can be just as exhausting as their busy lives. Finding ways to rest, like having quiet times in a busy coffee shop or walking while listening to music, can be grounding experiences.
9) How can you (and even should you) release your brilliance? 7's have ideas for all the things. Some would truly benefit other people, departments,,or teams. Learning to share them well can harness the busy mind for good, yet in some cases the ideas may simply be passing fancies. Discerning whether to share and then how makes all the difference.
10) How can you shine? Even the way some 7's dress brings life and joy :) You can spread the positivity in so many ways and places. Consider where and how you could affect your world.
7's who are coaches can help others think positively. They can use empowering questions to encourage the "try". "Why not give it a try?" cheerleading can breathe life into the hesitant or fearful.
7's being coached may need help choosing one goal at a time and sticking with it. Seriously answering, "What's the worst that could happen?" may help with a reality check.
To learn more about your personal divine design check out our course Destiny by Design. For more on Coach Training and other Bridges Coaching offerings check out our Bridges Coaching home page.