Accounting For and Appreciating Nine World Views
Earlier this week, I went over the Heart of Money class notes looking for good questions that Mark might ask the group in the midst of his teaching. Soon into my reading, I came across one of Mark’s more graphic and pointed metaphors–how money issues can be likened to stepping in dog poop.
After having talked earlier that day with one of our Opening the Moneyflow students and certified Enneagram teacher, I had my eye out for blind spots in Mark’s presentation. He being an Idealist/ Perfectionist type in the Enneagram system, like any personality point, can lead to assumptions about what people will “get” and “not get” from your communications.
In his metaphor, the person who’s just stepped in the poop is now paralyzed on one foot, completely disgusted and stunned that he’s made such a money mess. He goes on to remind us that no matter the size of the pile there is a sidewalk beneath the poop that will hold us until we can clean up the mess.
Great metaphor, and I thought, humm . . . that is not the only way that that scenario could play out if you consider different personalities. In Mark’s world the underlying reality is based on right and wrong, they are dutiful types that strive for the ideal. So they are going to be extremely conscientious of anything that is not ideal. Poop on your shoe is not ideal.
That said, what about the folks who have little concern for the ideal? Those who really don’t even want to know that they have poop on their shoe. Some of us would just as soon keep walking and track the poop all over, not noticing until someone turns off our electric bill, if you know what I mean.
And then there is the person who becomes emotionally beside themselves with embarrassment, shame and fatalistic urgency. They may desperately start swiping at the poop with a tiny napkin. Before you know it the poop is on their pants, hands, and even forehead when they touch it in utter despair.
So my question is, How much is gained by considering verifiable different world views when we are wanting to offer support or teach or market ourselves? How many more people could integrate our teachings or messages if we had the awareness to step outside our own world view?
It fascinates me being a personality type nine that thrives in the challenge of integrating multiple points of view. What would you do if you stepped in dog poop? How much more effective would the metaphor fit if it suited your temperament or personality challenges?
If you are someone who tends to deny problems until they bite you in the rear, rather then someone who notices immediately that you’ve screwed up and now must rectify it to get back on good terms with the inner voice of God, what self-awareness might you overlook with Mark’s metaphor?
Embracing the reality of nine distinct and fundamental views that show up all over the world, independent of culture, race, or creed, has the potential to fill our hearts with unprecedented empathy.
When you are banging your head against the wall wondering why someone just doesn’t get what you are saying or offering, remember, they may be experiencing the interaction or information in a way you may have never imagined.
I would love to strike up a conversation about the Enneagram and effective teaching or communicating. Check out the thread: Effective Teaching and the Enneagram.
See you in the Tent,
Kate
What’s New Friday, June 4th:
Article: Leaving Money on the Table
Finding what enough is in an economic culture that values more and more-than-enough can be so challenging. May we all head the warning to leave no oil slicks behind . . . Please read this article and then come to the Tent to discuss.
Article: How to Organize Sales Pages to Avoid Overwhelm
Sales pages, oy! You need to get a lot of information to potential buyers, but you don’t want to overwhelm or bore them. Thankfully, there are some very creative ways to organize information to avoid overwhelm. Check out these three examples. Please read this article and then come to the Tent to discuss.
Article: When the Speed of Business Has Left You In the Dust
Have you ever been pulled by a dog on a leash whose just seen a squirrel? These days, business technology can feel an awful lot like that bolting dog that’s tethered to us. Imagine the feeling of dropping the leash . . . Please read this article and then come to the Tent to discuss.
Tutorial/FAQ
We are in the process of creating the Tutorial/FAQ section, so please ask your questions about how this new-fangled thing works here. Questions about this new Oasis and Tent?
Plus, there are a number of discussions already starting up in the Tent:
Product Creation–Wow, Asking Your People . . .
OK, I’m Coming In! New Tenter . . .
Teleseminar Help Please
Blog Response from . . . the Mayor!
You can see a list of all the most recent discussions here.
We have lots more planned coming up, see keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks. And, if you need something, give a holler! We’re here to help and make it easy for you.
Until next Friday, see you in The Tent.
