The challenge for the Azure Blue is overcoming the skepticism of other people (often coming from those with a Golden Yellow orientation), as well as helping other people gain appreciation for the “people” part of an issue (often having to counter those with a Ruby Red orientation). The ultimate threat is being judged as someone who is ultimately uncaring—being found out as an Enneagram 2 with a hook.
Azure Blue: Viewing Other Preferences
I must first of all note that those with an Azure Blue orientation hate to say anything bad about another person. They often tend to be “appreciation junkies.” However, if forced to share their concerns about the other two orientations then they would have the following to say. Those with a Ruby Red orientation can tend to be a bit cruel—even “heartless”.
This is particularly true of those Ruby Reds who are in a leadership role. The Ruby Reds also can be blunderers. They can move forward without knowing which direction in which to move. As a result, the plans being made can often lead to haphazard actions, unanticipated consequences and frequent reinventions.
What about those with a Thoughtful Golden Yellow orientation. While the Ruby Reds can be heartless, the Gold Yellows are indifferent—they are “soulless”. They are calculators, who tend to view everything from the perspective of numbers: “if it can’t be quantified then it doesn’t really exist.” This means that the truly important dimensions of life are often overlooked or undervalued. We need more soul, as well as more heart, in our contemporary world—so says the Azure Blue as a reluctant critic of the other two primary perspectives and practices.
The Golden Yellow Leader of Steadfastness
Steadfastness is the third leadership style to be found in the DISC model. This style centers on patience, loyalty, and attention to other people.
Listening Leadership
These leaders tend to actually listen to other people! Their strengths are identified in the list offered on the DISC website (DISC, 2024):
“interest in maintaining steady progress
diplomatic approach
support of team members and team goals
provides information clearly and systematically
tendency to follow through on commitments
understanding of others’ perspectives
ability to work with different types of people
These managers grow as they start to appreciate that sometimes they’ll actually have to invite tension and instability into their world. By understanding other perspectives, they see that not everyone shares their need for harmony. The long-term well-being of their team often depends on allowing a little short-term messiness.”
