The Regenerative Society Enneagram

Sanford's Regenerative Society Enneagram: A Framework for Societal Transformation

Carol Sanford introduces the Regenerative Society Enneagram in her book, The Regenerative Life, as a framework for understanding the diverse forces that enable societal transformation. This enneagram outlines nine nodal roles that are essential for creating a healthy and flourishing society. Each role represents a distinct area of focus and contribution, and together they form an interconnected system that supports collective well-being and the evolution of human potential.

It's important to note that the enneagram is not intended as a typology for categorizing people. Instead, it serves as a framework for understanding the essential functions and contributions required for societal regeneration. Many individuals may embody multiple roles throughout their lives, and the key lies in developing a conscious understanding of these roles and their systemic importance.

The Three Triads of the Regenerative Society Enneagram

The nine nodal roles are organized into three triads, each representing a distinct aspect of societal transformation:

1. The Initiator Triad: Shaping the Direction and Foundation of Society

This triad focuses on establishing the foundational direction, values, and structures that guide societal development. It comprises the roles of:

• Regenerative Parent: This role centers on nurturing and guiding the development of children and future generations. Regenerative Parents create environments that foster healthy growth, emotional intelligence, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
• Regenerative Designer: This role focuses on creating systems, structures, and environments that support human well-being and the flourishing of life. Regenerative Designers work to integrate beauty, functionality, and sustainability into the built environment and the systems that shape our lives.
• Regenerative Earth Tender: This role emphasizes a deep connection with nature and a responsibility for stewarding the Earth's resources. Regenerative Earth Tenders work to restore and regenerate ecosystems, promote sustainable practices, and foster a sense of kinship with the natural world.

2. The Manifestor Triad: Bringing Forth New Possibilities and Transforming Systems

This triad focuses on taking action, innovating, and transforming existing systems to create a more regenerative future. It comprises the roles of:

• Regenerative Citizen: This role centers on active and engaged participation in civic life, working to shape policies, advocate for change, and create a more just and equitable society. Regenerative Citizens demonstrate a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of their communities and the world at large. 
• Regenerative Entrepreneur: This role focuses on creating new ventures and initiatives that disrupt unsustainable practices and generate positive social and environmental impact. Regenerative Entrepreneurs challenge conventional business models and demonstrate how economic success can be aligned with the flourishing of life.
• Regenerative Economic Shaper: This role centers on transforming economic systems to be more equitable, sustainable, and aligned with human well-being. Regenerative Economic Shapers work to reveal the true nature of wealth, promote alternative economic models, and ensure that financial capital serves the greater good.

3. The Destabilizer Triad: Challenging Assumptions and Inspiring New Ways of Thinking

This triad focuses on disrupting conventional thinking, revealing hidden patterns, and inspiring new ways of seeing the world. It comprises the roles of:

• Regenerative Educator: This role centers on fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to learn and evolve throughout life. Regenerative Educators create learning environments that cultivate intelligence, wisdom, and a commitment to continuous growth.
• Regenerative Media Content Creator: This role focuses on shaping the narratives and information that influence societal values, beliefs, and behaviors. Regenerative Media Content Creators use their platforms to inspire positive change, promote understanding, and foster a more conscious and interconnected worldview.
• Regenerative Spirit Resource: This role emphasizes the cultivation of inner wisdom, purpose, and connection to something greater than oneself. Regenerative Spirit Resources inspire others to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives, often serving as mentors, guides, or catalysts for personal transformation. 

The Interconnectedness of the Roles

It's important to recognize that these nine roles are not isolated but interconnected and mutually supportive. Each role contributes to the overall functioning and evolution of the system, and the effectiveness of one role is enhanced by the contributions of others. For example, Regenerative Entrepreneurs rely on the insights and innovations of Regenerative Designers and the responsible stewardship of Regenerative Earth Tenders to create truly sustainable and impactful ventures. Similarly, Regenerative Media Content Creators play a crucial role in disseminating the knowledge and wisdom generated by Regenerative Educators and Spirit Resources, helping to shift societal consciousness towards a more regenerative worldview.

The Regenerative Society Enneagram as a Tool for Action

The Regenerative Society Enneagram is not merely a theoretical model but a tool for action. By understanding the nine nodal roles and their interconnectedness, individuals can identify their unique contributions to societal transformation and choose to embody these roles more consciously and effectively. It encourages us to move beyond simply complaining about the world's problems and instead actively engage in shaping a more regenerative future.

The sources highlight several examples of individuals embracing these roles and making a difference in their communities and the world at large:

• Pamela Mang, co-founder of Regenesis Group, embodies the Regenerative Designer and Entrepreneur roles. Her work focuses on transforming the development industry and regenerating the way humans inhabit ecosystems.
• Cheryl Contee, a social entrepreneur, embodies the Regenerative Citizen and Media Content Creator roles. Her work aims to expose social injustice, promote equity, and empower communities to participate in positive change.
• Jay Coen Gilbert, co-founder of B Lab, embodies the Regenerative Entrepreneur and Economic Shaper roles. His work focuses on transforming business practices and creating a more equitable and sustainable economic system.

These examples demonstrate that the Regenerative Society Enneagram can be a powerful tool for guiding individual action and collective efforts toward creating a more just, sustainable, and fulfilling world. It invites us to step into our unique roles and contribute our talents, passions, and resources to the ongoing work of societal transformation.

Text generated by Google’s NotebookLM after analyzing Carol Sanford’s book The Regenerative Society. ©Carol Sanford