The purpose of this study was to explore the applicability of the Enneagram's typology as a tool for Christian higher education leaders to better understand themselves and their internal publics and communicate with them, leading to more effective preparation and planning at the pre-crisis stage of organizational crisis management. Using a case study approach involving in-depth interviews with leaders at a Christian faith-based university, Christian higher education communication experts, and Enneagram coaches and consultants, this study sought greater insight into the Enneagram's role and applicability in pre-crisis preparation, planning, and communication between leaders and followers. Interaction Adaptation Theory informed this study to explore how interaction affects proactive communication between two people via RED: requirements, expectations, and desires. This theory applied to this study concerning how a leader prescribes to a follower's needs within the organizational team through their relational interactions and professional development. The results of this study concluded that the Enneagram's application to the leader-follower relationship in a Christian higher education organization would benefit in their pre-crisis communication preparation and management. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]