People with an Enneagram Type 6 personality tend to be engaging, hard-working, and responsible in their behavior. They want to feel safe and tend to be concerned with outside threats. They are very loyal and want to build close relationships with others.
Enneagram 6 Personality Traits
Basic Desire
The most basic desire of the Enneagram Type 6 is to feel secure, which they are likely to seek through loyalty to others. They work hard to build strong, stable relationships. Sixes want to feel that they can truly trust others to support them.
Though people who identify as a Type 6 value such strong loyalty, they may have difficulty trusting others and defend themselves by projecting their own feelings, positive or negative.
Basic Fear
The basic fear of the Type 6 is losing their personal support and stability. They usually crave predictable, safe environments. Sixes tend to have an “expect the worst, hope for the best,” mentality. They may express this fear by overthinking decision-making.
In summary, Enneagram 6 personalities tend to...
Seek security and stability from others
Fear losing their support systems
Work hard and act responsibly
Project their feelings in hard times
Value loyalty and trust in relationships
Enneagram 6 Strengths
Every personality archetype has strengths and blind spots, and these are often amplified in professional settings where we often encounter a diverse group of people with vastly different backgrounds and value systems.
Strengths that are typically associated with the Enneagram 6 personality include...
Making responsible and practical choices
Honoring commitments to people and plans
Protecting and caring for others
Recognizing and thinking about other perspectives
Ability to consider both logic and emotion
Enneagram 6 Weaknesses
Weaknesses that are typically associated with the Enneagram 6 personality include...
Difficulty controlling anxious thoughts
Tendency to expect the worst outcome or be pessimistic
Fearing important or major life decisions
High levels of self-doubt and insecurity
Enneagram 6 Growth
Growth opportunities that are typically associated with the Enneagram 6 personality include...
Understanding the limits of their control
Avoiding magnifying or dramatizing problems
Developing a confidence in themselves and their abilities
Focusing on what has gone well, rather than anticipating failure
Help them to feel safe and comfortable sharing by listening and offering support.
Meeting with an Enneagram 6
Abide by a scheduled meeting time and be supportive and encouraging.
Emailing an Enneagram 6
Explain the purpose directly and practically, avoiding small-talk.
Giving feedback to an Enneagram 6
Keep feedback on the gentler side; express encouragements and constructive criticism.
Resolving conflict with an Enneagram 6
Calmly and logically address the situation and your own point-of-view; help sixes to feel safe and secure when expressing themselves.
Enneagram 6 Motivations
When people experience pain, stress, or dissatisfaction, it can usually be attributed to energy-draining activities. Therefore, it’s important to know what kinds of activities energize each personality type and which activities drain them.
Enneagram 6s tend to be motivated and energized by...
Consistent and trustworthy relationships
Offering help and assistance to others
Advocating for personal beliefs and values
Time spent with people they love
Enneagram 6 Stress
Enneagram 6s tend to be stressed and drained by...
Unreliable people and relationships
Negativity in their work or personal environment
Feeling as though they aren’t needed
Failing or making the wrong decision
Enneagram 6 Careers
Type Sixes tend to thrive in environments that value their abilities and offer them security. They enjoy stable work that allows them to build solid relationships and make safe, well-thought-out decisions.
Enneagram 6s feel energized at work when...
They are safe and supported
Their boss trusts and appreciates their input
Their peers take the time to connect with them personally
Their direct reports appreciate their suggestions
Enneagram 6s feel drained at work when...
They feel like the work environment is inconsistent or unstable
Their boss criticizes their suggestions
Their peers are unpredictable or emotionally overwhelming
Their direct reports are unreliable or lazy
Sixes are pragmatic and trustworthy. They are hardworking, dedicating themselves to a cause until the very end.
Common jobs for people with Enneagram 6 personality types
When type Sixes work alongside people who are more optimistic and idealistic, they can be supportive, practical colleagues. If they work with another Six, they will likely need to consciously consider the positive and avoid becoming too worried about the risks when making decisions.
Enneagram 6s tend to work well with others who...
Are stable and predictable
Share appreciation for their hard work
Avoid being overly emotional when making decisions
Enneagram 6s may hit obstacles in professional relationships when they...
Focus too intensely on the negative aspects of a situation
React strongly when someone makes the wrong decision
Feel unimportant or unnecessary to coworkers
Enneagram 6 Relationships (Romantic)
Type Sixes can be practical, loyal partners, especially when with someone who more free-spirited and idealistic. When in a relationship with another Six, they avoid overwhelming or stressing one other by focusing on the positive aspects of an issue.
In a romantic relationship, Enneagram 6s bring strengths like...
Making balanced, thoughtful decisions
Dedication to working through difficult issues
Unwavering loyalty to their partner
In romantic relationships, Enneagram 6s may have trouble...
