Description of Type Six: The Loyal Skeptic

Sixes are motivated by the need to feel secure and in control, and to have safety and predictability.  Feeling a sense of belonging and finding someone trustworthy to depend on is important to a Six.  Sixes scan for danger and potential threats and anticipate where fear might arise.  Some Sixes are phobic and withdraw to protect themselves, whereas others are counterphobic and confront fearful situations head-on, even seek them out.  Attention naturally goes to hazards and worst cases and how to deal with them.

Healthy Sixes Are: Trustworthy, responsible, alert, insightful, loyal, compassionate, and sympathetic to underdog causes.

Unhealthy Sixes Can Be: Hyper vigilant, indecisive, defensive, testy, self-defeating, paranoid, and preoccupied with worst-case scenarios.

Enneagram Type #6 in Relationships

Strengths (healthy attributes)

·      Loyalty, devotion, commitment, and endurance

·      Warmth, thoughtfulness and sensitivity

·      Healthy skepticism and questioning mind

·      Concern for the underdog and dedication to causes

·      Analytical skills

·      Vivid imagination

·      Healthy caution

·      Courage

Weaknesses (average to unhealthy attributes)

·      Magnification of negatives and worst case scenarios

·      Habit of projecting fears

·      Sensitivity to criticism

·      Contrary thinking and a doubting mind

·      Tendency to mistrust others

·      Constantly test their partner’s loyalty (until they feel safe)

·      Can get provocative and accusatory when mistrustful

·      Tendency to defy or defer to authority (fight or flight)

·      Excessive desire for reassurance, proof and certainty

Questions?  Comments?  Suggestions?  My e-mail address is:  grussrowe@cox.net

This page was last updated on 05/29/05.