Enneagram 6 - The Loyalist

This is the sixth in a series of nine features that provides insight into each of the Enneagram types. Each feature provides an overview of the type, including how each type responds to stress and evolves in growth. It also includes insight for leaders to customize their approach of support, insight for people working with them to be more intentional partners, and reminders for those that identify with the specific type.

What are the characteristics of an Enneagram 6?

• Sixes are committed, security-oriented, reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy.

• they are driven by their basic desire to have security and support.

• they are excellent troubleshooters, able to foresee problems, and bridge cooperation.

• these tendencies can get the better of them and they may become defensive, evasive, anxious, and stressed when they are without support, guidance, and presence.

• at their best they’re internally stable, self-reliant, and champions of themselves and others.

How do Enneagram 6s respond to stress and growth?

When Sixes are stressed, they can take on the unhealthy qualities of a Three

• This can make them overbearing, self-serving, and competitive

When Sixes are healthy, they can take on the healthy qualities of a Nine

• This can help them become more relaxed and optimistic

For leaders to know when working with Enneagram 6s

• follow through; whatever support or guidance you commit to you must stick to

• it can take time to build trust; you must be willing to stay the course and show your care

• balance positive/negative insights; they’ll struggle to trust unbridled optimism

• validate their concerns or reservations; you must acknowledge their perspective

• don’t give ‘orders’; since they struggle to trust it is best to engage as partners

For people to know when working with Enneagram 6s

• Be intentional with requests; sixes do not like surprises, and this can stress them out

• Don’t sugarcoat the bad with them; they’ll struggle to trust you if you’re not living in reality

• Approach support as partners, they will not appreciate if you expect their help as a right

• They really value a gut check; a simple validation can be really helpful

• Don’t let them down; follow through with commitments as support is very important to them

For Enneagram 6s

• you know more and are capable of more than you may acknowledge; own your value

• have some faith; you could be let down but don’t assume that is an absolute likelihood

• channel your doubts and anxiety into a voice of intentional/helpful devil’s advocate; this can be your superpower

• it can be helpful to focus on problems at hand over who may be at fault for the problem

• it will helpful to understand that every potential pitfall may not be able to be flushed out

For more on The Enneagram:

The 9 Ways of Working - Michael J. Goldberg

The 9 Types of Leadership - Beatrice Chestnut, PhD

The Sacred Enneagram - Christopher L. Heuertz

The Enneagram Institute - https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions