This week, learn more about the Enneagram Type Six – the Loyalist/Questioner. [Remember – the Enneagram is based on motivation, not behavior. This is why it is important to have a holistic understanding of all the types before determining which type you lead with. If you want more information on what the Enneagram is, check out the first post of this series.]
Enneagram Sixes are typically known as Loyalists or Questioners. Their primary motivation is to be secure and safe. As stated in the name, this is the most loyal type on the enneagram. They are faithful to their people, and extremely dependable. They make wonderful team players and because of their loyalty, excellent employees. In good self-awareness, they respond to stimuli and complex situations in a measured, thoughtful way. They listen well and are excellent at following directions. They often have an amazing sense of humor, recognizing their faults and being teasingly self-deprecating in a charming way.
In shadow, fear has a strong presence with the Type Six. They can have a hard time trusting their environment and often need reassurance from others. They will be one of the first to play devil’s advocate- not to be argumentative, but so they fully understand all potential results of a situation and can be pre-emptive about anything that seems dangerous or risky. Sixes, therefore, often pick up on danger or threats before others – even if the danger or threat is only perceived and not real. As this would indicate, they are known to worry too much. Because of fear, Sixes can get caught in major analysis paralysis, taking too long to make a decision and/or moving forward with action. Fear can also drive them away from trusting others and really developing true friendship and relationships, by creating a protective shell that comes off as unfriendly or closed, when in reality, it is just anxiety about revealing too much and being vulnerable with those they do not know well.
Often, in childhood, Sixes grow up with instability, a chaotic environment, or with a lot of rapid change and transitions, which influences their need for security, safety and/or stability later in life.
Sixes are members of the Head Center of Intelligence (aka the Head triad), meaning their responses and decision making comes more thoughtfully to them (as opposed to instinctually [Gut] or emotionally [Heart]). They are of the Dependent Stance (as opposed to the Withdrawing or Aggressive stances). In stress, Sixes lean into the Type Three (Performer/Achiever), desiring more material achievements and money to build a protective wall around them, often pretending to be someone they are not to appear together and secure in themselves. This behavior will limit their potential unless they are authentic in their action. In support, Sixes lean into the Nine (Mediator/Peacemaker) maintaining calm, quelling their worries, and keeping a much more open mind to positive possibilities, moving into action thoughtfully and when necessary. Wings of Sixes are either the Five (Investigator/Observer) or the Seven (Epicure/Enthusiast). (Note – A Wing is when the primary Type might often display features of one of the two Types (or both) surrounding the primary Type on the Enneagram circle. These two types are referred to as a “wing.”)
Exercising compassion toward a Type Six: Remember – Enneagram Sixes are wonderful and loyal friends who will make sure to keep everyone safe. I like to say, if I were ever stranded on a desert island, a Six would be an ideal companion. They are always prepared for an emergency! Support them by reminding them to enjoy the present moment and to try not to project worry into future events that have not happened, so that they get the most out of the beautiful life they are worthy of living.
Common occupations of Enneagram Sixes include (but are not limited to) bankers, police, caregivers, accountants, nurses, administrative assistants, professors, analysts, researchers, journalists, police, safety professionals, paralegals, tax and patent lawyers, and veterinarians.
To the Six folks: You are safe in the present moment. You deserve and are worthy of inner peace.
Remember – the beauty of the Enneagram is the universal discovery that “not everyone thinks the way I do!” This is where the seeds of compassion for self and others are planted.
In next week’s The Chic Guide edition, we will explore the Enneagram Type Seven, the Enthusiast/Epicure.
A special gift for you – inspired by Type Sixes:
Here is a Type Six yoga inspired workout, featuring owner Jennifer Lynn of Fit Philosophie, inspired by Enneagram Type Sixes but for anyone who loves to move and can work out at a moderately paced level. Thanks to Crunchmaster Crackers and Wise Wellness Guild for sponsoring this special feature!
If you find yourself wanting more information about the Enneagram, consider taking my online introductory course which will give you a more in depth overview, and provide a path to help you discover your type!
Whitney Ellison is a thought leader of the Enneagram and Quantum Energy. Learn more about her by visiting her website, wellisonenterprises.com where you can subscribe to her biweekly newsletter, and following her @wellisonenterprises on Instagram where you can find all of her Enneagram series interviews and other comings and goings.
