Enneagram Type 6 Leader
Enneagram Type Sixes are often called The Loyal Skeptic or The Devil’s Advocate. At their core, Sixes are driven by a desire to feel safe, secure, and to belong.
Sixes can be analytical, caring, collaborative, curious, dutiful, loyal, inquisitive, persevering, responsible, self-reliant, supportive, thoughtful, trustworthy, vigilant. They can also be defensive, doubtful, fearful, hesitant, skeptical, suspicious, untrusting.
Strengths & Watch-Outs
Assessing Risks & Threats
✔️ Sixes have a remarkable ability to scan for what might go wrong. This vigilance helps them identify potential risks and threats that others may overlook. This foresight allows them to anticipate challenges, generate scenarios, and develop contingency plans that create a sense of preparedness and security.
⚠️ While their risk-awareness is a strength, Sixes can sometimes over-focus on potential dangers, leading to heightened anxiety and unnecessary worry. Their nervous system may remain on high alert, constantly scanning for threats, which can drain energy and amplify stress. This vigilance, while intended to keep them safe, can narrow their focus toward threats instead of possibilities, making them feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, doubt and second-guessing. Others may experience them as overly pessimistic or negative.
Analytical Insight & Planning
✔️ Sixes excel at scenario planning. They are naturally curious, ask thoughtful questions, and pay close attention to details that might reveal hidden risks or overlooked factors. Their ability to analyze multiple perspectives and run “what if” scenarios helps them create thorough plans and make well-informed decisions. They often have a plan A, B, and C. This forward-thinking quality allows them to anticipate challenges, minimize surprises, and create stability in uncertain environments. They are usually calm in a crisis because they’ve already mentally prepared for the worst.
⚠️ When overextended, Sixes’ analytical insight can turn into over-analysis. Their drive to examine every possible risk can lead to rigid thinking or “analysis paralysis.” This fixation on finding the perfect plan can make it difficult for them to trust their judgment or take timely action. Instead of providing clarity, their scenario planning may flood them with doubt and heighten anxiety, keeping them from moving forward with confidence.
Creative Problem-Solving
✔️ Because Sixes naturally envision different scenarios and outcomes, they are able to think outside the box and generate innovative solutions. Their ability to anticipate obstacles allows them to craft thoughtful, well-prepared strategies that others may not have considered. This blend of imagination and practicality makes them resourceful troubleshooters who can adapt quickly when challenges arise.
⚠️ Sixes’ constant scanning for what could go wrong can sometimes shift from useful foresight into problem-seeking. They may perceive issues even when none exist, or overemphasize potential challenges, which can distort their perspective.
Honest, Loyal & Reliable
✔️ Sixes are loyal, warm, and trustworthy. Honesty and integrity are core values, and others can count on them to follow through on commitments. They are dependable and deeply invested in relationships once trust is established.
⚠️ Their cautious nature can make Sixes slow to extend trust. Some may test others’ intentions carefully, while others may trust quickly but withdraw sharply if that trust is broken. Once betrayed, Sixes often struggle to rebuild trust, leaving relationships strained. This self-protective stance can be misinterpreted by others as negativity, suspicion, or a reluctance to connect.
Type 6 Triggers
Uncertainty or lack of clear direction
Mixed signals from leadership
Feeling blamed for something they didn’t control
Lack of transparency
Situations that seem unsafe or not well thought through
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