Enneagram 6
Core Fear: Being without support
Core Desire: To do what is expected of them and be part of a group
Overview
Head Triad
Enneagram 6s are in the Head Triad, which means they value analysis, information, knowledge, and objective reason. Head triad numbers (5, 6, 7) are primarily concerned with a deep-seated anticipation of the future and what may happen. 6s deal with this anticipation by looking ahead to see what may be coming and trying to prepare for it as best as they can.
Fear
Many 6s do not relate to "fear" being so heavily used when discussing 6s. The truth is that most 6s will do almost anything they can to avoid fear. Some 6s handle this by planning for the future so that they are prepared for anything. Other 6s avoid fear by trying to understand what everyone in the room is thinking so that they have a clear understanding of the social dynamics at play. Others doubt everything that crosses their path so that they can't be taken unaware.
Responsive Stance
6s are in the responsive stance, which means that they have an external reference point. This makes them highly responsive to their environment and they often want it to be a certain way before they can feel safe. 6s often find themselves checking in with those around them to gauge the general temperature of the room. They may also try to control their environment so that nothing takes them by surprise.
Enneagram 6
6s are the most complicated and difficult number to explain on the entire Enneagram. They are contradictory people in every sense of the word, and that makes it very hard for 6s to identify themselves as 6s. 6s are people that are looking for the right answer so that they can feel safe. They want to trust authority because they want to know the rules, but they don't trust authority because they would never hand over their entire life to someone else. They want to check in with you, but they don't trust your answer. They want to feel safe, but they don't want to let their guard down. 6s are ruled by fear, but they try to avoid it at every turn.
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At their best, Enneagram 6s are community builders. They are incredibly responsive and loyal to those around them. They are the glue of our society and often can be found holding large groups and communities together. They show up when it is expected of them and they expect you to do the same. They value companionship and loyalty and will give it freely when they are high-functioning.
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At their worst, 6s are paranoid and distrustful. They find it hard to trust others because they can never tell your true intentions. They are worried that others will cross them and are hyper vigilant of their surroundings. They may assume that others have bad intentions just so that they are prepared for the off-chance that they actually do. Above all, low-functioning 6s may not realize how heavily they are being ruled by fear. They may expect everyone else to act as they do - and they may paint you as a target when you don't.
In stress, Enneagram 6s move to 3. This adds an air of superiority and comparison to their classifying of people as "safe" or "not safe", and can turn their judgement of others into "worthy" or "unworthy". In time, though, 6s can learn that 3 also offers them an individual voice. 6s are most concerned with the team, and 3 offers them a chance to finally stand out.​
In security, 6s move to 9. In 9, 6s are able to access faith. They become calmer and more trusting, finally giving in to the 9's mantra of "everything will work out". 9 gives 6s the ability to let go of their need to control the outcome and relax into the beauty of the world that surrounds them.