The descriptions for Enneagram type 6 in books and on the Internet often emphasize a particular school's interpretation or borrow elements from various interpretations. Although these descriptions of type 6 can be similar in many ways, there can also be differences.
Below are samplings from some of the more popular interpretations. Click on the sources after the descriptions to further explore these interpretations.
The Loyalist, The Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious
Basic Fear: Of having no support and guidance, of being unable to survive on their own1
Basic Desire: To find security and support1
Basic Proposition: You can assure life and certainty by avoiding harm (the phobic stance) or facing it (the counter-phobic stance) through vigilance, questioning, and either battling or escaping perceived hazards.2
Strengths: Perceptive, sensitive, loyal, warm, witty, courageous and strategic thinking2
Challenges: Anxious, hyper-vigilant, pessimistic, contrary, over-active imagination2
Energy goes into: Doubting, testing, and looking for double messages. Figuring things out through logical analysis. Playing the devil’s advocate. Showing strength. Gaining security by obtaining the goodwill of others, being loyal to others, and dedicating myself to worthy and often underdog causes.3
The Loyalist: Committed, practical and witty, they are worst-case-scenario thinkers who are motivated by fear and the need for security.4
Questioners are responsible, trustworthy, and vaue loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.5
Focus of Attention: Sixes focus on thinking about what might go wrong and strategizing and preparing for it. A response to an early experience of danger, Sixes have an adaptive strategy that centers on detecting threats and coping with fear.6
Sources
1Book: The Wisdom of the Enneagram; Website: The Enneagram Institute
2Website: The Narrative Enneagram
3Book: The Essential Enneagram; Website: Dr. David Daniels
4Book: The Road Back to You
5Book: The Enneagram Made Easy
6Book: The Complete Enneagram; Website: Chestnut Paes Enneagram Academy
