Sixes have a need for security, trust, and belonging. Their core motivation is to feel safe and supported in a world that seems unpredictable.

What Drives Type 6?

Sixes seek assurance and stability. They scan for potential threats and rely on trusted systems or allies to feel secure. Internally, they wrestle with fear and doubt, often trying to resolve this through loyalty, preparedness, and questioning.

“The world is a threatening and unsafe place. Be prepared. Be loyal. People can count on me. Be careful who you trust. I must not be afraid, but I must not let my guard down. I must protect myself, but I must be loyal.”

Core Fear & Desire

• Basic Fear: Of being without support and guidance
• Basic Desire: To have security and support

Vice and Virtue

Vice – Fear:
Creates dependency on external systems and authority. Sixes often doubt themselves, worry about outcomes, and project anxiety onto others.

Virtue – Courage:
A grounded capacity to act in the face of fear, trust the moment, and respond from embodied wisdom. Courage allows Sixes to trust their inner knowing and show up with steady resolve.

Fixation and Blind Spot

Fixation – Cowardice:
Acting from fear rather than confidence, overcompensating for doubt by clinging to external sources of certainty.

Blind Spot – Complaining:
Sixes often voice complaints to gauge safety and loyalty. They're unaware how this pattern affects relationships and undermines their trust in self.

Holy Idea

Holy Faith:
A knowing that the universe is already supporting us. When Sixes connect with Holy Faith, they no longer rely on external validation for security, and can live with openness and presence.

“At the moment of commitment, the entire universe conspires to assist you.” – Goethe

“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott

Developmental Path: From Fear to Faith

Strengths of the Six

• Devoted and loyal
• Prepared and risk-aware
• Team-oriented and trustworthy
• Courageous in standing for others
• Committed to justice and responsibility

Challenges for the Six

• Struggles with self-trust and indecision
• Can be reactive or combative when anxious
• Difficulty letting go of fear-based thinking
• Prone to suspicion and self-doubt

Direction of Growth and Stress

Under Stress → Average Three: Sixes try to outrun anxiety by overworking, performing, and projecting competence. They may disconnect from feelings and become more image-conscious.

In Security → Average Nine: Sixes may withdraw into passivity and comfort routines, resisting demands. They become harder to reach and emotionally disengaged.

The Type 6 at Work 

Chief Asset: Support. Sixes bring reliability, diligence, and commitment to the group’s welfare.

How They Approach Problems:

“I need to find out what else can go wrong and who I can depend on.”

Workplace Belief:

“Things work best when I know everyone’s agenda.”

What They Appreciate in Others

• Dependability and loyalty
• Clarity and consistency
• Hard work and shared responsibility

What Frustrates Them in Others

• Ambiguity or mixed signals
• Lack of commitment
• Unpredictable or non-conforming behaviour

How They May Frustrate Others

• Indecisiveness or second-guessing
• Complaining or doubtfulness
• Suspicion or contrariness

How They’re Often Seen by Others

• Positive: Loyal, diligent, warm-hearted, protective
• Negative: Anxious, sceptical, reactive, mistrustful

The Loyal Skeptic as a Leader

Strengths:

• Collaborative and inclusive
• Skilled at spotting risks and ensuring safety
• Loyal, creative, and problem-solving under pressure

Challenges:

• Can default to fear-based decisions
• Over-focus on loyalty tests or threats
• May become reactive or micromanaging

Where They Shine: In group-oriented, justice-based, or risk-assessment roles

Leadership Development Tip:
Ask fewer “what ifs” and more “why nots.” Trust that your grounded insights are enough to move forward.

Derailers to Watch For

• Pessimism: Fixating on what could go wrong
• Suspicion: Doubting others’ motives
• Holding Back: Reluctance to lead or take risks
• Indecisiveness: Seeking certainty before action
• Combativeness: Defaulting to devil’s advocate or opposition
• “Dog with a Bone” Syndrome: Repetition, over-defending a point

Growth Invitations for the Loyal Skeptic

• Practice self-trust and reduce external validation-seeking
• Expand your tolerance for uncertainty
• Anchor into the body through breath or movement when anxious
• Be willing to decide before you’re “sure”
• Speak from your convictions, not your fears

Keep Growing

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