Strategic Allies: Understanding Enneagram 6's at Work

Enneagram 6's are the strategists and security experts of the workplace. They're the ones who can spot potential issues from a mile away and have already thought of three backup plans before you've finished explaining the first idea. If there's a problem that needs thorough consideration of all angles, your Enneagram 6 colleague has likely already mapped out the terrain.

It's essential to remember that Enneagram 6's deeply value stability and security. What might seem like excessive caution or overthinking is often their way of ensuring that all bases are covered and potential risks are mitigated. Understanding this can transform how we interact with and support the 6's in our professional lives.

The Power of Preparation

Enneagram 6's have a remarkable ability to anticipate potential challenges and prepare for various scenarios. Their minds are constantly at work, strategizing and planning to ensure smooth sailing ahead.

For a 6, being asked to make sudden changes or decisions without proper consideration can feel like being pushed off a cliff without a safety net. They need time to process, consider potential outcomes, and feel secure in their decisions. Rushing a 6 is like asking someone to navigate a minefield blindfolded—it's uncomfortable and potentially disastrous for their peace of mind.

To work effectively with 6's, we need to respect their need for consistency and thorough preparation. Providing detailed information in advance, maintaining clear and open communication, and avoiding last-minute changes can make a world of difference in their comfort and productivity.

The Value of Clear Expectations

One of the greatest strengths of Enneagram 6's is their commitment to doing a good job and not letting others down. They thrive when given clear expectations and detailed instructions for their tasks and responsibilities.

However, this desire for clarity can sometimes be misinterpreted as a lack of initiative or independence. It's not that 6's can't think for themselves—they simply want to ensure they're meeting (and exceeding) expectations.

Creating a work environment that provides clear, detailed communication about tasks and responsibilities can help 6's thrive. This might mean providing comprehensive briefs for projects, setting clear milestones, and maintaining open channels for questions and clarifications.

The Strength in Collaboration and Loyalty

Enneagram 6's often shine brightest when working as part of a team. They love bouncing ideas around and collaborating to create something great. This collaborative spirit stems from their ability to see multiple perspectives and their desire for security through consensus. But there's more to it than just teamwork – 6's are known for their unwavering loyalty to their team and organization.

When dealing with team projects or brainstorming sessions, 6's can be invaluable. They bring a unique combination of creativity and caution, helping to generate ideas while also considering potential pitfalls. Their loyalty means they're committed to the team's success and will often go above and beyond to ensure the group achieves its goals.

This loyalty also manifests in their dedication to maintaining a positive team dynamic. 6's are often the ones who remember important details about their colleagues' lives, organize team-building activities, or step up to help a teammate who's struggling with their workload.

Encouraging 6's to share their insights and concerns openly can lead to more robust planning and improved team dynamics. Their questions, which might sometimes seem excessive, often uncover important considerations that others might have overlooked. And their loyalty ensures that these questions and concerns come from a place of genuine care for the team's wellbeing and success.

In essence, working successfully with Enneagram 6's is about appreciating their preparedness, valuing their need for clarity and security, and harnessing their collaborative spirit and team loyalty. When we create an environment that allows 6's to feel secure and supported, we unlock a powerhouse of strategic thinking, thorough planning, and unwavering commitment that can drive our entire team forward.

Let's Work Together

There is no perfect solution to putting nine different personalities in a room and telling them to work together. The ONLY way to get a bit better at it is to start to understand what is behind different behaviours and actions.

Enneagram 6's teach us the importance of careful preparation, clear communication and collaboration. We need them. But they also don't want to do that work alone. Get to know the 8's in your life. There is no quick list of tips that can be offered to get around the fact that each person needs to be heard and understood just as they are.