TYPE 6      THE LOYALIST

Sixes think in terms of the worst case scenario. Their anticipation of problems allows them the opportunity to plan and rehearse potential reactions in advance. This provides them the sense that they have some control in their lives. This tendency makes definitive decision making challenging for some Sixes. They may procrastinate primarily because they cannot determine which course of action would bring them the least amount of harm. Sometimes it feels safer to stand still than to risk the potential hazards implicit in making a change. There are two types of Sixes; Phobic & Counterphobic. Phobic sixes are overtly fearful. Counterphobic sixes behave as though they are afraid of nothing despite their fears. Typically Sixes will lie somewhere along the spectrum of the two types displaying both phobic and counterphobic tendencies in different situations. Even so, Sixes will often easily recognize a greater tendency in one direction or the other.

ALTERNATE NAMES OF TYPE SIX
Questioner
Skeptic
Devil's Advocate

SOME POSITIVE TENDENCIES OF SIXES
Loyal
Anticipates problems
Collaborative
Responsible
Practical
Strategic

SOME CHALLENGES OF SIXES
Worry wart
Overly compliant/overly defiant
Defensive
Martyr
Projecting
Dislike ambiguity

TRIAD
Five’s, Six’s and Seven’s comprise the Thinking Triad. The strengths and challenges of these types are related to their ability to identify, understand and navigate their fears.  On an unconscious level, they all have a tendency to unconsciously anticipate dangers and react to them from a position of fear.  The fears of Sixes are most outwardly prominent as they become self-doubting and suspicious. They are tuned in to the dangers of life on all levels and have a heightened awareness of the possibility of harm.      
 
WINGS
Those who are influenced by a stronger Five wing can be more introverted and intellectual than 6w7.  They may also be cautious, standoffish, more independent and less likely to seek advice.

Those who are influenced by a stronger Seven wing tend to be more extroverted and impulsive than 6w5.  They may also be self deprecating and have a stronger need than 6w5’s to be accepted by others.

DISINTEGRATION POINT (stress point)
Under stress, Sixes may begin to display aspects of low side of Type 3.  This may be represented in a tendency to go into overdrive when under pressure.  They may imprudently rush forward or become highly invested in others impression of them.

INTEGRATION POINT (security point)
When Sixes are feeling more secure they may begin to display aspects of the high side of Type 9.  They become more trusting that they are safe and things will turn out fine.  They learn that they can depend on others without fearing the worst.  They develop a greater independence and thereby become closer to others.

CHARACTERISTICS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DEVELOPMENT

HIGH FUNCTIONING
Upholds authority
Responsibility
Warm-hearted
Cooperative
Committed
Trustworthy
Likeable
Engaged
Practical
Loyal
Appealing
Endearing

AVERAGE FUNCTIONING
Interdependent
Rule follower
Seeks permission
Ambivalent
Minimize
Worrier
True friend
Cautious
Obedient
Faithful

LOW FUNCTIONING
Overly dependent
Contradictory
Focused on Authority
Indecisive
Rebellious
Projects blame
Evasive
Paranoid
Dare devil

STRENGTH
Loyalty, commitment, responsibility

AVOIDANCE
Anything they perceive to represent insecurity or doubt

COMPULSION
To establish security.

INTERNAL MANTRA
If I am prepared I might be safe.

FALSE BELIEF
If I let my guard down I will be hurt or taken advantage of.

FAMOUS SIXES
Phobic: Jason Alexander, Woody Allen, Alan Arkin, Kim Basinger, Candice Bergen, Albert Brooks, George Bush, Rodney Dangerfield, Ellen DeGeneres, Julie Delpy, Sally Field, Ed Harris, Janet Leigh, Jack Lemmon, Richard Lewis, Penny Marshall, Marilyn Monroe, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, Richard Nixon, Anthony Perkins, Paul Reiser, Pat Robertson, Rene Russo, Kristin Scott-Thomas, Carly Simon, Suzanne Somers, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewart, Meg Tilly, Brian Wilson.

Counterphobic: Warren Beatty, Judy Davis, Phil Donahue, Carrie Fisher, Mel Gibson, Andrew Grove, Gene Hackman, Adolf Hitler, Dustin Hoffman, J. Edgar Hoover, Elton John, Tommy Lee Jones, Wynonna Judd, J. Krishnamurti, Director Spike Lee, David Letterman, Gordon Liddy, Charles Manson, Steve McQueen, Michael Moore, Paul Newman, Chuck Norris, Rosie Perez, Richard Pryor, Robert Redford, Janet Reno, Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan,Steven Seagal, Ben Stiller, Patrick Swayze, Linda Tripp, Ted Turner.

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