10 Coaching Questions for Enneagram 6's
Wait a minute - did we think this through?
According to the Enneagram Institute, The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant, and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.
We have named personality type Six The Loyalist because, of all the personality types, Sixes are the most loyal to their friends and to their beliefs. They will “go down with the ship” and hang on to relationships of all kinds far longer than most other types. Sixes are also loyal to ideas, systems, and beliefs—even to the belief that all ideas or authorities should be questioned or defied. Indeed, not all Sixes go along with the “status quo”: their beliefs may be rebellious and anti-authoritarian, even revolutionary. In any case, they will typically fight for their beliefs more fiercely than they will fight for themselves, and they will defend their community or family more tenaciously than they will defend themselves.
(*Definitions are from The Enneagram Institute. You can take a free enneagram test here if you are interested.)
Sixes see things. They see what could be and want to be fully prepared for every possible contingency. While being overcautious could keep them from forward movement, if they can harness their awareness for good they can provide valuable intel. Their fiercely loyal allegiance can make them pillars of teams especially when voicing their concerns is welcomed.
6's as coaches can use their ability to see concerns to ask empowering questions that could keep people from costly mistakes or even out of harms way.
6's being coached may need assistance facing their fears and embracing life's variables learning to deal with whatever comes their way knowing they are not alone and God can use anything for good.
Here are 10 questions for 6's:
1) Who are you loyal to? 6's have a deep sense of connection and a respectful allegiance. This can work against them if they are loyal to a person or organization that does not value their makeup. Maybe a better question would be, "Are you connected where God wants you to be?"
2) What do you see? 6's see pitfalls others don't. Learning to harness this gift can make plans more successful and safe.
3) How can you know if you are being obsessive? 6's can go too far sometimes and fear of what could happen can keep them from trying things. There is a certain amount of risk involved in life and learning to be at peace with that can keep you engaged rather than adverse.
4) Who gets you? Finding and welcoming trusted friends who can ask empowering questions and speak truth into life can help you define when concerns have gone over an edge.
5) How can you hone your gift? While 6's may at times be hyper-vigilant, they can also be a considerable asset in planning. Running a plan or scenario by a 6 can increase it's chances for success.
6) How are your concerns voiced? A 6 needs to be able to talk about possible outcomes. If they are shut down or even made fun of for being over-concerned, their gift will not develop as it could. Learning to share in a way that highlights possibilities can help avoid potentially negative outcomes.
7) Where can you invest? 6's enhance success. Choosing where to invest brings fulfillment. 6's thrive best where their insights are welcomed and discussed.
8) Who do you trust? Finding and then connecting with people you can freely share with brings a strong synergy for both parties.
9) What's the worst that could happen? Stuff happens. Some of is it unforeseen and some of it could have been avoided. Either way, God can use it all for good.
9) How can you release? There will be times when your concerns are not headed. Learing to build the secret place with God and release fears and doubts can keep anxiety at bay.
10) What habits can you develop to serve you? Helathy 6's have personal practices they know can calm them if their concerns get out of hand. Anything from breathing exercises to journaling to talking it out with a counselor of a friend.
6's who are coaches can help others see the potential pitfalls of a pathway they are considering. They may need to allow others to have a higher risk tolerance than they would be comfortable with.
6's being coached need to be open to trying things that may fail or involve a certain amount of risk. They should name their concerns and bring them to the Lord and ask Him to help them be brace if He is asking them to move forward.
To learn more about your personal divine design check out our course Destiny by Design. For more on Coach Training and other Bridges Coaching offerings check out our Bridges Coaching home page.