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Type Sixes are constantly preparing to face challenges and crises. Type Sevens excel at reframing problems in a positive light. In the Enneagram, Type Sixes are adjacent to Type Sevens. Therefore, some Type Sixes share a few of the traits, motives, and fears of Type Sevens. These are known as Type Sixes with a Seven Wing, or Type 6w7.
Type Sixes place a high value on the advice and opinions of those they trust. They believe that two heads are better than one, and they are happiest when they can place their trust in an honest and competent leader. Type Sevens tend to be charismatic influencers who lead by inspiring others to help realize their imaginative visions. Compared to other Type Sixes, Type Sixes with a Seven wing, sometimes called “The Buddy” are more comfortable in relationships where there is a lot of give-and-take.
Buddies often borrow the relentless positive attitude and search for silver linings that are characteristic of Type Seven. This is layered on top of the deeper traits of their core type and doesn't cancel out the core fear of being betrayed or controlled. As a result, Enneagram 6w7 Types may outwardly express praise and an eagerness to befriend people while inwardly struggling with doubts and suspicions about the motives of associates.
The trust of any Type Six is hard earned, but once an emotional bond is established your Type 6w7 will express their loyalty in myriad ways, and they will typically ask for frequent reassurance that their loyalty is reciprocated. These types believe that friendships should last for ever, and it can be difficult for a good Buddy to come to terms with facts when an association has run its course.
An Enneagram 6w7 often approaches life with humor and charisma. They are open, outgoing, and friendly as well as reliable and trustworthy.
Healthy 6w7s excel as confidants, engaging and hard-working, they are very personable and able to listen ardently to others. They are more sociable than the core type 6, and their Seven wing allows them to engage with others, make friends easier and find love.
Here are some of the key traits to a Type 6w7 personality.
Did you know: When unhealthy and stressed, Enneagram 6w7s are prone to double down on their need for security.
Enneagram types have fears and desires - things to avoid and things to seek.
Core fear: Type 6w7s fear losing the support of friends, advisors, and loved ones. In particular, they fear:
Core desire: Type 6w7s desire close relationships based on trust and shared values, with an equal emphasis on work and fun. In particular, they desire:
| Type 6w7 Strengths | Type 6w7 Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Building and maintaining relationships | Difficulty establishing trust in relationships |
| Honesty and open communication | Insecurity |
| Adaptable | Projecting self-doubts onto others |
| Able to take constructive criticism, diligent in self-work | Difficulty saying good-bye |
Sociable and resourceful, Enneagram 6w7 Types face obstacles with a cheerful can-do attitude. Their insecurity can lead to self-deprecating humor and “fishing for complements.”
Some Type 6s do not exhibit wing traits significantly enough to say they have a wing. When this happens we say they are a 'core' Type 6. Not all Type 6s have a wing, indeed 6w5 is very rare.
Figure 1: Type 6 vs Type 6w5 vs Type 6w7
What this chart shows
This chart shows that 88.3% of Type 6s do not have a wing type, in other words they are 'core' Type 6s. Only 1.4% of Type 6s are 6w5 and 10.3% are 6w7.
Notes:All personality types are naturally drawn to certain careers over others. Here we have compiled a list of three sectors that Enneagram 6w7 Types have a proclivity for and three that are likely to clash with a Type 6w7 personality type.
Real Estate Agent
Police Officer
Actor/Entertainer
Accountant
Software Developer
Account Manager
Understandably, this career list is not prescriptive. There will be many Enneagram Type 6w7 careers that are successful and in the 'not recommended' sectors.
These famous individuals have the personality Type 6w7. Are you also 6w7? Do you recognize any personality similarities you can relate to?
Tom Hanks
American actor
Diana, Princess of Wales
Member of the British royal family
Ellen DeGeneres
American entertainer
Jay Leno
American comedian
Katie Couric
American TV journalist and author
Meg Ryan
American actress
Gilda Radner
American comedian and actress
Our research is always ongoing so please let us know if you think we've missed a noteworthy Type 6w7 worth highlighting.
University of Chichester, Advanced Applied Psychology
Chloe Yarwood, MSc in Advanced Applied Psychology from University of Chichester. Specialist in personality type theory and developing valid personality questionnaires.
Type 6w5
