How Enneagram Ones and Sixes Work Together

Ones and Sixes have a number of unique and shared qualities. They’re both hard-working team members who have a strong commitment to principle. They like to plan ahead and they want to do things the right way. However, their need for accuracy stems from different motivations. Ones want to get things right because of their desire for perfection, while Sixes aim to avoid problems that might occur from not doing things correctly. Both types are dedicated, practical, and motivated to figure things out.

Communication

Ones are realistic and ethical. They value direct communication and want others to be loyal and trustworthy. Centering discussions around clear directions and actionable steps comes naturally to them. They use logical and straightforward language. When working with Sixes, Ones naturally take on a leadership role because they often show more confidence in their decisions than Sixes. Sixes appreciate the work ethic and dependability of Ones.

Sixes are committed, trustworthy, and thoughtful. They like to build community and want to feel safe. Sixes communicate with precise language, using carefully selected words and making sure their tone is appropriate for the situation. They ask many questions and normally don’t like taking risks. Ones can learn from Sixes’ ability to see things from many perspectives. These two types normally feel like they can count on one another because they are both loyal and want to complete tasks the right way.

Conflict

Ones can resent Sixes’ indecisiveness and uncertainty because it slows them down or makes them feel like they’re constantly being questioned. This can cause Ones to become hypercritical and they may refuse to hear others out. Sixes don’t normally respond well to feeling criticized or judged by Ones, and in response, they may retreat into their insecurities and dwell on their anxiety. As a result, some Sixes might become defensive or simply avoid the other person altogether because they have a difficult time addressing the issue. This response often aggravates Ones even further. It can escalate the problem until the point of breaking for Sixes when they finally strike out against Ones and verbalize their frustrations.

Hey, Ones and Sixes! Does this describe how you relate to the other Ones and Sixes in your workplace? What other insights have you learned about collaborating and communicating well with them? Let us know @myuserguide.