The Wisdom of the Enneagram

by Don Richard Riso

The Inner Committee While Ones have a powerful inner critic in their heads, Sixes have an inner committee. Sixes often check in with them, imagining what their response would be to a given situation. (“Gee, I don’t know if I should take this job. What would Julie say? She’d definitely be for it, but Dad would really disapprove. On the other hand, that self-help book said . . .”) Thus, when they have to make a decision, Sixes will feel caught between various internal voices arguing for different positions and responsibilities. Sometimes the loudest internal voice will win out; at other times, there is a deadlock and procrastination. Sixes may find themselves unable to come to any closure or final decision because they cannot stop second-guessing themselves. As a result, Sixes often feel indecisive. Although they may feel strongly about things, they are not certain that they know the best course of action to take. Every choice brings the deliberations of the inner committee, which can lead Sixes around and around in circles. On the other hand, in highly significant matters (such as where to live or which religion to believe in), Sixes usually have strong opinions and can be rather inflexible because they have settled their doubts sometime in the past and have come to a conclusion to which they then doggedly adhere. By contrast, it is in the smaller choices in life where they tend to bounce back and forth, constantly second-guessing themselves. (“Do I get the hamburger or t...