The Wisdom of the Enneagram

by Don Richard Riso

REACTING TO STRESS: SIX GOES TO THREE As we have seen, Sixes tirelessly invest their time and energy in their “security systems.” When stress increases beyond their normal ability to cope, Sixes may go to Three and become even more driven and potentially workaholic. They also make additional efforts to fit in, adapting themselves to their surroundings and striving to be exemplary enough to maintain their social and financial position. Thus, Sixes at Three become more image-conscious, developing the right look, gestures, jargon, and attitude to be acceptable to their peers. They hope in this way to win people over and avoid rejection. However, others often notice the forced quality of their friendliness or professionalism, leading them to wonder what Sixes are really up to. Like Threes, Sixes can become competitive, although usually through identification with groups or beliefs (a favorite football team, their company, school, nationality, or religion). They may also become boastful and self-promoting, adopting condescending attitudes, dismissing others, and hyping their own superiority in a desperate attempt to defend against their low self-esteem and feelings of inferiority. Dishonesty about their background or education, exploitation of self or others, and a relentless desire to triumph over rival groups or ideologies can enter the picture.