Style Six

Sixes live in a world filled with danger. They either run from it or toward it. Many people who perform great feats of bravery are trying desperately to ward off an inner fear. We call those Sixes who go toward danger "Counterphobic" Sixes. Counterphobic Sixes look quite different from Phobic Sixes who run away from danger.

Healthy Sixes are the glue of an office, family or community. They are charming and diplomatic, always concerned about the common good. They are often funny and imaginative. They are loyal, hard-working, and usually protective of a tradition. They make and keep lots of friends. They love win/win situations. Sixes make our bureaucracy run smoothly. They have the patience and charm and are willing to do the drudgery work.

More unhealthy Sixes become excessively devoted to a tradition or community (church, party, company) and become blind followers. They give away their power to the authorities, all the time not trusting the authorities. They become suspicious and begin to worry a lot. This can prevent them from taking appropriate action in their life. They control others by doubts and second-guessing each decision.

Sixes you may know: Woody Allen, George Bush, Candace Bergen, Julia Roberts, Mel Gibson, Bruce Willis, Bob Newhart, Richard Nixon, Adolph Hitler, Colin Powell, Robert Redford, Bruce Springsteen.

Recognizing Style Six

  1. They may be ambivalent about many things.
  2. They may accept a rational position, but won't act on it. Fear kicks in.
  3. They may have trouble taking action. Worry replaces doing.
  4. They may imagine the worst. "What if."
  5. They may feel most anxious at the time of success.
  6. They may constantly scan the environment for danger.
  7. They may provoke you just to find out what you think.
  8. They may be groupies.
  9. They may distrust your information, your sources, etc.
  10. They may be taut, unable to relax often.

How you can help

  1. Create an atmosphere of trust. Nothing happens until that does.
  2. Physical relaxation helps take the focus off obsessive thinking.
  3. Teach them to doubt their doubting process. "What if you're wrong?"
  4. Exaggerate to the absurd. "And if we're lucky, we'll die first."
  5. Call them on their habit of projection.
  6. Bring fears into reality. They fear most what is in their imagination.
  7. Help them choose a larger role in the community.
  8. Guided imagery is excellent prayer for them.
  9. Massage and all bodywork are helpful.
  10. For Christians, angels are helpful. (Consistent message: "fear not.")