The study of Enneagram types examines the complexities of the human psyche—exploring why individuals react in unique and specific ways to certain situations. No one needs science to explain that people rarely respond in the same way to different stimuli.
The Enneagram personality model is based on the nine-sided circular diagram, called an enneagram. During testing, individuals discover their dominant Enneagram personality type.
This model links various personalities by an integration (or growth) line and disintegration (or stress) line. These lines link the dominant Enneagram personality to their integration Enneagram personality and disintegration Enneagram personality. The very best characteristics emerge during a growth phase and the very worst characteristics when things get difficult.
The nine-sided figure connects the dominant Enneagram personality type to the two adjacent personality types. These are called wings. It’s uncommon for both wings to hold equal weight, and the dominant wing usually carries significantly more.
What Does 7w6 Mean?
Enneagram Seven with a wing of Six may be referred to as Enneagram Seven wing Six, or Enneagram 7w6, with ‘w’ replacing the word ‘wing’. The wings are the personality types to either side of the dominant type.
Key Characteristics
7w6 Enneagram types will:
- Likely blend the optimism of Sevens into the self-doubt present in Sixes
- Probably bring the caution of Sixes into the desire for adventure of Sevens
Other than that, Enneagram 7 wing 6’s will assume most of the attributes common to Sevens. However, in addition, facets of Six will surface.
Personality Traits
Listed below are some of the key characteristics of 6w7 Enneagram types. The primary ones come from the Sevens and the secondary from the Sixes.
Primary Personality Traits
- Fun-loving and impulsive, and on the continuous lookout for fresh adventures
- Energetic and optimistic
- People-magnets
- Excessive and commitment avoidant—including a discomfort of long-term relationships
- Great at planning expansive projects, like parties and events—need motivation to do so
- Adapt easily to change, even enjoying the diversion from normality
- Juggle situations and people to suit them, but companionable and charming
Secondary Personality Traits
- Hardworking
- Strategic and great at solving problems
- Work well in a team
- Committed and loyal to friends and family
- Need clear outlines when given a task
- Can be courageous in crises
- Sometimes pessimistic and suspicious
- Lacking in confidence and often doubt themselves and are cautious of others
Motivations
Unlike many other personality models, Enneagram typing explores the emotions that drive or motivate people. 7w6 Enneagram types incorporate the fears and desires of both Sevens and Sixes:
Fears
7w6 Enneagram types usually have the worries that affect Sevens:
- Boredom, commitments, and missing out
To manage their distresses—or hide them—Sevens exude optimism and energy, so 7w6s will likely do the same but to a lesser degree.
7w6 Enneagram types are less affected by the concerns of Sixes, namely:
- Rejection, lack of trustworthiness in others, change, and betrayal
To cope with their fears, Sixes internalize and rationalize, or hide them beneath continual talking.
Desires
7w6 Enneagram types usually share the hopes of Sevens:
- Independence and the need for satisfaction and to explore all of life’s greatest offerings
7w6 Enneagram types may have a diminished amount of the same needs as Sixes:
- The desire for support, security, assurances, and consistency
Strengths
An Enneagram 7 wing 6 has many strengths. Here are just a few:
- Self-motivated when they find enjoyment in a project, and the effect of Six will make them more dedicated and willing to stay the course
- Benevolent due to the influence of Six
- Although slightly more prone to over-reactions and anxiety, the leverage of Sevens will bring more emotional stability
- Will be more gregarious, confident, and friendly
- Excellent in a crisis, with Sixes’ natural talent and Sevens’ ability to think and act quickly
- Read and accept people easily
- Loyal to friends and family
Weaknesses
Some weaknesses an Enneagram 7 wing 6 has to work on are:
- They seek distractions to avoid confrontation, conflicts, and anguish
- They need regular stimulation
- They’re easily bored
- They can be irrational, over-reactive, suspicious, and skeptical
Direction of Growth and Stress
The line of integration represents the growth phase. When this happens, the best aspects of the indicated Enneagram type will form part of the dominant personality. The line of disintegration signals the worst characteristics. This is how natural Sevens, 7w8 Enneagrams, and 7w6 Enneagrams may all have slightly different personalities.
Growth Arrow to Five and Nine
While the Seven growth arrow (Five) will take precedence, some of the Six growth (Nine) traits will probably also emerge.
In growth, 7w6 Enneagram types will show the positive aspects of a:
Five (Seven integration):
- Intellectual and always seeking additional knowledge
- Works well alone without external reassurance
- Independent, discerning, and self-motivated
- Analytical and emotionally stable
Nine (Six integration):
- Excellent at mediating
- Reliable in friendships and with family
- Passive, go with the flow, and naturally unbiased
- Agreeable and emotionally stable
- Concerned for the well-being of others
- Respectful and accepting of others’ beliefs and traditions
Stress Arrow to One and Three
While the Seven stress arrow (One) will take precedence, it’s likely that some of the Six stress (Three) traits will emerge too.
In stress, 7w6 Enneagram types will exhibit the negative qualities of a:
One (Seven disintegration):
- Become highly critical of themselves and others, as well as the failings of the world around them
- Clutch and hold on to principles and orderliness, seeking stability in organization, and avoidant of change
- Can become angry and self-hating
Three (Six disintegration):
- Could grow increasingly afraid to fail while ignoring their own emotional needs
- May drive themselves too hard and become competitive, impatient, confrontational, and manipulative
- Might show a propensity for vanity and superficiality
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Enneagram 7w6s
People experience ups and downs in life, and these usually go hand in hand with alterations to their moods. These mood-fluctuations result in shifting characteristics between healthy, average, and unhealthy.
A Healthy 7w6 Enneagram Type
- Is calmer and feels connected to themselves
- Finds happiness in the here and now
- Is less inclined to escape stresses or mask them beneath fun
- May feel stronger and less fearful
An Average 7w6 Enneagram Type
- Is fun-loving, impulsive, and enthusiastic—these optimists draw people to them
- Is avoidant of confrontation or detailed work—they may seem irresponsible and scattered
- May be loyal and friendly, but is full of self-doubt and fear
An Unhealthy 7w6 Enneagram Type
- Is over-indulgent in experiences and the niceties of life
- Becomes impetuous while losing the ability to plan
- May feel guilty about not sticking to commitments
Growth Recommendations
- Stop and take a breath. Although it’s never nice to make yourself vulnerable, confronting your deepest fears is a part of life. If you keep hiding behind distractions, you’ll limit all that amazing potential you have tucked away.
- Turn down that fun engagement. You should try to stay in your present situation—allowing yourself to get bored—instead of finding satisfaction elsewhere.
- Trust yourself and others. Although you’re probably more confident than a natural Six, it’s likely that from time to time, this may overwhelm you. Doubting yourself and those within your circle can drain you and will certainly detract from your personal fulfillment.
- Know your worth. Allow yourself to recognize your value within your workplace, community, and family. This will give you immense relief and you may find that some of your anxiety disappears.
Famous People who are Type 7w6
Noteworthy 7w6 Enneagram people include:
- Robin Williams—American actor and comedian
- Tom Wolfe—American novelist and journalist
- John Belushi—American actor and comedian
- Prince Harry—Member of the British royal family and Duke of Sussex
Enneagram 7w6 vs 7w8
There are both similarities and differences between Enneagrams type 7w6s and 7w8s, we’ll have a look at these below.
Key Similarities
The similarities between 7w6 Enneagrams and 7w8 Enneagrams may be found in their common connection (Type 7) because Sixes and Eights are opposites in almost every way.
Both a 7w6 Enneagram and 7w8 Enneagram might be:
- Benevolent
- 7w6—loyal in friendships and relationships
- 7w8—loyal in the protection (and control) of their people
Key Differences
The differences noted between 7w6 Enneagrams and 7w8 Enneagrams will arise from the varied personalities of a 7w6 and a Seven.
- Where an Enneagram 7 wing 6 might feel fear and insecurity, an Enneagram 7 wing 8 will feel confident
- Even though 7w6 Enneagrams are good at problem-solving, they might worry about future potential problems, but 7w8 Enneagrams take problems in their stride and easily overcome them
- The fear of being rejected reigns supreme in 7w6 Enneagrams, while 7w8 Enneagrams take charge and dominate
- Enneagram 7 wing 6s may procrastinate when they feel uncertain, however, decisive Enneagram 7 wing 8s easily overcome obstacles
Conclusion
While 7w6 Enneagrams may be similar to Sevens, they’re notably different to Enneagram 7w8s. The effect of Six on Seven probably brings them back a notch, instead of driving them onward.
Of course, while the dominant personality of a Seven will hold the most weight in 7w6 Enneagrams, various traits of Sixes will also find their way into their characters. This will hold true for Enneagram 7 wing 6 during times of integration (growth) and during times of disintegration (stress).
The Enneagram personality model focuses on growing within your personality. It will bring out not only the positive traits of a Seven but also the positive traits of a Six and the best traits of Sevens and Sixes’ integration types.
To discover your Enneagram type, complete the Enneagram Personality Test.