Enneagram 5w6 -The Problem Solver-

Enneagram type 5 wing 6: The Problem Solver is a subtype that results from the encounter of types 5 and 6, which means that the suspicion and deep observation of the 6s is added to the naturally logical way of thinking of the 5s. In that way, it seems like this subtype is ready to play the Sherlock Holmes character any time soon. 

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The enneagram 5 wing 6 overview

Enneagram 5w6s are very intuitive people, with the ability of reading others to stay always a step ahead. They are rational and logical; and love to think of new ways do things. And they do it well too. They go all in when it comes to decision-making. Which doesn’t mean they take risks. They will actually thoroughly analyze the scenario and take every possibility into account before taking any steps. Jumping into the void it’s not their style.

The two types on this mix are both members of the Head Triad. So, they take things seriously and tend to overthink them. They’re spontaneous when facing real-life challenges, but they don’t leave loose ends. They connect the dots and seek truth. One of the most distinctive aspects of this subtype is that they are usually quite smart and clever, and use their intelligence to protect themselves and detect possible threats. This permanent alarm state makes them very reactive though and sometimes a bit defensive too. Despite being independent, they also need love and protection, which could be contradictory. But these opposing forces is what make them shine.

Enneagram Type 5 The Investigator
Enneagram Type 6 The Loyalist

Enneagram 5w6 Personality Traits

Basic Fear

Enneagram 5w6’s most basic fear is to be unworthy of love if they aren’t skilled enough. They dream of being experts with some kind of mind-blowing extravagant ability. Their assurance comes from their curiosity. The more they understand and unveil the world, the more comfortable they will feel to face life. They want to make sure they’re always aware of things before they happen. It seems like they don’t like surprises. When they feel vulnerable, they start to overthink, and most of the time they distrust everything and everyone around them, which makes them really sensitive and perceptive.

Basic Desire

Enneagram 5w6’s most basic desire is to highlight every little spot of the Earth, clear away everything that makes up reality to really get to know this world and thus feel safe. They want to be capable, useful and live an extraordinary life filled with purpose. And they do. They do their best to reach the most hidden treasures in specific fields and specialize on them. 5w6s develop a high sense of curiosity and always apply methodical ways to assure great results. To grow their abilities, they usually withdraw and isolate to avoid distractions. It’s in that private space that the most incredible discoveries happen.

Enneagram 5w6 Strenghts

Enneagram 5w6’s strength comes from their purposeful way of living. As they are always looking for meaningful things to do, they acquire knowledge in different areas and know when and how to apply it. They are curious and goal-oriented, so they master new areas of expertise and easily stand out. They completely reject the idea of wasting their time, that’s for sure. In this thirst for knowledge, dwells a restless anxiety that keeps them up and cautious of everything around them to avoid getting lost or feeling threatened. This sensitivity mixed with their amazing creativity makes the 5w6 a very determined and analytical kind capable of establishing changes with methodical and strict rules.

Enneagram 5w6 Weaknesses

Enneagram 5w6’s biggest weakness is related to the anxiety we talked about before. As they’re constantly cautious and fully aware of their surroundings, they get thin-skinned and reactive. Their strong self-protection instinct makes them suspicious. Although they love their independence, sometimes they draw away from others and get too introspective, which makes it hard for them to interact with colleagues and co-workers. All this is the perfect condition for them to isolate even more and increase their anxiety levels. When uncontrolled, this could drain all of their energy and creativity making them insecure.

How Enneagram 5w6 personalities like to work

Learning how each personality works gives us powerful insights. It helps us overcome different situations and improve our relationship potential. Let’s check some vital points to learn about Enneagram type 5 wing 6.

Communicating with an Enneagram 5w6

Be clear and accurate. Avoid mixing topics and make sure you’re propositive so they will feel even more comfortable to share their inputs.

Meeting with an Enneagram 5w6

Only arrange a meeting when it’s really necessary. This will let them know their participation is important and appreciated. Set out the core tasks and encourage them to participate. 

Emailing an Enneagram 5w6

Keep emails short and clear. Use them for communicating things that need to get checked out later that both can rely and discuss. 

Giving feedback to an Enneagram 5w6

When giving feedback avoid attacking them and be constructive. Respectfully, highlight the main growth opportunities and make them know you trust them.

Resolving conflicts with an Enneagram 5w6

Solving conflicts will be a piece of cake if you avoid the drama and go straight to the point. Set fair rules and compromise on a new way of doing things. 

Enneagram 5w6 Motivations

Enneagram 5w6 motivations sparkle when they are alone. They need time on their own to reach higher inspiration levels and dive into their thoughts, which they excel at. So encourage them to work independently, balancing team work. Participating on something bigger and challenging, encourages them to focus on detail and give their best.

Enneagram 5w6 Stress

Enneagram 5w6 gets stressed out when they feel trapped in a flat level and can’t go further and make things better. They get drained off and all their creativity is washed away by frustration. If there are no people to discuss and share points of view, they get even more disappointed and out of place.

Enneagram 5w6 Jobs

The most common jobs for Enneagram type 5 wing 6 are: Professor, Computer Programmer, Accountant, Mathematician, Biologist, Technician, Physicist, Engineer. Basically, anything that allows them to challenge their mind, broaden their limits, and become an expert is their field. As goal-oriented and organized as they are, they are able to set up a whole new world.

Enneagram with wings

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Enneagram 2 The Helper

Great job! If you’re wondering that, you’ve understood the enneagram test’s full potential and importance. To learn which enneagram types are compatible, check this out: Enneagram types Compatibility. As the test highlights each type’s patterns and structure, along with their main fears and desires, it also helps to be more empathetic and relate to others. The Enneagram quiz gives us the data we need to take the step and change our the inner traditional system. It also gives us the right tools to read other people and have more effective and healthy relationships.

If you look it up, compatibility is described as the state in which two things are able to exist or occur together without problems or conflict. It’s like a river that flows effortlessly. That definition may look good on the dictionary, but in real life people are way more complicated than that. Conflict gives you a lot of insights on the people involved in it. It gives you perspective. While compatibility shows you your safe space, but the real challenge is to deal with what’s different given that life is diverse. 

That’s why the Enneagram personality test can be a powerful tool not only for self-discovery, but to learn more about the human nature. Show me my Enneagram compatibility.