6w5 Vs 8w9 Enneagrams: Understanding The Differences (A Guide)

This article will take a look at the differences between the two enneagram types 6w5 and 8w9 by highlighting how they behave when it comes to relationships, the workplace, their strengths and fears and desires.

6w5 Vs 8w9 Enneagrams: How Are They Different?

The 6w5 and 8w9 enneagram behave differently in the following areas:

• The Workplace
• Relationships
• Strengths
• Desires & Fears

We will explain how they differ from each other in the above highlighted areas. However, before we do that, we will introduce both of them to the readers.

The Guardian: Enneagram Type 6w5

Compared to most type 6 enneagrams, this one is more serious and focused on what they want to do! The type 6w5 enneagram is mostly made up of traits from the type 6 enneagram but also shares some with the type 5 enneagram too! Some traits that describe them include hard working, independent, intellectual and cautious. Although they are independent, they are very loyal to their loved ones and the people they genuinely care about.

These enneagrams prefer to take things for as they are. They are logical and analytical. They want things to make sense and not just accept things just because someone said them or they have some sentimental value. Furthermore, this enneagram type likes to weigh the pros and cons of certain behaviours, actions, events, things or individuals especially when they need to make a decision. Why? Well of course because they are analytical. They do not like passing judgement on someone or something until they fully scrutinize it in a manner that is just and objective.

However, this very same enneagram type is fearful of losing their stability. They want to remain strong and independent. They do not want to become weak, dependent or confused or even lose track of what it is they do. So, this is one reason why they tend to work so hard in what it is they want to achieve!

Sometimes their fears get the best of them and they engage in behaviours that are not so healthy. The enneagram 6w5 type has the habit of projecting their fears onto others. They will view people in light of their own fears, insecurities, problems and desires or unmet needs.

Regardless of that, these enneagrams seek support and guidance. They value the advice and input from others although at the end they will take their own decision. They want to feel supported and loved especially by those to whom they are very loyal to. This is regardless of their independent behaviour and self confidence.

Enneagram 8w9: The Diplomat

This enneagram type is confident and patient but at the same time protective and will strike if required. However, compared to type 8 enneagrams, they are more gentle and easy going. They prefer to remain calm and stress free when it comes to tasks that are due or responsibilities that they have – it is better to remain calm rather than fret about what one needs to do!

At the same time, these enneagrams enjoy the independence they have and dislike taking orders from other people, especially authority figures. They want to do things their own way in a manner that is easy and comfortable for them. It’s my way or the highway for them! Whether its work, school or any program they are enrolled in, they want to be able to have the liberty of engaging in self paced courses that allow them a great deal of flexibility; they appreciate programs or systems where they are given the end goal and given the freedom to pursue it in a manner that is acceptable to them.

However, this type of enneagram also has issues related to their emotions – especially the regulation of emotions. They do not feel very comfortable expressing their emotions to others possibly because of the fear they have – they do not want to be controlled or manipulated by others. Hence, they will not always express how they feel about someone or something and keep this to themself.

6w5 Vs 8w9 Enneagrams: How Are They Different?

The 6w5 and 8w9 enneagrams behave differently in the following areas:

• The Workplace
• Relationships
• Strengths
• Desires & Fears

In this article, we will comment on the differences between the 6w5 and 8w9 enneagrams with regards to the following areas:

Strengths

The 6w5 enneagram on the other hand also has a passion for knowledge gathering and is quite good at solving problems. At the same time they do well independently and do not mind being alone in their endeavors. They have the ability to focus on the small things and details that allow them to do things in a very accurate and perfect manner.

On the other hand, the 8w9 enneagram is naturally energetic and has the ability to see one thing or story from different angles. It helps them develop a deeper understanding about things and hence be more acceptable and sensitive towards people of all backgrounds. They give attention to the needs of others and are also great leaders.

Workplace Practices

The 6w5 enneagram on the other hand places more emphasis on the relationships they form at work and depend on them greatly for motivation. They are fond of problem solving and like to talk to their coworkers whenever they get the time.

The 8w9 enneagram type feels motivated when they can lead others and make their own decisions. Also, they greatly appreciate it when they can take time off work after attaining certain goals and spend it with loved ones. They also love to help out coworkers in the office!

Relationships

Following a more analytical approach, the 6w5 enneagram may have issues understanding how emotions work when it comes to the other person. They may have issues with regulating their own emotions and hence may experience small issues or outbursts with their spouse. Also, they may withdraw from their relationship when they are quite stressed out. In this case, they need to have a relationship with a mature and supportive partner who can understand their personality and needs.

These enneagram types are very protective of their partners. They do not want them to be hurt in any way and hence try to not only fulfill their needs but ensure no one or anything harms them. The type 8w9 enneagram is one that understands the differences. They wont go on a rant on how stupid a particular culture or belief system is nor will they throw much questions at a person who chooses a certain profession, degree or any type of choice for that case just because they don’t agree with it. Rather they will try to understand why things are that way and how they can be more accepting of it.

Desires & Fears

The 6w5 enneagram is scared of losing their guidance and stability. They like to be independent and do not want to have to depend on others so much. They prefer doing things their own way and having some control over their life. They realize this is only possible if they have a stable future and are well guided.

They have a strong desire for security, which they tend to show by protecting themselves and others. They seek close and stable relationships.

Guardians tend to defend themselves by projecting their own feelings onto others, which can often enhance their distrust of the world.

The basic fear of the type 8w9 enneagram – which extends to women as well – is to be hurt by others. Hence, they like to avoid situations where they are not in control and are at more risk of being let down by others, manipulated or deceived or emotionally damaged. They like to occupy leadership positions that not only gives them the leverage they need but it sends a message to others to not mess with them!

Their basic desire is often expressed when they assert independence from a very young age! They want to be in control of their own future and make decisions that satisfy their needs and wants. This enneagram desires to be independent and resourceful enough to guard themself against threats or any sort of harm!

Conclusion

This article took a deep dive into the differences that exist between the6w5 and 8w9 enneagrams in a number of areas such as strengths, traits, work, relationships and their fears and desires.

References

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-6/wing-5

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-8/wing-9