Enneagram 1 and 6 Misidentification: How and Why It Happens

Enneagram 1 and 6 misidentification likely happens due to many traits and values that Enneagram Type 1, the Perfectionist, and Enneagram Type 6, the Loyalist, share. Moreover, these shared values are also the reason why Ones and Sixes are often great friends and partners.

Nevertheless, they still differ in many important ways as they belong to different personality types.

In this article, we’ll shed light on what makes them unique and what makes them similar to understand why Enneagram 1 and 6 misidentification happens and how to avoid it. Let’s dive in!

Why Do Enneagrams 1 and 6 Get Misidentified?

Enneagrams 1 and 6 get misidentified because Sixes and Ones have a lot of traits in common. Moreover, they also share some of their essential core values, which makes it very easy to confuse them with one another.

To understand their differences better, let’s first analyze their similarities. So, here are the most prominent traits they share:

• Dutifulness: Type Six has an exceptionally strong sense of duty, and Type One is also very aware of its responsibilities. They are some of the most reliable Enneagram types.
• Morality: Ones are known for their strong sense of ethics and morality. Sixes also hold a deep respect for morals, and both personality types are very fond of all kinds of rules and procedures.
• Loyalty: Both Ones and Sixes are deeply loyal to their friends, family, partners, and coworkers, as well as to their values and principles.
• Diligence: Hardworking and dedicated, Ones and Sixes can always be counted on. They take their responsibilities seriously and don’t stop until they are sure they’ve done everything correctly and to the highest standards.
• Analytical thinking: The Loyalists and the Perfectionists have very analytical minds and are very thorough in everything they do. As a result, they also have an eye for detail. These shared tendencies make the Enneagram 1 and 6 misidentification very common.
• Perfectionism: While driven by entirely different needs, Ones and Sixes are both perfectionists who impose very high standards on themselves and are very self-critical when they fail to meet these standards.

What is Enneagram Misidentification?

Enneagram misidentification, or Enneagram mistyping, occurs when you don’t identify your Enneagram type correctly and get the wrong type as a result. Misidentifying the Enneagram type can happen for many reasons, but it is usually the result of a lack of knowledge about the Enneagram categorization of personality types.

The reason why it is important to avoid Enneagram 1 and 6 misidentification and Enneagram misidentification in general lies in the fact that getting the wrong type can confuse you and hinder your personal development, as it doesn’t provide you with the correct information about your personality.

Moreover, accurate identification of your Enneagram type can significantly help you in your personal development and growth, as it can shed light on both your greatest strengths and weaknesses. In addition, knowing your type can also make it easier for you to make some tough decisions.

8 Common Reasons for Enneagram Misidentification

Enneagram 1 and 6 misidentification and Enneagram mistyping, in general, happen for many reasons. Here are the most common ones:

#1. Lack of Understanding of Enneagram Motivations

Enneagram motivations are one of the core concepts of the Enneagram theory. They explain the inner landscape of each personality type, shedding light on what drives their behavior. Therefore, the Enneagram doesn’t focus on observable traits when categorizing personality types but on their inner motivations.

Because of this, since different motivations can result in similar behaviors, it is easy to misidentify any Enneagram type.

#2. Intricacy of Human Personality

No personality theory can fully explain the complexity of human personality. There are always exceptions to the rules, and every person is unique. That is why all personality categorizations are fallible to some point as much as they are helpful, and so is Enneagram.

#3. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Levels of Functioning

Enneagram proposes that each Enneagram type goes through different levels of development and exhibits different behaviors at each level. These behaviors can be healthy or unhealthy and more or less typical of the specific type.

Needless to say, atypical and unhealthy behaviors can easily paint a wrong picture about someone, thus making it harder to determine their Enneagram type and making the Enneagram 1 and 6 misidentification likely.

#4. Stereotypes

Every personality theory is connected to some kind of stereotype. That’s natural because people are prone to stereotyping and simplifying things they don’t understand or about which they don’t know much. However, oversimplification and stereotyping can contribute to Enneagram 1 and 6 misidentification and Ennegram mistyping in general.

#5. Enneagram Wings

Enneagram theory proposes that every Enneagram type can have two subtypes. These subtypes are also called Enneagram wings, and they can significantly modify the way in which the core personality type is expressed. This can easily lead to Enneagram misidentification.

#6. Enneagram Arrows

Enneagram arrows explain the ways in which all Enneagram types grow or regress under stress. Since each type follows a certain pattern during its growth and stress phases, taking over traits of other Enneagram types, it is easy to misidentify any type if we don’t know Enneagram theory well.

#7. Subjectivity

No personality test can be 100% objective. That’s because personality tests are always based on self-perception to some extent, and our self-perception is limited by our beliefs, values, fears, and prejudices.

#8. External Influences

We are all exposed to unpredictable external influences like climate, technology, and culture, shaping who we are and how we react in different situations. All these influences can significantly modify the way one’s core personality type is expressed, thus contributing to Enneagram mistyping.

Enneagram Type 1 and 6: 3 Key Differences

Differences between Enneagrams 1 and 6 are evident in all the key aspects of their personalities, from behavior to values and preferences. When you understand their differences, misidentifying Ones, and misidentifying Sixes will not be so easy for you.

So, let’s explore all the essential distinctions between them to understand what makes them unique.

Differences in Traits

The first and most noticeable difference between Ones and Sixes, in terms of their traits, is the leadership spirit that Ones show and Sixes usually lack. While both are highly responsible and diligent individuals, Ones readily take charge and feel confident in leadership roles, while the Sixes feel safer as followers.

However, this in no way means that Sixes cannot be leaders. They actually have plenty of leadership qualities, but they are more prone to avoiding than pursuing such roles.

Furthermore, Ones are less worried, less anxious, and more self-assured than Sixes, who are always on guard and prone to doubting themselves and others.

Understanding Motivations

The core difference between Enneagrams 1 and 6 is in their Enneagram motivation and life strategy. Enneagram motivations explain the driving force behind each type’s behavior, allowing us to understand their inner psychological landscape more deeply. Here’s an overview of One’s and Six’s core motivations:

• Enneagram Type 1 Motivations: Ones are motivated by the need to be morally correct and perfect in an altruistic sense, as one believes they can only deserve love by leading exemplary, virtuous lives. They want to make the world a better place and strive to impact their environment positively.
• Enneagram Type 6 Motivations: Sixes are motivated by a deep need for security. They perceive the world as a dangerous place and, as a result, feel compelled to ensure they are protected and safe. A sense of community and having a leader to rely on makes them feel more secure, as well as routines, rules, and procedures.

Behavioral Expressions

While they have a lot in common, Ones’ and Sixes’ behaviors differ in many important ways. Here’s an overview of each type’s typical behavior.

• Enneagram Type 1 Behaviors: Ones are full of initiative and don’t hesitate to stand up for what they believe in. They are people of action who readily make changes to their environment. Their behavior reflects their strong sense of ethics and justice. Though somewhat reserved, Ones aren’t timid or insecure in communicating with others.
• Enneagram Type 6 Behaviors: Sixes, on the other hand, are very reserved, cautious, and tactful when communicating. Their behavior reflects their need to adapt to their environment to ensure they are part of the community. Kind yet hypervigilant, Sixes’ attention is directed toward scanning their environment to ensure they are safe.

How to Know Which Enneagram Type You Are

To know which Enneagram type you are with certainty, it is best you take a quality Enneagram test that will provide you with a detailed explanation of your personality type and possible subtypes. When the test is well-designed and the results are thoroughly explained, you usually also get a solid insight into the general Enneagram theory.

Moreover, understanding the theory and personality classification system can significantly help you determine your type.

The more you know how Enneagram works and what its core concepts are, the easier it gets for you to establish your and others' personality types and recognize the phases you’re going through on your journey of personal development.

In addition, you can check if you’ve got your Enneagram type right by asking the people who know you well for feedback about your behavior and traits and comparing their observations with your insights.

Key Takeaways

Enneagrams 1 and 6 misidentification is one of the more common ones because Ones and Sixes have a lot of shared traits. They also get along very well for the same reason.

With that in mind, let’s wrap up by highlighting the key insights about Enneagram 1 and 6 misidentification and their differences:

• Though both are responsible, diligent, and dutiful, Ones are significantly more independent than Sixes.
• Enneagram motivations are the key to understanding the differences and similarities between Ones and Sixes as they explain what drives their behaviors.
• The best and most reliable way to determine your type accurately is to take a quality Enneagram test and familiarize yourself with the Enneagram theory in general.