top of page
Writer's pictureMyrna Scales

The Enneagram 5w6: Inside the Deep Thinker's Mind


A woman drinking coffee while thinking

Alright, friends, buckle up and put on your thinking caps - we're about to dive headfirst into the mind of the Enneagram 5w6 "The Troubleshooter."


Troubleshooter: a person skilled at solving or anticipating problems or difficulties

Think of a mix of brainy, super trustworthy, and practical sense. That's what we're talking about here. Imagine the brainchild of Sherlock Holmes and your most reliable friend.


So, come along for the ride as we unpack what makes this Enneagram type special and unique, how they handle their relationships, the paths they might take in life, and how they grow as individuals.


Key Takeaways

  • Enneagram 5w6s are characterized by intellectual curiosity, dependability, and a desire for security.

  • They bring analytical skills and loyalty to relationships but may struggle with emotional expression.

  • Ideal careers include research, technology, finance, or other analytical fields.


Table of Contents


Understanding the Enneagram 5w6 Personality

A woman looking at a book in the library

The core desire of Enneagram 5w6 people is to show they are capable and enough. They also want a steady and secure life.


Their core fear is feeling overwhelmed by the world around them and feeling unable to deal with it.


5w6 individuals often alleviate this fear by diving into their inner world, craving more knowledge and comprehension to feel more confident and secure.


Their dominant wing, number 6, makes them reliable and focused on safety and security.


Core Traits


Enneagram 5w6 people are all about learning new things, being independent, and solving problems. You'll often find them deep in thought, super focused, and always wanting to learn more.


They're the kind of people who love to get their hands dirty with new ideas.


5w6s are usually quite private and a bit introverted, but don't let that fool you.


They're still really approachable, friendly, and positive when you get to know them. They're the kind of friends who are always there when you need them, ready to dive into a deep conversation or lend a hand.


Motivations and Fears


Enneagram 5w6 individuals' core motivations are being the best they can be, feeling safe, and living up to their own high expectations.


With their core type 5, they deal with stress and fear by researching, coming up with new ideas, or putting problems into neat little boxes.


With the wing 6, they often keep their worries to themselves and dream of a better future.

To handle their worries and what drives them, they might need to get better at talking about their feelings, knowing what sets them off, and being kind to themselves.


By working on these things, 5w6s can get better at showing their feelings and connecting with others on a deeper level.


Enneagram 5w6 in Relationships

a couple gardening together

Navigating relationships as an Enneagram 5w6 can be both great and challenging, as they bring their analytical skills and loyalty to the table but may struggle with emotional expression and social engagement.


Strengths in Relationships


When it comes to relationships, 5w6s are like your favorite pair of jeans – reliable, comfortable, and always there when you need them.


They're the friends who will help you solve a Rubik's cube at 2 a.m. or organize your messy closet on a Saturday afternoon. They're all about learning and growing, and they bring this passion into their relationships.


5w6s love deep conversations about everything from quantum physics to the latest Marvel movie. They're the type of friends who will engage you in a debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it doesn't, in case you were wondering).


They're pragmatic, supportive, and organized – they're the ones who will remember to bring the snacks on a road trip, trust me.


So, if you've got a 5w6 in your life, consider yourself lucky!


Challenges in Relationships


Now, let's talk about the 5w6's love life, or should we say, the 'challenging' love life. They may be brilliant, but they sure do have a tough time wearing their hearts on their sleeves.


They're like that friend who can solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded but can't figure out how to say "I like you" to their crush.


Also, they have this little habit of overthinking everything. "Should I text them first?" "What if they don't like my joke?" "What if they find out I like pineapple on my pizza?" Yeah, these are the kinds of existential crises a 5w6 goes through.


And let's not get started on their tendency to go into hermit mode. It's like they suddenly decide to take a vacation to the land of introspection, leaving their loved ones wondering if they've been abducted by aliens.


But it's not all bad news. With a little bit of effort and a whole lot of patience, our 5w6 friends can learn to express their feelings and make some real connections.


So, if you're a 5w6, remember, it's okay to wear your heart on your sleeve and let people in.

Compatibility with Other Types


When it comes to love matches and friendships, Enneagram 5w6 goes best with certain types.


They're a perfect fit with type 8s and type 9s, mainly because they tend to get each other.

But don't count out type 4s and type 2s. These are the types that can really help 5w6 open up that little box where they keep their feelings. It might be a bit dusty, but hey, that's where the magic happens!


So, if you're a type 8, 9, 4, or 2 and find a 5w6, hold onto them. They're like a rare Pokemon - hard to find, but totally worth it!


Enneagram 5w6 Moms: The Super Detectives of Motherhood

A mom helping her child bake

Your 5w6 mom is the one who has a color-coded spreadsheet for the family's weekly meals and a meticulously researched plan for your education from kindergarten to college.


She's the mom who, when you ask why the sky is blue, doesn't just say "because it is," but launches into a detailed explanation about light scattering and the Earth's atmosphere.


But hey, every superhero has their weakness, right? For our 5w6 moms, it's usually the messy, unpredictable, emotionally charged world of parenting.


They're great at solving problems, but when it comes to handling a toddler's tantrum or a teenager's mood swings, they can feel a bit out of their depth.


So, here are a few tips for Enneagram type 5w6 moms:

  1. Embrace the Chaos: We know, we know, easier said than done. But try to remember that not everything needs to be solved or organized. Sometimes, the best moments come from the most unexpected places.

  2. Feel the Feels: It's okay to not have all the answers, especially when it comes to emotions. It's okay to feel, and it's more than okay to let your kids see you feel.

  3. You're Doing Great: Seriously, you're doing an amazing job. So, take a deep breath, give yourself a pat on the back, and keep being the awesome mom you are.



Personal Growth for Enneagram 5w6 Personality Type

A happy woman smiling with headphones around her neck

We all have areas we could work on. For you, it might be getting better at showing your feelings, making more friends, and dealing with worries about not being good enough or safe.


Emotional Expression


Alright, so here's the deal with 5w6s and feelings. They're not always the best at sharing how they feel. But that doesn't mean they can't get better at it!


Being open and honest about how you feel, even when it feels a bit scary, can be a big step towards personal growth.


Building Social Connections


Okay, so you're a 5w6, and you're looking to make some connections. Here's the deal: you've got to be open to meeting new people, let your guard down a bit, and take a few risks.


You're probably thinking, "Wait, risks? I'm a 5w6, I don't take risks!" But trust me, a little bit of risk can go a long way in the friend-making department.


Now, we're not saying you should go bungee jumping or invest in Bitcoin. But maybe try joining a book club or a cooking class. You might meet some cool people who share your interests.


So, to sum it up, be open, be vulnerable, and take a few calculated risks. And most importantly, have fun with it! Making friends should be enjoyable, not a chore.


Overcoming Fears


For 5w6s, facing fears means believing in themselves, trusting their skills, and learning how to handle their worries and self-doubt.


By setting realistic goals, asking for feedback, and building self-trust, 5w6s can tackle their fears and boost their self-confidence.


One way to face the main fear about being capable and safe is to remember their wins and successes, highlighting the areas where they've shown their skills, abilities, and know-how.

Recognizing their achievements, asking others for feedback, and nurturing a growth mindset can help 5w6s build self-trust and face their fears.


Enneagram 5w6 Career Paths

A woman working in research with her headphones on

5w6 types will love jobs that let you use your brain, solve problems, and feel secure. Let's go over some jobs that might be a good fit.


Ideal Careers


Potential career paths for 5w6s:

  • Research

  • Technology

  • Finance

  • Other sectors demanding analytical thinking and specialized knowledge

These fields often align with the intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, and desire for security that drive the 5w6 personality type.


5w6s are great at thinking deeply, understanding complex stuff, and paying attention to the little things.


These skills make them really good at jobs like:

  • Data analyst

  • Research scientist

  • Financial analyst

  • Software engineer

  • Accountant

  • Statistician

Workplace Challenges


5w6s might be a bit... let's say, awkward when it comes to small talk, sharing their feelings, and figuring out the whole team thing. They're more comfortable with numbers and facts than with office gossip and team-building exercises.


And don't get me started on expressing their views. It's like pulling teeth to get them to speak up in meetings. You might have better luck getting a cat to bark.


They're more likely to understand quantum physics than their own feelings. And this can make teamwork a bit of a hurdle. But hey, who said work was supposed to be easy?


With a bit of practice and maybe a few communication workshops (or ten), our 5w6 friends can become workplace superstars. So, here's to conquering the office, one awkward conversation at a time!


Famous Enneagram 5w6 People

A tesla car driving on the road

Let's talk about some famous people who are Enneagram 5w6, like Elon Musk, Jordan Peterson, and Stephen King. What do they all have in common?


They're all super curious, love solving problems, and are as loyal as they come.


Enneagram 5w6 vs. 5w4

yes, maybe, or no thumbtacked to a board

Let's look at how the 5w6 personality type is different from other personality types like 5w4.


Similarities and Differences


Fives with a six wing (5w6) like to learn more about things they already know. Fives with a four-wing (5w4) want to understand the meaning of life.


A 5w6 learns to help make the world a better place. A 5w4 uses their knowledge to help others.


A 5w6 is usually very loyal. A 5w4 tries to be true to themselves. By understanding these differences, you can figure out which type you are. (Making Mindfulness Fun)


Navigating Wing Confusion


If you're not sure whether you're a 5w6 or another wing type, there are a few steps you can take to figure it out.


First, think about yourself and your personality. What traits stand out? What traits do you wish you had? This can help you understand your own personality a bit better.


Next, learn more about the different wing types. This can help you understand what each type is like and how they're different from each other.


Finally, consider talking to an Enneagram expert. They can give you personalized advice and help you understand your personality better.


By doing these things, you can figure out your wing type and understand yourself better.


Find Your Enneagram Number Free Guide



Summary


We've explored the Enneagram 5w6 personality type in detail. This type is a mix of curiosity, trustworthiness, and practical thinking. We looked at how 5w6s handle relationships, personal growth, and careers. We also compared 5w6 to 5w4 Enneagram personality type.

With this information, you can better understand yourself and others, leading to stronger relationships and personal growth.


Frequently Asked Questions


What is a Enneagram 5w6?


Enneagram type 5 wing 6, or The Troubleshooter, is a combination of the independent, logical traits from the Five type with some of the cooperative and loyal aspects of Six. These individuals are pragmatic, calm, and organized, with an impressive ability to troubleshoot and solve complex problems.


Is Enneagram 5w6 rare?


It is clear that 5w6 is very rare, as 65.6% of Type 5s are 'core' and only 1.1% are 5w6. Thus, Enneagram 5w6 is indeed a rare type.


Can 5w6 be emotional?


Although 5w6s are usually cautious and reserved, they can be emotionally engaged. Their focus is on objects or theories rather than people, but they still possess emotional depth and capacity. They may not express their emotions as openly as other types, but they can still feel deeply and be passionate about their interests. They are often drawn to complex topics.


Which MBTI is 5w6?


Generally speaking, 5w6 is commonly associated with the INTJ type, while INTPs are more likely related to a 5w4 type. (Personality Junkie)


What is the core desire of Enneagram 5w6 personalities?


The core desire of Enneagram 5w6 personalities is to demonstrate competence and adequacy, seeking stability and safety in their lives.


I hope you found this blog post valuable. If you're a 5w6, I hope you see that you are a wonderful and beautiful human being with so much to offer the world.


If want to learn more about your type and yourself. I would love to talk with you. Click on the "Book Now" button below to schedule a Free Consultation with me. Can't wait to hear from you.



0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page