When the Six goes to Three

The Direction of Disintegration for the Six is to Three so when the Six is feeling under pressure or stressed they exhibit behaviours of the average to unhealthy Three. Sixes, because of their anxiety and self-doubt, are the most security-oriented Type. So, whenever they are under stress or feeling insecure, they attempt to shore up their security. This is done by turning to structures and systems and by forming alliances - their identification with these alliances being a way to boost their self-esteem. Also, feeling unsure that their genuine response is acceptable but not wanting to alienate others (who are part of their security), they start to behave in ways that they believe will be more acceptable. This adapting themselves to expectations leads them, for example, to try to appear more friendly, more professional, more 'together'. They also combat their lack of confidence by taking on more responsibilities and by working harder. They become competitive in an attempt to convince themselves and others of their capability and value and become partisan with their allegiances ie: 'my team is better than yours', 'my group knows more about such and such than your group'. They start to inflate their accomplishments and promote themselves in order to gain the upper-hand and, if challenged, become hostile and reactive, making it clear to others that they should not be messed with. They also begin covering up their mistakes, so setting themselves up for even more anxiety.