6 - The Loyal Skeptic

The Loyal Skeptics’ style is likely to be relational with a primary focus on the team. Style 6 is a gifted planner, preparer, and researcher. Loyal Skeptics excel at risk analysis and will analyse a situation from all angles before making a decision. Because of their focus on problem prevention, they can get lost in analysis paralysis, and their insecurities can prevent them from taking bold action. Loyal Skeptics have a need to know. They are great at drilling down to make sure they fully comprehend people's ideas and plans. Team members and colleagues can feel as if they are being scrutinised, but hang in there—you will have a much better plan if you can respond to the numerous queries of Type 6. They will help clarify and add rigor to your thinking. Loyal Skeptics can feel pressured to shoulder the responsibility of people's expectations. However, they are known to be loyal and reliable once they make a commitment and can be your biggest champion. Under continued stress, Loyal Skeptics can become suspicious and mistrustful of others' motivations, always reading between the lines. They can use fear to mobilise people by focusing on the dangers on the road ahead; start showing off to impress people, belying their own insecurities; or cut themselves off from others. At their best, they are courageous in the face of fear and excellent in a crisis—people will follow them because they demonstrate confidence and courage in emergent situations.