If you’ve found this blog post, you probably already know which of the 16 personality types you are. But do you know your Enneagram type? If not, you should definitely check it out – there’s a lot of valuable information to be gleaned from this personality theory.
But even if you’re already familiar with the Enneagram, did you know that there’s a correlation between the 16 personality types and Enneagram?
While the 16 personalities model is more focused on how we interact with the world around us, the Enneagram framework delves deeper into our underlying motivations and basic fears.
So when you combine your 16 personalities type and your Enneagram type, you can get some even deeper insights into why you make decisions the way that you do or why you behave in certain ways.
Today, we’re going to take a look at how ESTPs relate to each of the nine Enneagram types. Keep reading for insights and tips on how to better understand yourself and others.
Which Enneagram types are most common among ESTPs?
According to a study conducted by Thought Catalog, the most common Enneagram type among ESTPs is Enneagram 8. This isn’t too surprising. Enneagram 8s are outgoing, assertive, and direct. Plus, they are independent and goal-oriented. These are the kind of ESTPs who are highly competitive and are always working towards a goal.
The second most common Enneagram type for ESTPs is Enneagram 7. Again, this isn’t a huge surprise. Enneagram 7s are known for their love of adventure and their upbeat, optimistic attitude. Plus, they are social and adventurous individuals. These are the kind of ESTPs who embrace life’s pleasures and are always up for a good time.
Anyway, let’s save some thoughts for later on in the post.
How each Enneagram type manifests in ESTPs
Let’s now take a look at how ESTPs differ depending on their Enneagram type.
ESTP Enneagram 1
ESTPs who identify as Enneagram 1 tend to be more of a perfectionist than your typical ESTP. They’re logical and level-headed, but they also have a strong sense of right and wrong. In addition, they are less impulsive and are more likely to think through decisions carefully, which can’t be said for all ESTPs!
ESTP Enneagram 1s are the type of people who are always striving for the best. They have a deep desire to be seen as ‘good’ people, which means they can feel ashamed of their inclination for sensory pleasures.
People of this type naturally pick up on inconsistencies and often have the desire to point them out or fix them. However, ESTP Enneagram 1s are quite hard on themselves and can often benefit from learning to relax and go with the flow a bit more.
ESTP Enneagram 2
ESTPs who identify as Enneagram 2 are more people-oriented and have a softer edge than your typical ESTP. While most ESTPs enjoy spending time with people and having a laugh, they can be quite critical.
ESTP Enneagram 2s have a more caring side. They’re always looking out for their loved ones, and they’re quick to lend a helping hand. While they might not be nurturing in a warm, stereotypical sense, they are highly perceptive of their environment, and they use these skills to pick up on other people’s needs. This comes from a place of genuinely wanting to help people.
Some ESTPs struggle to follow through on their word because they can get caught up in the moment and make plans that they don’t end up sticking to. This doesn’t tend to be the case with ESTP Enneagram 2s, though, because they want to be someone who can be counted on. However, ESTP Enneagram 2s can use their people skills to manipulate others into doing what they want.
ESTP Enneagram 3
ESTPs who identify as Enneagram 3 are more driven and ambitious than your typical ESTP. They’re always striving to be the best, and they’re even more competitive (if that’s possible!). ESTP Enneagram 3s are incredibly charming, and they are very smooth when it comes to social interactions. They’re the kind of people who can talk their way into or out of anything.
ESTP Enneagram 3s are quick thinkers and they’re always looking for ways to improve. They’re never satisfied with mediocrity, and they push themselves to their limits. At times, they can be quite ruthless in their pursuit of success. They are natural leaders and are often very entrepreneurial. They can find it hard to sit still, which is why they are always on the go.
ESTPs are naturally perceptive of their environment, and they are highly aware of physical beauty. These characteristics are even more evident in ESTP Enneagram 3s. This can mean that they are more image-conscious and concerned about what others think of them.
ESTP Enneagram 4
ESTP Enneagram 4s are more introspective and sensitive than your typical ESTP. They’re more self-aware and in touch with their emotions, which isn’t something that comes naturally to most ESTPs. Even ESTP Enneagram 4s can struggle with this to some extent. This is why it’s a rare Enneagram type for ESTPs.
While most ESTPs are often very integrated into social groups, ESTP Enneagram 4s can feel misunderstood, and they sometimes live with a sense of being ‘different.’ They have a deep desire for self-expression and might find themselves drawn to the arts. This ties in with the fact that they are often more creative than your typical ESTP.
ESTP Enneagram 4s tend to be slightly more individualistic, often through their fashion sense, which isn’t seen in many ESTP Enneagram types. People of this type often have a deep understanding of human nature, and they can be quite intuitive when it comes to other people’s emotions. However, their heightened awareness of their own emotions can make them susceptible to depression and anxiety.
ESTP Enneagram 5
ESTP Enneagram 5s tend to be more cerebral than your typical ESTP. They’re highly intelligent, and they love to learn new things. In addition, they tend to make more calculated decisions, and they don’t have that reckless streak that can be seen in some ESTPs. This is a fairly rare Enneagram type for ESTPs.
They’re also quite independent and self-sufficient. In fact, ESTP Enneagram 5s tend to be less extroverted, and they find socializing more draining. They tend to need more alone time to themselves so that they can think and process information. This type is often very good at problem-solving, and they’re quick thinkers.
While ESTPs tend to be resourceful and intelligent in a practical sense, ESTP Enneagram 5s are excellent at analyzing information and data. In addition, they’re quick to notice inconsistencies that others might miss. However, they can be arrogant and condescending when they think they are right.
ESTP Enneagram 6
ESTP Enneagram 6s tend to be more anxious and uncertain than your typical ESTP. While most ESTPs shoot from the hip and aren’t afraid to take a chance, ESTP Enneagram 6s are more risk-averse. They are less impulsive and tend to take time to think through decisions.
ESTP Enneagram 6s are very loyal and protective of their loved ones. They’re the kind of people who would do anything for their family and friends. People of this type value loyalty above all else. While some ESTPs can be a little flighty, ESTP Enneagram 6s take pride in sticking to their word. You can count on them to follow through. They value being part of a group, and they often have a strong sense of community.
People of this type like to plan for multiple scenarios because they are very focused on safety and security. However, imagining all the different ways a situation might play out can be a struggle for ESTPs. In addition, they can need a lot of reassurance from others at times. They can also be prone to paranoia and worry. This means that they can be quite pessimistic.
ESTP Enneagram 7
This is the second most common Enneagram type for ESTPs. ESTP Enneagram 7s are your typical fun-loving, spontaneous ESTPs. They’re always looking for new thrills, and they’re quick to jump into new experiences. While most ESTPs enjoy a good time, ESTP Enneagram 7s live for it. Ultimately, they need to be kept on their toes because they don’t cope well with boredom.
People of this type seek out adventure and sensory stimulation. In addition, they aren’t afraid to break rules and push boundaries. They take the view that it’s worth taking risks for new experiences. However, their spontaneity can cross over into the territory of being impulsive, which can sometimes get them into trouble.
ESTP Enneagram 7s often have a scattered thought process. They’re always thinking about the next thing, and they can find it hard to focus on one task for too long. This can make them seem a little disorganized, and their impulsivity can mean that they don’t always stick to plans. It’s not unusual for ESTP Enneagram 7s to change tack at a moment’s notice.
ESTP Enneagram 8
This is the most common Enneagram type for ESTPs. ESTP Enneagram 8s are your typical ambitious, competitive ESTPs. They are assertive, direct, and aggressive, always striving to be the best. As a result, they have a tougher edge than some other ESTPs, and they can come across as intimidating.
People of this type are also natural leaders who are quick to take charge. In addition, they’re very confident, and they have no problem speaking their mind. While most ESTPs are resourceful, ESTP Enneagram 8s are especially so. They’re always looking for ways to get ahead, and they’re very driven.
However, their competitive nature can sometimes make them seem arrogant, and they can have a hard time losing. In addition, their impulsivity can lead them to make rash decisions. But ESTP Enneagram 8s are also quick-thinkers, and they’re very good at problem-solving on the fly.
ESTP Enneagram 9
ESTP Enneagram 9s are more easy-going and agreeable than your typical ESTP. They’re peacemakers who strive to maintain harmony. In addition, they’re usually quite content with letting others take the lead, which isn’t a trait that’s seen in many other ESTP Enneagram types.
People of this type tend to be more patient and willing to compromise. While most ESTPs are adaptable, ESTP Enneagram 9s tend to be the most adaptable of all the ESTP Enneagram types. At the same time as being flexible, ESFPs can actually be resistant to change because they can view it as a disruption to harmony.
ESTPs tend to be outgoing and dynamic. However, ESTP Enneagram 9s are a little calmer. They are highly talented at reading people, and they use these skills to mediate conflict when necessary. Ultimately, they like to maintain a sense of peace. As a result, they can even be conflict-averse at times, which isn’t usually seen with most other ESTP Enneagram types.
Nuances between ESTP Enneagram types
So there you have it, the nuances between ESTPs of different Enneagram types. While we have focused on the differences in this post, it’s important to remember that you’re still an ESTP, first and foremost.
This means that you likely enjoy being active and you’re very adaptable. There’s a good chance that you’ll also be quick-thinking, resourceful, and spontaneous. However, your exact Enneagram type will play a role in how specific traits are expressed.
Particularly if you’re one of the less common ESTP Enneagram types, we hope this post has provided insight into why you might not fit the stereotype of an ESTP.
Share this post with others to help them understand ESTP Enneagram types
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like How ISTP Enneagram Types Differ. Finally, if you liked this post, share it with friends so they can better understand the differences between the ESTP Enneagram types.
