How ISFJ Enneagram Types Differ

ISFJ Enneagram Types blog cover

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 ISFJs 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 ISFJs?

According to a study conducted by Thought Catalog, the most common Enneagram type for ISFJs is Enneagram 6. This isn’t a surprise. Enneagram 6s are loyal, dedicated, and reliable. They’re also supportive, and you can count on them to always be there for friends and family. These are the kind of ISFJs who value being part of a group and having a sense of community.

ISFJ Enneagram pie chart

The second most common Enneagram type among ISFJs is Enneagram 2. Again, this isn’t too surprising. Enneagram 2s are warm and caring people who want to help others. They’re also very supportive and welcoming. These are the kind of ISFJs who are always thinking about other people’s needs.

Anyway, let’s save some thoughts for later on in the post.

How each Enneagram type manifests in ISFJs

Let’s now take a look at how ISFJs differ depending on their Enneagram type.

ISFJ Enneagram 1

ISFJs who identify as Enneagram 1 are even more of a perfectionist than your typical ISFJ. They’re practical and organized, but they also have a strong sense of right and wrong. In addition, they tend to analyze decisions very carefully. They want to be seen as ‘good’ people, and they are deeply dedicated.

ISFJ Enneagram 1s are the type of people who are always striving for the best. They are exceptionally committed, and they’re some of the hardest workers out there. In addition, they are self-disciplined and conscientious.

People of this type have a strong sense of morality and justice, which is usually clear when you first meet them. However, ISFJ Enneagram 1s are often hard on themselves and can benefit from learning to relax and go with the flow.

ISFJ Enneagram 2

This is the second most common Enneagram type for ISFJs. ISFJs who identify as Enneagram 2 are people-oriented, warm, and welcoming. They want to be liked, and they go out of their way to help others. They’re also loyal, and they value close relationships.

ISFJ Enneagram 2s are very giving people. They’re always looking out for their loved ones, and they’re quick to lend a helping hand. They are highly perceptive, and they use this skill to pick up on other people’s needs. This comes from a place of genuinely wanting to help people.

People of this type are known for their generosity, reliability, and trustworthiness. These are traits that are seen in other ISFJ Enneagram types, too, but they are particularly evident in ISFJ Enneagram 2s. They take pride in being someone who can be counted on. However, ISFJ Enneagram 2s can be manipulative at times.

ISFJ Enneagram 3

ISFJs who identify as Enneagram 3 are more driven and ambitious than your typical ISFJ. They’re always striving to be the best, and they can be competitive, which isn’t a trait that is usually seen in ISFJs. ISFJ Enneagram 3s are charming in an understated way, and they are very good at reading people. Ultimately, they are exceptionally in tune with social dynamics.

ISFJ Enneagram 3s are always looking for ways to improve. They’re never satisfied with mediocrity, and they push themselves to their limits. At times, they can even be ruthless in their pursuit of success, which again is rare in ISFJs. They are more comfortable in leadership roles, and they are very practical. They are often very busy, and they like to be doing things.

In general, ISFJs are naturally perceptive of their environment, and they are highly aware of physical beauty. These characteristics are even more evident in ISFJ Enneagram 3s. This can mean that they are more image-conscious and concerned about what others think of them.

ISFJ Enneagram 4

ISFJ Enneagram 4s are more introspective and sensitive than your typical ISFJ. They’re also more self-aware and in touch with their emotions. People of this type need more alone time than other ISFJs to reflect and process their feelings.

While most ISFJs are social chameleons who value being part of a group, ISFJ Enneagram 4s can feel a little misunderstood, and they sometimes live with a sense of being ‘different.’ They have a 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 ISFJ.

ISFJ Enneagram 4s tend to be slightly more individualistic, often through their fashion sense. People of this type often have a deep understanding of human nature, and they can be very perceptive when it comes to other people’s emotions. However, their heightened awareness of their own emotions can make them susceptible to depression and anxiety. 

ISFJ Enneagram 5

ISFJ Enneagram 5s tend to be more cerebral than your typical ISFJ. They’re highly intelligent, and they love to learn new things.  In addition, they like to analyze all of the facts before making a decision. This is something that you see in all ISFJs to some extent, but it’s even more evident in ISFJ Enneagram 5s.

People of this type are also independent and self-sufficient. In fact, ISFJ Enneagram 5s tend to be slightly less people-oriented, and they find socializing quite 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 tend to have a linear thought process.

Hot chocolate

While ISFJs tend to be intelligent in a practical sense, ISFJ 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.

ISFJ Enneagram 6

This is the most common Enneagram type for ISFJs. ISFJ Enneagram 6s tend to be more anxious and uncertain than your typical ISFJ. Most ISFJs take a carefully considered and deliberate approach to life — but they can sometimes second-guess themselves. This is more evident in ISFJ Enneagram 6s, who are more cautious and risk-averse when it comes to decision-making and trying new things.

ISFJ 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. In fact, people of this type value loyalty above all else. In general, ISFJs take pride in sticking to their word, and ISFJ Enneagram 6s take this even more seriously. You can always 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 ISFJs. 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.

ISFJ Enneagram 7

This is a very rare type for ISFJs. ISFJ Enneagram 7s are more optimistic and adventurous than your typical ISFJ. They are also more open to new experiences. While a lot of ISFJs can find it hard to relax, ISFJ Enneagram 7s don’t have as much of a problem with this. Ultimately, they don’t cope well with boredom.

People of this type seek out adventure and sensory stimulation. In addition, they are more comfortable pushing boundaries, but they will stick to the rules! They don’t always think through decisions as carefully as your typical ISFJ. However, they are still sensible and thorough in the big scheme of things. These are core traits of ISFJs.

ISFJ Enneagram 7s have a slightly more 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 chaotic from the outside, but they are actually very organized, and there is usually a method to their madness. People of this type often have many goals that they’re working towards at a given time.

ISFJ Enneagram 8

Plants

This is a very rare type for ISFJs. ISFJ Enneagram 8s are more ambitious and competitive than your typical ISFJ. They are also more assertive, and they can be direct. In addition, they are goal-oriented. As a result, they have a tougher edge than some other ISFJs.

People of this type are more comfortable in leadership positions. In addition, they are thoughtful managers, and they like to work in environments where there is a clear hierarchy. While most ISFJs are methodical, ISFJ 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 condescending, and they can have a hard time losing. In addition, their drive to succeed can lead them to be ruthless at times. But ISFJ Enneagram 8s are very measured, and they often strike a great balance between speed and consideration when it comes to making decisions.

ISFJ Enneagram 9

ISFJ Enneagram 9s are more easy-going and agreeable than your typical ISFJ. They’re peacemakers who strive to maintain harmony. In addition, they’re comfortable letting others take the lead.

People of this type are patient and willing to compromise. While ISFJs aren’t easy-going in general, ISFJ Enneagram 9s are more adaptable and have less of a need for structure. However, ISFJ Enneagram 9s can be very resistant to change because they can view it as a disruption to harmony.

ISFJs tend to be calm and collected in general, and these traits are even more evident in ISFJ Enneagram 9s. They are great listeners, and they use these skills to mediate conflict when necessary. Ultimately, they like to maintain a sense of peace. As a result, they tend to be very diplomatic when resolving conflict.

Nuances between ISFJ Enneagram types

So there you have it, the nuances between ISFJs of different Enneagram types. While we have focused on the differences in this post, it’s important to remember that you’re still an ISFJ, first and foremost.

This means that you are practical and organized. There’s a good chance that you’ll also be warm, helpful, and loyal. However, your exact Enneagram type will play a role in how specific traits are expressed.

Particularly if you’re one of the less common ISFJ Enneagram types, we hope this post has provided insight into why you might not fit the stereotype of an ISFJ.

Final thoughts on ISFJ Enneagram types

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like How ESFJ Enneagram Types Differ. Finally, if you liked this post, share it with friends so they can better understand the differences between the ISFJ Enneagram types.

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