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 ISTJs 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 ISTJs?
According to a study conducted by Thought Catalog, the most common Enneagram type among ISTJs is Enneagram 1. This isn’t too surprising. Enneagram 1s are principled and have a strong sense of right and wrong. They’re also perfectionists who are always striving to improve. These are the kind of ISTJs who are always working hard and pushing themselves to be the best that they can be.
The second most common Enneagram type for ISTJs is Enneagram 6. Again, this isn’t a surprise. Enneagram 6s are loyal, dedicated, and reliable. They’re supportive, and you can count on them to always be there for their friends and family. These are the kind of ISTJs who are always there for their loved ones, no matter what.
Anyway, let’s save some thoughts for later on in the post.
How each Enneagram type manifests in ISTJs
Let’s now take a look at how ISTJs differ depending on their Enneagram type.
ISTJ Enneagram 1
This is the most common Enneagram type for an ISTJ. ISTJs who identify as Enneagram 1 are even more of a perfectionist than your typical ISTJ. They’re logical and level-headed, but they also have a strong sense of right and wrong. In addition, they tend to think through decisions very carefully. They want to be seen as ‘good’ people, and they are deeply dedicated.
ISTJ Enneagram 1s are the type of people who are always striving for the best. They are exceptionally dedicated, and they’re some of the hardest workers out there. In addition, they have a strong sense of self-control and are highly conscientious.
People of this type naturally pick up on inconsistencies and often have the desire to point them out or fix them. However, ISTJ Enneagram 1s are often hard on themselves and can benefit from learning to relax and go with the flow.
ISTJ Enneagram 2
ISTJs who identify as Enneagram 2 are more people-oriented and have a softer edge than your typical ISTJ. While most ISTJs enjoy spending time alone and tend to keep themselves to themselves, they can be quite critical. However, this is a rare Enneagram type for an ISTJ.
ISTJ 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, and they use this skill to pick up on other people’s needs. This comes from a place of genuinely wanting to help others.
In general, people of the ISTJ personality type are known for their consistency, reliability, and trustworthiness. These traits are even more accentuated in ISTJ Enneagram 2s. They take pride in being someone who can be counted on. However, ISTJ Enneagram 2s can be manipulative at times.
ISTJ Enneagram 3
ISTJs who identify as Enneagram 3 are more driven and ambitious than your typical ISTJ. They’re always striving to be the best, and they can be quite competitive. ISTJ Enneagram 3s tend to be more comfortable in social situations. They’re the kind of people who can be very convincing when they want to be.
ISTJ 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 talented managers. ISTJ Enneagram 3s can find it hard to sit still, which is why they are always on the go.
In general, ISTJs are naturally perceptive of their environment, and they are relatively aware of physical beauty. These characteristics are even more evident in ISTJ Enneagram 3s. This can mean that they are more image-conscious and concerned about what others think of them.
ISTJ Enneagram 4
ISTJ Enneagram 4s are more introspective and sensitive than your typical ISTJ. They’re also more self-aware and in touch with their emotions, which isn’t something that comes naturally to most ISTJs. Even ISTJ Enneagram 4s can struggle with this to some extent.
Most ISTJs are happy being alone, and they don’t tend to overthink whether the world ‘gets’ them. However, ISTJ Enneagram 4s can feel 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 ISTJ.
ISTJ Enneagram 4s tend to be slightly more individualistic, which isn’t seen in many ISTJ Enneagram types. People of this type often have a good understanding of human nature and they can be quite 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.
ISTJ Enneagram 5
ISTJ Enneagram 5s tend to be more cerebral than your typical ISTJ. 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 ISTJs to some extent, but it’s even more evident in ISTJ Enneagram 5s.
People of this type are also very independent and self-sufficient. In fact, ISTJ Enneagram 5s are some of the most independent people out there, and they often find that they feel drained quickly from socializing. They need a lot of alone time to themselves so they can think and process information. ISTJ Enneagram 5s are often exceptional problem-solvers, and they have the ability to stay calm in a crisis.
ISTJs are known for being thorough, and ISTJ Enneagram 5s can take this to a whole new level. They 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.
ISTJ Enneagram 6
This is the most common Enneagram type for ISTJs. ISTJ Enneagram 6s tend to be more anxious and uncertain than your typical ISTJ. Most ISTJs tend to take a calculated and careful approach to life. However, ISTJ Enneagram 6s are even more cautious and risk-averse when it comes to making decisions and trying new things.
ISTJ 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, ISTJs take pride in sticking to their word, and ISTJ Enneagram 6s take this even more seriously. You can always count on them to follow through.
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 ISTJs. In addition, they can need reassurance from others at times. They can also be prone to paranoia and worry. This means that they can be quite pessimistic.
ISTJ Enneagram 7
This is a very rare Enneagram type for ISTJs. ISTJ Enneagram 7s are more enthusiastic and open to new experiences. ISTJs. They are more open to new experiences than your typical ISTJ. While a lot of ISTJs can find it hard to relax, ISTJ Enneagram 7s don’t have much of a problem with this.
People of this type like to explore, and they are willing to experiment. 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 ISTJ. However, they are still sensible and thorough in the big scheme of things.
ISTJs are known for their linear thought process, but Enneagram 7s have a slightly more scattered approach. They are more likely to have multiple projects on the go. 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 a number of goals that they’re working towards at a given time.
ISTJ Enneagram 8
ISTJ Enneagram 8s are more ambitious and competitive. They have a more assertive and direct manner. However, they tend to have a quiet confidence rather than an overly aggressive demeanor. They have a tougher edge than other ISTJs.
People of this type are more comfortable in leadership positions. In addition, they are natural managers, and they like to work in environments where there is a clear hierarchy. While most ISTJs are goal-oriented, ISTJ 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 drive to succeed can lead them to be ruthless at times. But ISTJ Enneagram 8s are also quick-thinkers, and they’re very good at problem-solving on the fly.
ISTJ Enneagram 9
ISTJ Enneagram 9s are more easy-going and agreeable than your typical ISTJ. They’re peacemakers who strive to maintain harmony. In addition, they’re more comfortable letting others take the lead.
People of this type tend to be more patient and willing to compromise. While ISTJs don’t tend to be easy-going, ISTJ Enneagram 9s are the most adaptable of all the ISTJ Enneagram types. However, ISTJ Enneagram 9s can still be very resistant to change because they can view it as a disruption to harmony.
ISTJs tend to be reserved and calm. These traits are even more evident in ISTJ Enneagram 9s. They are better able to read people, 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 more diplomatic when resolving conflict.
Nuances between ISTJ Enneagram types
So there you have it, the nuances between ISTJs of different Enneagram types. While we have focused on the differences in this post, it’s important to remember that you’re still an ISTJ, 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 ISTJ Enneagram types, we hope this post has provided insight into why you might not fit the stereotype of an ISTJ.
Final thoughts on ISTJ Enneagram types
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like How ESTJ Enneagram Types Differ. Finally, if you liked this post, share it with friends so they can better understand the differences between the ISTJ Enneagram types.
