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 ISTPs 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 ISTPs?
According to a study conducted by Thought Catalog, the most common Enneagram type for ISTPs is Enneagram 5. This isn’t too surprising. Enneagram 5s are quiet, observant, and analytical. Plus, they’re private individuals who like to keep to themselves. These are the kind of ISTPs who are always gathering information and trying to understand the world around them.
The second most common Enneagram type for ISTPs is Enneagram 9. Again, this isn’t a huge surprise. Enneagram 9s are known for their easy-going, laid-back attitude. Plus, they’re peace-loving individuals who strive for harmony. These are the kind of ISTPs who don’t get too stressed about things and take a relaxed attitude to life.
Anyway, let’s save some thoughts for later on in the post.
How each Enneagram type manifests in ISTPs
Let’s now take a look at how ISTPs differ depending on their Enneagram type.
ISTP Enneagram 1
ISTPs who identify as Enneagram 1 tend to be more of a perfectionist than your typical ISTP. 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 ISTPs! This is a rare Enneagram type for an ISTP.
ISTP 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, particularly when it comes to hands-on, practical matters. However, ISTP Enneagram 1s are quite hard on themselves and can often benefit from learning to go with the flow a bit more.
ISTP Enneagram 2
ISTPs who identify as Enneagram 2 are more people-oriented and have a softer edge than your typical ISTP. While most ISTPs enjoy spending time alone pursuing their interests, they can be quite critical. Again, this is a rare Enneagram type for an ISTP.
ISTP 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 ISTPs 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 ISTP Enneagram 2s, though, because they want to be someone who can be counted on. However, ISTP Enneagram 2s can sometimes try to manipulate others into doing what they want.
ISTP Enneagram 3
ISTPs who identify as Enneagram 3 are more driven and ambitious than your typical ISTP. They’re always striving to be the best, and they’re more competitive. ISTP 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. This is another rare Enneagram type for an ISTP.
ISTP 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. They are more comfortable in leadership roles and are often highly resourceful. They can find it hard to sit still, which is why they are always on the go.
ISTPs are naturally perceptive of their environment, and they are highly aware of physical beauty. These characteristics are even more evident in ISTP Enneagram 3s. This can mean that they are more image-conscious and concerned about what others think of them.
ISTP Enneagram 4
ISTP Enneagram 4s are more introspective and sensitive than your typical ISTP. They’re more self-aware and in touch with their emotions, which isn’t something that comes naturally to most ISTPs. Even ISTP Enneagram 4s can struggle with this to some extent. This is why it’s a rare Enneagram type for ISTPs.
Most ISTPs are happy being alone, and they don’t tend to overthink whether the world ‘gets’ them. However, ISTP 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 ISTP.
They also tend to be slightly more individualistic, often through their fashion sense, which isn’t seen in many ISTP Enneagram types. People of this type often have a better understanding of human nature and other people’s emotions than your typical ISTP. However, their heightened awareness of their own emotions, mixed with the fact that they can struggle to fully understand them, can make them susceptible to depression and anxiety.
ISTP Enneagram 5
This is the most common Enneagram type for ISTPs. ISTP Enneagram 5s tend to be more cerebral than your typical ISTP. 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 ISTPs.
People of this type are also very independent and self-sufficient. In fact, ISTP Enneagram 5s are some of the most independent people out there, and they often find that they feel drained quickly from socializing. They tend to need a lot of alone time to themselves so they can think and process information. ISTP Enneagram 5s are often exceptional problem-solvers, and they have the ability to stay calm in a crisis.
While ISTP tends to be resourceful and intelligent in a practical sense, ISTP Enneagram 5s are also 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.
ISTP Enneagram 6
ISTP Enneagram 6s tend to be more cynical and uncertain than your typical ISTP. They don’t have the same go-with-the-flow attitude. While many ISTPs shoot from the hip and aren’t afraid to take a chance, ISTP Enneagram 6s are more risk-averse. They are less impulsive and tend to take time to think through decisions.
ISTP 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 ISTPs can be a little flighty, ISTP Enneagram 6s take pride in sticking to their word. You can count on them to follow through. They place more value on being part of a group, and they have a stronger 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 ISTPs. 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.
ISTP Enneagram 7
ISTP Enneagram 7s are more fun-loving and spontaneous. They’re always looking for new thrills and they’re quick to jump into new experiences. While most ISTPs like to enjoy life, ISTP 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.
ISTP 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 they don’t always stick to plans. It’s not unusual for ISTP Enneagram 7s to change tack at a moment’s notice.
ISTP Enneagram 8
ISTP 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. People of this type have a tougher edge than some other ISTPs.
ISTP Enneagram 8s are more comfortable in leadership positions. They tend to appreciate flat hierarchical structures, where everybody can have their say, and they don’t tend to be overly controlling. ISTP micromanagers are a rare breed. While most ISTPs are resourceful, ISTP Enneagram 8s are especially so.
People of this type often have faith in their abilities, and they don’t need a huge amount of external validation. 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 ISTP Enneagram 8s are also quick-thinkers, and they’re very good at problem-solving on the fly.
ISTP Enneagram 9
This is the second most common Enneagram type for ISTPs. ISTP Enneagram 9s are even more easy-going than your typical ISTP. They tend to be agreeable, too, which isn’t a trait that stands out in most ISTPs. People of this type are peacemakers who strive to maintain harmony. In addition, they’re usually quite content with letting others take the lead.
ISTP Enneagram 9s tend to be patient and willing to compromise. While most ISTPs are adaptable, ISTP Enneagram 9s tend to be the most adaptable of all the ISTP Enneagram types. At the same time as being flexible, ISTPs can actually be resistant to change because they can view it as a disruption to harmony.
ISTPs tend to be calm and collected in general, and these traits are even more evident in ISTP Enneagram 9s. They tend to be better at reading people than your typical ISTP, 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 ISTP Enneagram types.
Nuances between ISTP Enneagram types
So there you have it, the nuances between ISTPs of different Enneagram types. While we have focused on the differences in this post, it’s important to remember that you’re still an ISTP, first and foremost.
This means that you likely value your freedom and are very adaptable. There’s a good chance that you’re also calm, 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 ISTP Enneagram types, we hope this post has provided insight into why you might not fit the stereotype of an ISTP.
Final thoughts on ISTP Enneagram types
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like How ESTP Enneagram Types Differ. Finally, if you liked this post, share it with friends so they can better understand the differences between the ISTP Enneagram types.
