The goal of You've Got a Type is to help people better understand the Enneagram, not Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which is a fundamentally different system than the Enneagram.
There are 16 personality types within the Myers-Briggs system and only nine personality types within the Enneagram. In an effort to assign each Myers-Briggs type to only one Enneagram type, it requires leaning on the wings, giving us 18 enneagram “subtypes” to choose from. Given the imbalance (16 types vs 18 subtypes), I assigned two of the Myers-Briggs personality types twice (ENFP and INFP). The descriptions referenced for each Myers-Briggs type are coming from 16personalities.com.
The idea of Enneagram wings is that we share traits with the Enneagram type directly to the left or to the right of our primary type. For example, if you look at the Enneagram shape, you’ll see that Type One is in between Type Nine and Type Two. Therefore, Ones can either be a 1 wing 2 or a 1 wing 9.
INFJ (Advocates) = 1 wing 2 (The Advocate)
For the INFJ personality type, the 1w2 is likely the best match. Ironically, both INFJs and 1w2s are nicknamed “The Advocate.” INFJs are described as principled, passionate, insightful, and altruistic people that want to use their wisdom and virtues to serve others and make the world a better place. They’re also sensitive to criticism, a bit rigid, perfectionistic, and prone to burnout due to the responsibility they place on themselves to improve everything and everyone around them.
Ones, at their core, are people who live according to their values, a sense of purpose, and a relentless desire to restore a sense of “holy perfection” in the world. The Two wing makes them even more focused on improving the lives of others, as Twos are defined by their relationships and acts of service.
Overall, both these types are introspective yet social perfectionists that can’t help but constantly express a vision for how things could be better.
ISTJ (Logistician) = 1 wing 9 (The Idealist)
For the ISTJ personality type, the Enneagram Type One with a Nine wing is the best match. ISTJs are described as calm, practical, stubborn, direct, and plagued with an overwhelming sense of personal responsibility.
ISTJs, much like 1w9s, are focused on creating order out of chaos so that their environment can remain perfectly in balance. Type Ones are driven to be morally good and Nines are driven to maintain harmony in their environment--this combination can create a very introspective, philosophical personality that is more interested in judging the world from afar, rather than interacting with it directly, which would be more like a 1w2.
Both ISTJs and 1w9s also have a tougher time navigating emotions, unless that emotion is anger or frustration, which is expressed in the form of some “brutal honesty.” Overall, both of these types are defined by their unrelenting sense of integrity, which can make them incredible role models for society all while stirring up this subtle pool of resentment for those with lesser standards.
ISFJ (Defender) = 2 wing 1 (The Servant)
For the ISFJ personality type, the Type Two with a One wing is likely the best match. The 6w5 would be a great fit here, but thought it matched even better with another Myers-Briggs type.
ISFJs are described as feeling the most energized and effective when they’re showing up for someone who needs their help--which is the deciding factor to assign the Enneagram 2w1 to this type. The 2w1 is nicknamed “The Servant” due to their constant, selfless work often done behind the scenes. ISFJs are also described as “rarely demanding recognition for all that they do.”
The down side for both 2w1s and ISFJs is that they’re almost too humble, and their attempt to look infinitely supportive means that they often repress their own needs, get taken advantage of, and then boil up with resentment because their just pride can’t take anymore neglect.
ESFJ (Consul) = 2 wing 3 (The Host)
For the ESFJ personality type, the Enneagram Type Two with a Three wing is the best match. ESFJs are described as “believing in the power of hospitality, good manners, and typically feeling a sense of duty to those around them.” ESFJs are also very concerned about their social status, need a ton of affirmation, and tend to shamelessly fish for compliments if they’re feeling insecure.
Twos are called "Helpers" because their core desire is to earn love by serving others, while Threes are called “Achievers” because they’re driven to earn love by standing out from the crowd with their exceptional set of skills. So 2w3s have a strange mix of service and prominence, humility and vanity. Overall, both ESFJs and 2w3s strive to keep everything light, positive, and connected all while having a deep need to be recognized for the gifts they provide for their community.
ENFJ (Protagonist) = 3 wing 2 (The Charmer)
For the ENFJ personality type, the Enneagram Three with a Two wing is a great match. ENFJs are described as “natural born leaders. They are filled with passion and charisma that allow them to inspire others not just in their careers but in every arena of their lives, including their relationships.” That combination of career prominence mixed with an emphasis on their personal relationships is exactly what the mix of a Type Three and a Type Two creates.
Both ENFJs and 3w2s have a ton of energy, but this leads to their greatest struggle: being too intense and getting too involved in the lives of other people. This is partially due to the fact that they overestimate their abilities and energy level, but also due to the fact that other people become a reflection of their identity. Overall, both these types are a warm, engaging, powerhouse of a personality.
ENFP (Campaigner) = 3 wing 4 (The Professional) AND 4 wing 3 (The Aristocrat)
Since there are 16 Myers-Briggs types and only 18 Enneagram subtypes when using the wings, the ENFP is a lucky winner for one of two MBTI types with two Enneagram types: both the 3w4, and the 4w3.
When it comes to Threes with a Four wing, they fit the ENFP personality type because they’re both enthusiastic, eloquent, and empathetic yet driven in their careers. 3w4s are called “The Professional” because their identity is wrapped up in feeling special and accepted within their chosen field of work. ENFPs also have a deep fear being disliked, so they tend to shy away from hard conversations in order to avoid tarnishing their positive reputation. Overall, both ENFPs and 3w4s have a keen eye for reading people so that they can engage them in the most effective or impactful way possible.
When it comes to Fours with a Three wing, they also fit the ENFP personality type despite Type Four Individualists having a bit of a reputation as melancholy, artistic, introverts. The Four's essence parallels the Intuitive (N), Feeling (F) component of Myers-Briggs ENFP, while the Three wing brings the introspective Four out into the social world, hence the Extrovert (E) in ENFP. Only the healthiest Fours would test as a J--leading us to another ENFP, despite the potential pushback on pairing vibrant, upbeat ENFPs with the Type Four.
Lastly, both 4w3s and ENFPs can imagine doing so many things with their lives that it causes them to be filled with a deep sense of restlessness. They also have subtly high standards, meaning they often think things can or should be better than they are--be it their relationships, career, or just life in general.
INFP (Mediator) = 4 wing 5 (The Bohemian) AND 9 wing 1 (The Dreamer)
The INFP is the second lucky Myers-Briggs type to be paired with two enneagram subtypes: the Four with a Five wing, and the Nine with a One wing.
The INFP personality type aligns with the 4w5 because of their desire to establish a unique identity. INFPs are defined by “their vibrant imagination and crave opportunities for creative self-expression. They’re also very sensitive and have a deep commitment to authenticity.” Enneagram Fours are called “The Individualist” because their core desire is to feel special, unique, and significant. They want their identity to be distinct from anyone else, which is why they turn to the arts to express themselves in truly creative ways. The Five wing makes Fours even more introspective, withdrawn, and comfortable living in their imagination. Overall, both INFPs and 4w5s are empathetic, creative, and somewhat isolated individuals.
There's also immediate surface-level similarity between INFPs as the “Mediators” and Nines as the “Peacemakers." INFPs are described as “yearning for harmony and acceptance.” They make great listeners because they’re patient, warm, and non-judgmental, just like Type Nines. However, INFPs are also so good at letting others take up space, that they often feel lonely or invisible. Similarly, Nines are professionals at blending into the background of other people’s lives because they fear that asserting their identity will fracture the stability and comfort the status quo.
The influence of the One wing makes healthy Nines lean into their beliefs and commit to their values, just like INFPs. Overall, both of these personality types thrive when they feel like they have equal parts structure and purpose so they can live into their convictions, all within a stable environment.
INTP (Logician) = 5 wing 4 (The Bohemian)
For the INTP personality type, the Enneagram Five with a Four wing is a great match.
INTPs typically seek out unconventional lives as they’re a unique blend of creativity and rationality. Much like 5w4s, they’re a mix of the head (Type Five) and the heart (Type Four).
INTPs are also similar to 5w4s in that they’re plagued with “analysis paralysis.” They can live in their head for a long time coming up with endless new ideas and possibilities that it makes it hard for them to take action.
Both of these types struggle with relationships. The Four wing makes the already isolated Five even more withdrawn, despite it also creating a deeper desire to feel seen and known. Overall, INTPs and 5w4s are curious, observant, original, and a bit disconnected.
INTJ (Architect) = 5 wing 6 (The Iconoclast)
For the INTJ personality type, the best match is likely the Enneagram Five with a Six wing (5w6). INTJs are described as deriving much of their identity and self-esteem from their intellect. Affectionately speaking, they’re “nerds”--a mix of super analytical and incredibly practical, which is exactly what a combination of Fives (analytical types) and Sixes (practical types) tends to create.
INTJs and the 5w6 are also both so rational and practical that it often makes them relationally clueless. They can be somewhat robotic, frustrating people who are either trying to work with them or be in a relationship with them. Overall, both of these types are incredibly intelligent, hard working, solution-oriented folks that keep us on our toes if they let us into their worlds.
ISTP (Virtuoso) = 6 wing 5 (The Defender)
For the ISTP personality type, the Enneagram Six with a Five wing (6w5) is a great fit.
Sixes by nature are a bundle of paradoxes--both seeking relationships and yet highly independent, while Fives tend to be intellectual, often introverted, and even a bit eccentric.
Now 16Personalities describes ISTPs as “quite enigmatic” as they are “friendly but private, calm yet impulsive, and steady but also spontaneous.”
ISTPs also have the same tendency as 6w5s to seek out fields where they serve or protect those in need, which is why this Enneagram type is called "the Defender.” Both of these personality types often become firefighters, paramedics, or police officers. Ultimately both ISTPs and 6w5s are looking for a familiar environment to do practical work with a trusted group of friends that appreciate their creativity, humor, and unpredictable nature.
ENTP (Debater) = 6 wing 7 (The Buddy)
For the ENTP personality type, the Enneagram Six wing Seven (6w7), and more specifically the counterphobic 6w7. Some 6s appear strong and aggressive (counterphobic Sixes), and others appear passive and gentle (phobic Sixess).
ENTPs are called the “Debater” because they enjoy holding court, pushing against mainstream ideas, and have a charismatic or jovial spirit. Counterphobic Sixes are also contrarian by nature, but that’s because they have a rational mind that justifies whatever stance they take. However, Sevens are called "the Entertainer," so the Seven wing makes Sixes far more playful, funny, and entertaining just like ENTPs. The Seven wing also adds the ability to think fast and communicate seemingly unrelated ideas in a cohesive manner.
ESFP (Entertainer) = 7 wing 6 (The Entertainer)
For the ESFP personality type, the Enneagram Seven with a Six wing (7w6) is an easy match up given their shared name: “the Entertainer.”
ESFPs are described as “naturally curious, outgoing, energetic, and easily bored by any repetitive or mundane task.” Enneagram Sevens love new and exciting things, and their core fear centers around feeling trapped or without positive stimulus. Both Sevens and ESFPs want to make life interesting at all times, and this goes for both their work and their relationships. The Six wing also adds more restless anxiety to the Sevens natural drive for new experiences. Overall, both these types bring an unmistakable sense of energy and excitement to their social circles as they seek to find companions to adventure through life with.
ESTP (Entrepreneur) = 7 wing 8 (The Realist)
For the ESTP personality type, the Enneagram Seven with an Eight wing (7w8) is a great match. While Sevens are typically fun loving and light-hearted adventurist, the Eight wing drives Sevens to be a bit more success oriented as they crave social prominence. The Enneagram Institute calls Sevens with an Eight wing “the Realist,” but they're also serial entrepreneurs, which is what calls the ESTP.
The ESTP personality is described as having “a blunt sense of humor, a desire to be the center of attention, and a rational but easily distracted mind.” Similarly, the Eight wing makes funloving Sevens a bit more spicy, egotistical, and likely to take shortcuts to success rather than learn the depths of any one topic or skill. Overall, both these types have highly synthetic minds that make them very capable, engaging, and somewhat defiant in their approach to creating an exhilarating life.
ENTJ (Commander) = 8 wing 7 (The Maverick)
For the ENTJ personality type, the Enneagram Eight with a Seven wing (8w7) is the best match. 16Personalities calls ENTJs “The Commander” because they are “dominant, relentless, and unforgiving.” Intense! So is the Enneagram Type Eight, which is called “The Challenger.”
The Eight’s core desire is to prove their strength by dominating or resisting their environment, and they do this with either their high functioning mind, physical strength, or both. When it comes to their feelings, both ENTJs and Type Eights are usually detached from their emotions, with the exception of their anger. The Seven wing can make Eights far more playful and lighthearted, but it also fuels their restless mind. On a more positive note, both of these types can be truly inspiring leaders that make great personal sacrifices for the good of others.
ESTJ (Executive) = 8 wing 9 (The Bear)
For the ESTJ personality type, the Enneagram Eight with a Nine wing (8w9) is a great match. 16Personalities calls the ESTJ “The Executive” because they are true leaders who seek to organize teams, chase lofty goals, and attack inefficiencies of any size.
They’re also judgmental, stubborn, loyal, and struggle to express emotions, just like Enneagram Eights. 8w9s are called "the Bear” because they’re often more of the strong, silent type, but when they’re in leadership positions, all of the traits described in the ESTJ profile come out in full force.
Nines are called “the Peacemaker” because they want harmony in their environment above all else. When Eights have the harmonious influence of the Nine, they have a keen sense of instability, be it within the home or the workplace--yet another another parallel with the ESTJ’s reputation for being a stabilizing force.
ISFP (Adventurer) = 9 wing 8 (The Referee)
The ISFP was a tough personality type to match to only one Enneagram type, but the 9 with an 8 wing (9w8) is a solid match. There were a few key descriptions of ISFPs from 16Personalities that helped the match-up.
First, ISFPs “easily relate to other’s emotions, which helps them establish harmony, goodwill, and minimize conflict.”
Second, ISFPs “have an independent spirit, but can end up feeling lost in the tide of everyday life.”
These two descriptions line up with 9w8 to a tee, mixing the practicality of the Type Eight Challenger with the empathic and avoidant nature of the Type Nine Peacemaker. Both ISFPs and 9w8s have low self-esteem that prevents them from going after their dreams, and instead, focus on being a big fish in a little pond. Overall, both these types are imaginative, warm, and endearing individuals.
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