ESFP 8w9 (A 7 Point Guide)

This is a brief guide to the ESFP 8w9 personality type. SFP is a personality type derived from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality system. And 8w9 is one of the personality types outlined in the Enneagram of Personality. We will be looking at the similarities between these two personality types and at the likelihood of these two types occurring together. We will also examine their primary traits, strengths, weaknesses and other features in detail.

ESFP 8w9:

The MBTI and the Enneagram of Personality are two of the most popular personality classification systems. A number of attempts have been made to correlate the different types outlined in these two systems. These correlations may make it possible to provide individuals with a combined personality result, such as ESFP 7w9.

A majority of ESFPs test as type 7s. Type 8s usually test as ESTJs or ENTJs. This is because they tend to have Extraverted Thinking as their dominant function. However, 8w9s share certain ESFP traits such as being energetic, confident and attentive to the needs of others. Thus, some ESFPs could test as 8w9s. Overall, the results about ESFP-8w9 correlations are still inconclusive.

One reason for these inconclusive results may lie in an inherent difference in MBTI and the Enneagram that makes them difficult to compare. The Enneagram relies on basic motivations as a way of differentiating between people, whereas MBTI focuses more on their functions i.e. the way they perceive and interact with the world. Thus, although certain Enneagram types are more likely than others to co-occur with a specific MBTI types, this is by no means guaranteed.

ESFP (The Entertainer):

ESFP is an MBTI personality type. The MBTI is a classification of 16 personality types. It is measured by the MBTI indicator and encompasses the different ways in which people perceive and engage with the world. The tool assigns people along 4 dimensions:  introversion vs. extraversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, judging vs. perceiving and generates one of 16 possible combinations as the final result. ESFP is one of the possible results you can get on the MBTI.

ESFPs are effervescent and charming and draw people to them. They are spontaneous and energetic and take pleasure in everything around them. ESFPs are outgoing and like to engage in new and vibrant experiences. They have a keen eye for aesthetics and are always open to new experiences. ESFPs are ardently social and love bringing people together through fun and laughter. ESFPs like to be the centre of attention and are usually the individuals who are the ‘life of the party’.

Although they may appear self-absorbed, ESFPs are actually very observant and sensitive to others feelings. They are supportive and always available to talk about someone’s problem. However, if the problem is about them, they prefer to avoid rather than address the issues.

ESFPs can be impulsive and focus on immediate pleasure rather than analysing and planning for the future. They usually rely on luck or a friend to keep them on track. Additionally, because ESFPs are so focused on having fun they go out of their way to avoid situations that interfere with this.

Characteristics:                                               

·       Extraverted: Energised by spending time with other people.

·       Sensing: Focus on tangible experiences or facts rather than ideas and concepts

·       Feeling: Decisions are guided by feelings and values rather than cognition

·       Perceiving: Avoid planning and organising and adopt a spontaneous approach

Strengths:

·       Bold and open to new experiences

·       Original. Like to stand out

·       Good aesthetic sense

·       Prefer to see, do and experience rather than think

·      Focus on the here and now

·       Observant. Strong awareness of their surroundings and the needs of others

·       Excellent social skills. Witty, talkative and enjoy company.

Weaknesses:

·       Sensitive to criticism and highly emotional

·       Tendency to avoid conflict

·       Impulsivity and difficulty with long-term planning

·       Risky or over-indulgent behaviour

·       Easily bored

·       Difficulties with prolonged focus and persistence on tasks

·       Difficulty dealing in abstractions

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

ESFPs at Work:

ESFPs are born entertainers and love engaging with people. They prefer an active and social work environment. Owing to their keen aesthetic sense, ESFPs thrive in careers in music, art, food or fashion. Work that does not produce immediate results and environments that are extremely rule-bound and bureaucratic are not suited to ESFPs. Because they are so tuned to people’s needs, ESFPs thrive in careers where they can serve others.

ESFPs prefer hands-on working experiences and are good at practical problem solving. Jobs that an ESFP would be well suited for include: actor, artist, designer, teacher, psychologist, social worker, real estate agent, public relations manager, corporate trainer etc.

ESFPs in Relationships:

ESFPs have a natural interest in forming connections with people. They are warm, friendly and openly affectionate. They often go out of their way to make their loved ones happy. However, they dislike dealing with the complexities of relationships and have a tendency to avoid conflicts. Because of their focus on the here and now, ESFPs often neglect thinking about the future course of their relationship and find it difficult to maintain long term relationships.

8w9 (The Diplomat):

8w9 (8 wing 9) is an enneagram type. It indicates Type 8 personality with a 9 wing. This means that this personality primarily has Type 8 traits, but also a few of Type 9. The enneagram is a personality typology system that focuses on the basic fears and motivations that guide the lives of individuals. It has been used widely in business and spiritual settings.

This system is made up of nine primary personality types. A nine point diagram helps to demonstrate how these nine types are connected to each other. In addition to the basic nine types, the system includes 27 different subtypes or wings as well as three primary central factors focusing on thinking, feeling and behaviour. According to the Enneagram, every personality type can be coupled with characteristics from one of its neighbouring personality types. Thus, type 8 is divided into two types: Type 8w7 and 8w9.

8w9s are confident and protective people. Their basic fear is being hurt by others. And their basic desire is to protect themselves from hurt and be in control of their own life. They strive to be independent and exercise control in all areas of their life. Like other Type 8s, they defend against emotional vulnerability by putting up a strong front.

8w9s are a gentler and calmer version of other Type 8s. They are less confrontational and aggressive and show more consideration for those around them. Although they don’t avoid confrontation entirely, they are careful about choosing when to confront. 8w9s are often mistaken for 9w8s. However, there are some factors that help distinguish between the two. 8w9s place more emphasis on maintaining control and fighting for what they want, whereas 9w8s try to keep the peace and be agreeable.

Strengths:

·        Adopting multiple perspectives

·        Energetic and confident

·        Support and guidance to others

·        Protective of loved ones

·        Attentive to others needs

·        Good leaders

Weaknesses:

·        Short tempered

·        Stubborn and rigid

·        Aversion for rules and authority figures

·        Appear overconfident or emotionally distant

Sources of Motivation:

·        Leading others

·        Being in charge of decision making

·        Time with loved ones

·        Advocating for and empowering other people

Sources of Stress:

·        Conflicts or arguments

·        Rejection from others

·        Emotional vulnerability

·        Feeling out of control

8w9s at Work:

8w9s are natural leaders. They are supportive and attentive to the needs of others while also being independent and self-confident. They flourish in work environments that permit autonomy while allowing them to engage with other people and empower them.

Jobs that 8w9s are suited for include: judge, activist, professor, counsellor, director, business owner etc.

8w9s in Relationships:

8w9s are warm and family-oriented people. Compared to other Type 8s they are a lot more compassionate and sensitive to others. However, like other Type 8s, 8w9s fear emotional vulnerability, which can act as a barrier in their relationships.

Conclusion:

In this guide, we looked at ESFPs and 8w9s. We focused on the likelihood of these two personality types co-occurring as ESFP 8w9.  Additionally, we explored the traits, strengths, weaknesses and other aspects of these two types in more detail.

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.

FAQ on ‘ESFP 8w9 (A 7 Point Guide)’:

Are ESFP manipulative?

ESFPs are not usually manipulative. However, they are very trusting and take most tings at face value. This makes it easier for other people to manipulate them.

Who gets along with ESFP?

ESFPs are said to get along well with ISTJs or ISFJs. The ESFPs extraverted Sensing is complemented by the Introverted Sensing function of ISTJs and ISFJs.

Is ESFP rare?

ESFP is found to be the third most common enneagram type for women and the seventh most common type for men. They constitute about 9% of the general population.

What Enneagram is ESFP?

A major chunk of ESFPs identify as Type 7s. They tend to be highly extraverted, energetic and sociable.

What is the rarest Enneagram type?

The rarest Enneagram type is said to be Type 4. This is often because Type 4s go unnoticed because they tend to be introverted and withdrawn.

What is the most popular Enneagram?

Type 9 is considered to be the most popular enneagram.

References:

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-8-wing-9

https://personalityjunkie.com/07/myers-briggs-enneagram-mbti-types-correlations-relationship/

https://www.truity.com/personality-type/ESFP

https://www.verywellmind.com/esfp-extraverted-sensing-feeling-perceiving-2795984

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