ESFP 9w8 (A 7 Point Guide):

This is a brief guide to the ESFP 9w8 personality type. SFP is a personality type derived from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality system. And 9w8 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 9w8:

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 9w1.

A majority of ESFPs test as type 7s. Type 7 and ESFPs are extraverted and energetic individuals. Type 9s on the other hand tend to be introverts. Additionally, the feeling function is usually dominant for Type 9s. Thus, Type 9s usually test as INFPs, ISFPs, INFJs, or ISFJs on the MBTI.  However, 9w8s usually have a dominant extraverted judgement function which could result in them testing as ENFJs or ENTJs too. Additionally, 9w8s are more likely to test as one of the IFJs rather than the IFPs. All these personality types share the Type 9s desire for peace.

However, ESFPs and Type 9s do have some traits in common such as their conflict avoidance and emphasis on feeling and perceiving. Additionally, the 9w8 preference for physical rather than cerebral, abstract experiences is shared by ESFPs. Thus, we cannot conclusively rule out the possibility of an ESFP testing as a 9w8.

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 type, 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.

9w8 (The Advisor):

9w8 (9 wing 8) is an enneagram type. It indicates Type 9 personality with a 8 wing. This means that this personality primarily has Type 9 traits, but also a few of Type 8. 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 9 is divided into two types: Type 9w1 and 9w8.

9w8s are independent and a lot more social and bold than other Type 9s. Their basic fear is of feeling different or separated from the world. And their basic desire is for internal equilibrium. They seek both intrapersonal and interpersonal harmony. As a result, they often avoid conflict and use work and routine to escape from negative emotions. However, the 8 wing also makes them assertive, which often contends their desire to avoid conflict and keep the peace.

Compared to 9w1s, 9w8s are less intellectual and more focused on physical experiences. Like other Type 9s they have a tendency to be lazy, but this is not usually because they are afraid of failing or looking bad. 9w8s are not future-oriented and prefer to live in the present moment. Although they are usually stable and calm, they can be aggressive when required.

Strengths:

·        Supportive of others

·        Assertive at work

·        Adapting to new situations or ideas

·        Engaging with and leading others

·        Adopting multiple perspectives

Weaknesses:

·        Balancing assertiveness and desire for harmony

·        Avoidance of conflict

·        Trivialise emotional needs and problems

·        Appear curt or stubborn

Sources of Motivation:

·        Stability and structure in daily life

·        Helping others

·        Leading others

·        Feeling understood and at peace

Sources of Stress:

·        Avoiding conflicts

·        Important personal decisions

·        Feeling controlled or curtailed by others

·        Feeling ignored or disregarded by others

9w8s at Work:

9w8s are a unique combination of assertiveness and adaptability. While they are strong and like to get their way, they are also open to other people’s perspectives. Work environments that provide autonomy while also allowing them to engage with others are ideal for 9w8s.

Jobs that 9w8s would be well-suited for include: athlete, manager, counsellor, social worker, diplomat, judge, religious worker, salesperson, editor etc.

9w8s in Relationships:

This personality type follows a ‘live and let live’ philosophy. As a result they are not very demanding or controlling in their relationships. However, if their partners or friends are future-focused worriers, this laidback attitude can be irksome. The 8 wing makes 9w8s a little vengeful with a tendency to hold grudges. Ultimately, 9w8s are committed and loyal in their interpersonal relationships.

Conclusion:

In this guide, we looked at ESFPs and 9w1s. We focused on the likelihood of these two personality types co-occurring as ESFP 9w1.  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 9w8 (A 7 Point Guide):

References:

https://personalityjunkie.com/11/enneagram-type-9-9w1-9w8-infp-infj-isfp-isfj-types/

Enneagram 9w1 vs 9w8

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

Enneagram 9w8: The Nine with an Eight-Wing

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

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

Here Are The Most Common Enneagram Types For Each Myers-Briggs Personality Type