ISTJ 9w8: (A Complete Guide)

In this article, we will describe a combination of ISTJ 9w8 personality type i.e. ISTJ personality from the MBTI types and the type 9w8 from enneagram types. We will be describing each personality separately followed up by giving an in-depth overview of a combination of both personalities i.e. ISTJ 9w8.

ISTJ 9w8

ISTJ 9w8 shares traits of both ISTJ and 9w8 personality. These personalities strive to be connected with the world. Yet, they are conflicted between being passive and assertive. They strive for internal balance and external peace. They are objective, detail-oriented and dutiful people who are non-judgemental and loyal in their relationships. They make sure to execute things according to plan and fulfill their goals.   

MBTI: Four Cognitive Functions

 Myer Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types, approaches personality to be composed of four cognitive functions that govern how people think, process, and make decisions. The top two cognitive functions play a dominant role in guiding a person’s personality. Whereas, the latter two play less of a role. However, they still have some impact or influence on how a person behaves in certain situations. ISTJ is one personality type out of the 16 types. 

ISTJ: The Inspector (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)

The ISTJ personality type from the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types. It describes people who are quiet, reserved, practical, and organized. They are traditionalists and value loyalty. 13% of people have an ISTJ personality type in the world.

Four Cognitive Functions of ISTJ

Four cognitive functions that guide how ISTJ personality type processes information includes:

Introverted Sensing

ISTJs are present-oriented and can take in information from their surroundings.  They have a good memory and can use prior experience to predict or expect what will happen in the future.

Extroverted Thinking

ISTJs are logical,  objective, and rational.  They focus on details and concrete information rather than abstract information.  They are efficient and productive people who appreciate knowledge with practical application.  They are also good decision-makers who use logic and evidence instead of feelings to guide their judgment. 

Introverted Feeling

ISTJs often have gut feelings about different situations.  Although they make decisions based on logic but their feelings inform them to trust their emotional instinct rather than just facts. 

  Extroverted Intuition

This is the weakest part of ISTJ’s personality. They enjoy new ideas and experiences which help them to have a more balanced personality. 

Enneagrams

Enneagrams are a map or typology of human personalities. It was developed by George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, Oscar Ichazo, and Claudio Naranjo.It is divided into nine personality types that are spread across 3 triads i.e. Feeling triad, Thinking Triad, or Instinctive Triad. It describes a person’s fundamental psychological orientation in the form of good or bad traits and sees which triad quality i.e. emotion, intellect or instincts is most characteristic of his or her personality.  The Basic Personality Type is the most characteristic of a person. Whereas wings add elements to the overall personality. Type 9w8 is one of its types.

Type 9w8: ‘The Comfort Seeker’

Type 9w1 has basic traits of type 9 and secondary traits of type 8. Type nine pushes such people to be passive and maintain harmony. Whereas, wing 8 pushes them to be aggressive and practice assertiveness. As a result, such people are receptive, not conscious of themself, agreeable but also set limits. They are social, easy-going, friendly, and rely on emotions and hunches. However, they can be grounded when required. 

Healthy versions of this subtype are strong internally, have good willpower, and are passionate. They can be powerful yet gentle, be assertive but with graciousness & concern, and be dominating yet submissive. Although they are easy-going in general yet on rare occasions they have tempers. They are open to socializing with people, unconditionally accept them the way they are, have a dry sense of humor, and know how to present themselves well. Their focus is on the present circumstances and needs. Professions like sales and helping services suit them greatly as they can utilize their skills of negotiation and can be supportive and helpful to others. 

Average versions of this subtype are able to disengage from their emotions completely. Others see them as peaceful. Although, occasionally they can be aggressive unknowingly. They are lazy about achieving success in some areas of their life and ambitious in others. 

Type 9w8 (don’t confuse it with ISTJ 8w9) are intellectually average, need psychological and intimate compatibility in relationships, and see materialistic self-interest in relationships. They can be stubborn, defensive, and aggressive at times and may get set off by the tiniest things especially if their peace of mind is interrupted. However, right afterward they become calm and peaceful again. 

Sometimes, they can be protective of themself and their property and unintentionally hurt others in the process. Such fights may involve confrontation and a long-term resentment, especially if their family, lifestyle, or beliefs are attacked. Yet, they are always ready for a peaceful resolution if the opportunity presents itself.   

With time, they can become rigid about their safe routine & habits and stop listening to others. Depression, low energy, flat emotional affect, tremors, tearfulness, and anxiety can also build up with time. If the situation arises, they can be emotionally detached, impulsive, and violent especially if they are in an unstable state and not able to regulate their internal forces. This can happen in cases of intimate jealousy related to a spouse or being separated from a close person. In other words, their pride gets hurt in these situations. Psychological problems like chronic depression, extreme dissociation, and addiction may arise in such people. 

Examples of Type 9w8: Keanu Reeves, Ringo Starr, Gerald Ford

A Combination of ISTJ 9w8

Personality: ISTJ 9w8

ISTJ 9w8 are afraid of being cut off from the rest of the world. So, they try to avoid and prevent conflict by being passive. Yet, they are conflicted as another side of their personality pushes them to be assertive.  They desire to have balance and peace in themself. These people can be logical, and rational. Their skills of observation allow them to pay attention to details. They try hard to fulfill their goals and not take risks. They are peace-loving people who are dutiful and loyal. Usually, they busy themself in their routine and avoid negative emotions. 

Workstyle: ISTJ 9w8

ISTJ 9w8 can be assertive, adaptable, encouraging personalities who are able to see things from other people’s perspectives. They make good planners and pay attention to details. Their focus is to achieve their objectives in a timely and efficient manner without any politics. They make sure to clarify team roles and follow rules and regulations. They dislike being highly constrained at their work and prefer some level of independence. Usually, they prefer to work in jobs that allow them to closely interact with others and be independent e.g. counselor, judge, salesperson, social worker, accountant, programmer, doctor, etc.

Emotional stressors of ISTJ 9w8

ISTJ 9w8 are often stressed by major decision making. They value their independence and are stressed when they are forced to be controlled by someone. Being ignored and disregarded upsets them greatly. They usually cope by ignoring their negative emotions and conflicts but it adds to their stress instead of relieving it. 

Conflict: ISTJ 9w8

ISTJ 9w8 personalities do not like conflict and want to avoid it. They can engage in it at a formal level if required. However, their priority to resolve the matter in a fair and peaceful way. They can communicate and express their point of view in disagreements but may turn passive at times. They can set boundaries if the situation calls for it. They use their objectivity and understanding of multiple perspectives to come to a resolution in order to restore harmony.

Interpersonal Skills: ISTJ 9w8

ISTJs 9w8 are friendly and non-judgemental in their relationships. They can be objective and also understand things from other people’s perspectives. They like being social but need a break from people occasionally to recharge. They strive to have peaceful and stable relationships. However, they keep their emotions and internal struggles private and don’t easily open up which can have a negative impact. 

Strengths of ISTJ 9w8

• They are accepting of multiple perspectives
• They can be assertive
• They easily adapt to changing situations
• They can connect with others
• They are supportive
• They are detail-oriented
• They are realistic
• They are focused on the present
• They have good observational skills
• They like practicality, organization, and order in their life.

Weakness of ISTJ 9w8

• They avoid difficult situations
• They minimize personal issues or emotions
• They may shift from assertiveness to passiveness 
• They can be insensitive and judgemental in stress.

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.

 FAQs: ISTJ 9w8

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed ISTJ 9w8 personality.  We found that ISTJ 9w8 are afraid of being cut off from the rest of the world. So, they try to avoid and prevent conflict. Yet, they are conflicted as another side of their personality pushes them to be assertive.  They desire to have balance and peace in themself. These people can be logical, and rational. Their skills of observation allow them to pay attention to details. They try hard to fulfill their goals and not take risks. They are peace-loving people who are dutiful and loyal. Usually, they busy themself in their routine and avoid negative emotions. 

I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊

Citations

https://www.verywellmind.com/istj-introversion-sensing-thinking-judgment-2795992

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

Personality Types – Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery by Don Richard Riso with Russ Hudson

The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson