The ISTPs Enneagram Type (A Complete Guide)

This article will take a look at the enneagram types that are most commonly associated with it and describe them in detail. The article will also highlight the traits that result from the combination of the ISTP with different enneagram types.

The ISTP’s Enneagram Type: 5w6s & 9w8s

The ISTP personality type is most commonly associated with the 5w6 enneagram type and the 9w8 enneagram type especially because of the introverted thinking function that they all possess.

When it comes to the 5w6 enneagram type, they are quite the introverts who process most of the information they have internally with their mental processes such as those of imagining, reflecting, analyzing and experimenting with other ideas. The ISTP is also one of those personality types that has the introverted dominant function and hence share similar characteristics. Type 5 ISTPs are also in the habit of checking things because they do have the sensing function hence they do not only rely on their internal processes but the existence of the external world too to check whatever they discover or work on!

The 9w8 enneagram type is also strongly correlated to the ISTP personality type and this too is mainly because of how they process and respond to certain events – they do so through their introverted function. They are more likely to pick up on stressful events in their surroundings and examine – through their minds – how other people are going to react and whether or not they should keep some distance, especially if there is fear of conflict.

In this article, we will introduce the above personality types and also highlight the traits that arise from their combinations.

The 3 Personalities – ISTPs, 5w6s & 9w8s

Let us take a look at the ISTP personality, 5w6 enneagram and the 9w8 enneagram types in detail.

The ISTP Type

Being introverted doesn’t take the attention away from you. Yes! They are introverted, sensing, thinkers and perceivers. These people are very independent and do not like to depend much on others!

ISTPs are people who don’t like rules as it restricts them and they are mostly concerned with what is going on inside them and like to think more about their pursuits,concerns and interests. This type is indeed a risk taker, loves to explore new things and never hesitates even when there is a hint of danger. 

ISTPs value efficiency. They want results and want to get things done fast. Sometimes they get impatient because they want quick results and fail to take into account other factors that prevent things from happening according to plan. This could be because of their sensing function which creates a desire in them to see results – they deeply desire to see the result of their efforts for which they have been working so hard!

The 5w6 Enneagram – The Troubleshooter

The troubleshooter is an enneagram type that is mostly made up of the type 5 enneagram but shares some traits with the type 6 one too. This enneagram is quite logical in their approach to how they understand themselves, others and the world. Hence they do not like to go on what they are told – in a sentimental manner – but how it is told and whether or not it appeals to one’s logic. They like to discuss things in  a systematic and structured manner so they can actually analyze whether everything makes sense or not!

As a result of being logical in their dealings, these enneagram types are quite practical and independent. They know how things work and prefer to keep things simple thus they take up practical steps. They are more of the doers rather than the ones who just keep talking about something and never appear to go forward with actually doing something! It is easier to deal with such individuals because they do what they say and they are action oriented – they actually work by showing and not just telling.

Although independent, these enneagram types are way more cooperative than the typical 5’s are! They like to take others’ opinions into view but this does not mean they won’t do as they wish. They respect how other people think or function but they only feel satisfied and comfortable going ahead with what they believe is right for their own self.

These enneagrams have a strong passion for learning and growing in terms of their skills and strengths. They will read, enroll in courses and attend training programs to boost their skills and knowledge. This helps them make better decisions because they have the right resources which include experience, knowledge and first hand exposure to the real world. They do not like to discuss or engage in things they do not know much about.

The Basic Fear – Trouble For Troubleshooters

The thing these enneagrams fear the most is being useless or unworthy. They are afraid they won’t develop any skills or traits that are actually useful and will help them stand out. They function on the belief that a person is only worthy if they are beneficial.

One of the ways they think someone can be worthy is by seeking to make the world a better place! They want to do this by employing the skills they have learnt of the knowledge they acquire. 

Basic Desire

The basic desire of the 5w6 enneagram is to feel competent and useful of course! They want to feel needed and hence known for a certain skill or trait that people need or think is useful. This is why they set out to gain knowledge and don’t let any opportunity go when it comes to learning new things, gaining experience through courses or programs! 

What Is The Enneagram Type 9w8?

The enneagram type 9w8 associates with the type 9 mostly but also shares traits from the type 8 enneagram. Compared to other type 9 enneagrams, these types are more outspoken and like to take more risks! 

These individuals like to remain out of harm’s way but they have this innate urge to be assertive hence they have conflicting traits due to the fact that they share traits from two different enneagrams. So they tend to avoid conflict but if pushed a lot they will speak up and won’t back down at all! So be careful when you deal with them. They may seem harmless and easy to take advantage of but they will fight back if you exceed the boundaries they have set up!

These individuals like to simplify issues they are facing. If something is very stressful they will like to avoid it completely but in other cases they will try to minimize the magnitude of problems they experience. This may be very soothing in the initial term but as things go along, the problem will start becoming bigger and bigger and eventually the enneagram will have to face the music. They can’t run away from problems forever.

All in all, this enneagram is creative and optimistic. They are supportive and engage well with people because they are sociable. They are comfortable talking to people and enjoy the experience because they get to learn new things, can figure out what is going on around them and what things, if any, they need to be aware of.

Now that we have a general idea of this enneagram, we will take a deeper look at its personality by looking at its fears and desires!

Basic Fear of the Advisor

This enneagram is afraid of being separated from others or falling into the bad books of people! They want to be on the good side of people and not get on their nerves. This is why they avoid conflict or disagreement with others so they can be likeable and not the one who tends to ruin things – even if it means hiding the sour truth!

However, this unique combination of enneagrams does have some internal tension or conflict within itself! The wing 8 enneagram is one that is confrontational and will go after what they believe in and want. Hence they won’t step back so easily. They will actually fight to defend what it is they consider right and hence be assertive! Due to this conflict between the enneagrams that make up the 9w8 enneagram type, the individuals who fall under this category may experience confusion and internal conflict.

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.

The Desire – 9w8 Enneagrams

The one thing this enneagram desires is peace – internally and externally. They want to feel content and happy within and they also want to be at peace with those around them. They do not want to face any sort of conflict that will become a source of stress for them and force them to choose one thing over the other.

Popular Traits

Here are the common traits that arise when the ISTP personality combines with either the 5w6 or 9w8 enneagram types:

  • Strong Introverted Functions
  • Good Examiners
  • Spending Time Alone
  • Problem Solvers
  • Remaining Calm During Crises

Conclusion

This article took a look at the most common enneagram types that are associated with the ISTP personality type from the MBTI inventory. The article not only introduced all of these personalities but also highlighted some common traits that arise when the ISTP personality combines with either the 5w6 or 9w8 enneagram types.

References

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-5/wing-6

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

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!