How ESFJ Enneagram Types Differ

If you’ve found this blog post, you probably already know which of the 16 personality types you are. But do you know your Enneagram type? If not, you should definitely check it out – there’s a lot of valuable information to be gleaned from this personality theory.

But even if you’re already familiar with the Enneagram, did you know that there’s a correlation between the 16 personality types and Enneagram?

While the 16 personalities model is more focused on how we interact with the world around us, the Enneagram framework delves deeper into our underlying motivations and basic fears.

So when you combine your 16 personalities type and your Enneagram type, you can get some even deeper insights into why you make decisions the way that you do or why you behave in certain ways.

Today, we’re going to take a look at how ESFJs relate to each of the nine Enneagram types. Keep reading for insights and tips on how to better understand yourself and others.

Which Enneagram types are most common among ESFJs?

According to a study conducted by Thought Catalog, the most common Enneagram type among ESFJs, by a long way, is Enneagram 2. This isn’t too surprising. Enneagram 2s are warm and caring people who want to help others. They’re also very supportive and welcoming. These are the kind of ESFJs who are always thinking about other people’s needs.

The second most common Enneagram type for ESFJs is Enneagram 6. Again, this isn’t a surprise. Enneagram 6s are loyal, dedicated, and reliable. They’re also supportive, and you can count on them to always be there for friends and family. These are the kind of ESFJs who value being part of a group and having a sense of community.

Anyway, let’s save some thoughts for later on in the post.

How each Enneagram type manifests in ESFJs

Let’s now take a look at how ESFJs differ depending on their Enneagram type.

ESFJ Enneagram 1

ESFJs who identify as Enneagram 1 are more of a perfectionist than your typical ESFJ. They’re sociable and organized, but they also have a strong sense of right and wrong. In addition, they tend to analyze decisions very carefully. They want to be seen as ‘good’ people, and they are deeply dedicated.

ESFJ Enneagram 1s are the type of people who are always striving for the best. They are exceptionally committed, and they’re some of the hardest workers out there. In addition, they are self-disciplined and conscientious.

People of this type have a strong sense of morality and justice, which shines through in their words and actions. However, ESFJ Enneagram 1s are often hard on themselves and can benefit from learning to relax and go with the flow.

ESFJ Enneagram 2

In general, ESFJs are known for their consistency, reliability, and trustworthiness. These traits are even more accentuated in ESFJ Enneagram 2s. They take pride in being someone who can be counted on. However, ESFJ Enneagram 2s can be manipulative at times.

ESFJ Enneagram 3

ESFJs who identify as Enneagram 3 are more driven and ambitious than your typical ESFJ. They’re always striving to be the best, and they’re more competitive. ESFJ Enneagram 3s are very charming, and they know exactly how to work a room. They’re the kind of people who are exceptionally in tune with social dynamics.

ESFJ Enneagram 3s are quick thinkers and they’re always looking for ways to improve. They’re never satisfied with mediocrity, and they push themselves to their limits. At times, they can be ruthless in their pursuit of success. They are natural leaders and are often very talented managers. ESFJ Enneagram 3s can find it hard to sit still, which is why they are always on the go.  

In general, ESFJs are naturally perceptive of their environment, and they are highly aware of physical beauty. These characteristics are even more evident in ESFJ Enneagram 3s. This can mean that they are more image-conscious and concerned about what others think of them.

ESFJ Enneagram 4

This is a rare Enneagram type for ESFJs. ESFJ Enneagram 4s are more introspective and sensitive than your typical ESFJ. They’re also more self-aware and in touch with their emotions. People of this type need more alone time than other ESFJs to reflect and process their feelings.

While most ESFJs are often very integrated into social groups, ESFJ Enneagram 4s can feel a little misunderstood, and they sometimes live with a sense of being ‘different’. They have a desire for self-expression and might find themselves drawn to the arts. This ties in with the fact that they are often more creative than your typical ESFJ.

ESFJ Enneagram 4s tend to be slightly more individualistic, often through their fashion sense. People of this type often have a deep understanding of human nature, and they can be very perceptive when it comes to other people’s emotions. However, their heightened awareness of their own emotions can make them susceptible to depression and anxiety. 

ESFJ Enneagram 5

While ESFJs tend to be resourceful and intelligent in a practical sense, ESFJ Enneagram 5s are excellent at analyzing information and data. In addition, they’re quick to notice inconsistencies that others might miss. However, they can be arrogant and condescending when they think they are right.

ESFJ Enneagram 6

This is the second most common Enneagram type for ESFJs. ESFJ Enneagram 6s tend to be more anxious and uncertain than your typical ESFJ. Most ESFJs tend to take a decisive and deliberate approach to life — they have a certain confidence when making decisions. However, ESFJ Enneagram 6s are a little more cautious and risk-averse when it comes to decision-making and trying new things.

ESFJ Enneagram 6s are very loyal and protective of their loved ones. They’re the kind of people who would do anything for their family and friends. In fact, people of this type value loyalty above all else. In general, ESFJs take pride in sticking to their word, and ESFJ Enneagram 6s take this even more seriously. You can always count on them to follow through. They value being part of a group, and they often have a strong sense of community.

People of this type like to plan for multiple scenarios because they are very focused on safety and security. However, imagining all the different ways a situation might play out can be a struggle for ESFJs. In addition, they can need a lot of reassurance from others at times. They can also be prone to paranoia and worry. This means that they can be quite pessimistic.

ESFJ Enneagram 7

ESFJ Enneagram 7s are more energetic and optimistic than your typical ESFJ. They are also more open to new experiences. While a lot of ESFJs can find it hard to relax, ESFJ Enneagram 7s don’t have as much of a problem with this. Ultimately, they need to be kept on their toes because they don’t cope well with boredom.

People of this type seek out adventure and sensory stimulation. In addition, they aren’t afraid to push boundaries, but they will stick to the rules! They take the view that it’s worth taking risks for new experiences. However, their rashness can cross over into the territory of being impulsive, which can sometimes get them into trouble.

ESFJ Enneagram 7s have a slightly more scattered thought process. They’re always thinking about the next thing, and they can find it hard to focus on one task for too long. This can make them seem a little chaotic from the outside, but there is usually a method to their madness. People of this type often have many goals that they’re working towards at a given time.

ESFJ Enneagram 8

However, their competitive nature can sometimes make them seem arrogant, and they can have a hard time losing. In addition, their drive to succeed can lead them to make rash decisions. But ESFJ Enneagram 8s are also quick-thinkers, and they’re very good at problem-solving on the fly.

ESFJ Enneagram 9

ESFJ Enneagram 9s are more easy-going and agreeable than your typical ESFJ. They’re peacemakers who strive to maintain harmony. In addition, they’re more comfortable letting others take the lead in some situations because they have less of an innate desire to always feel in control.

People of this type tend to be more patient and willing to compromise. While ESFJs aren’t easy-going in general, ESFJ Enneagram 9s are more adaptable. However, ESFJ Enneagram 9s can be very resistant to change because they can view it as a disruption to harmony.

ESFJs tend to be outgoing and dynamic. However, ESFJ Enneagram 9s are a little calmer. They are great listeners, and they use these skills to mediate conflict when necessary. Ultimately, they like to maintain a sense of peace. As a result, they tend to be very diplomatic when resolving conflict.

Nuances between ESFJ Enneagram types

So there you have it, the nuances between ESFJs of different Enneagram types. While we have focused on the differences in this post, it’s important to remember that you’re still an ESFJ, first and foremost.

This means that you are people-oriented and organized. There’s a good chance that you’ll also be practical, helpful, and loyal. However, your exact Enneagram type will play a role in how specific traits are expressed.

Particularly if you’re one of the less common ESFJ Enneagram types, we hope this post has provided insight into why you might not fit the stereotype of an ESFJ.

Final thoughts on ESFJ Enneagram types

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like How ISFJ Enneagram Types Differ. Finally, if you liked this post, share it with friends so they can better understand the differences between the ESFJ Enneagram types.