Knowing a person’s Enneagram Type is like knowing a favorite ice-cream flavor as opposed to just knowing that ice-cream is the preferred dessert.
Here, I’m going to run through the different “flavors” of INFJs based on their Enneagram types. Most people have a main Enneagram type as well as a ‘wing’ or complementary type. I am a 4w5, which is common for an INFJ. I’ll explain why.
Note: My ice-cream analogy doesn’t completely apply unless we say some people think they like a certain ice-cream flavor — but really they were just smoking too much weed. In other words, it is highly unlikely that any INFJ would also test as the Enneagram types that are so diametrically opposed.
Type 1 Enneagram (The Reformer): Having a Type 1 interpersonal style is often found in INFJs who are slightly less warm and agreeable (traditional female traits) and more competitive and cold/aggressive (traditional male traits). The Type 1’s emotional style is more confident and satisfied/pleasant than the average INFJ.
Intellectually, a Type 1 Enneagram is more traditional and dogmatic. Organizationally, the Type 1 overlaps with a typical INFJ in terms of efficiency with the Type 1 leaning more toward highly structured and even strict/formulaic.
Bottom line: A Type 1 INFJ is going to test high on conscientiousness. If you do test as an INFJ and Type 1, you are likely a perfectionistic version — much more tense, methodical, cautious and old-fashioned. About 1 in 10 INFJs call themselves Type 1.
Type 2 Enneagram (The Helper): Type 2 INFJs are reliable caregivers who are considerate and enthusiastic.
Although it’s not my top preferences, I do test high for Type 2. Type 2 people like to be needed. The Type 2 is probably the most people-pleasing version of an INFJ. Diplomatic, sociable and reliable.
Type 2 is common for INFJs. They are just slightly more extraverted and agreeable in terms of interpersonal style. As for the emotional dimension, look for the the Helper to be more energetic, confident and impatient.
Intellectually, Type 2 and the average INFJ is about the same with the Type 2 Helper being more on the conventional side. Organizationally, there is little difference other than the Type 2 testing just a little more spontaneous.
About 15 percent of those INFJs surveyed identify as Type 2.
Type 3 Enneagram (The Achiever): An INFJ Type 3 is going to be more ambitious with a need to succeed. They are more daring than the average INFJ and conscientious.
For communication style, the Type 3 is quite different than the average INFJ who is warm/agreeable and trusting. The Type 3 is more on the competitive/calculating/dominant side.
Emotionally, a Type 3 is vigorous and enthusiastic where a typical INFJ is more quiet and lethargic. Intellectually, Type 3 is more conventional. Organizationally, they are similar. I think it would be highly unusual for an INFJ to test as a Type 3 Enneagram because their traits are too dissimilar.
Only about 3 percent of INFJs say they are Type 3.
Type 4 (The Individualist/Artist): Type 4 is extremely common for INFJs. Type 4s are sensitive, independent and idealistic. We are intuitive and insightful, eloquent and inquisitive.
The communication style of a Type 4 overlaps with most INFJs as being warm, agreeable and trusting. Emotionally, we are almost identical with Type 4 just testing a bit more on the gloomy side (the inner Goth girl).
Intellectually, it’s the same although a Type 4 accentuates the “esoteric” side a bit more. The only major difference is in organizational style as a Type 4 INFJ is going to express themselves in a more impulsive and whimsical, carefree and more spontaneous way.
A huge percentage — about 30 percent — of INFJs are Type 4 Enneagram.
Type 5 (The Investigator): Type 5 Enneagram types are analytical and curious. We are the INFJ reporters and researchers. Type 5 is my secondary type.
Type 5’s are the ones told to “get out of your head” because they can be too cerebral. However, I think few people would criticize a Type 5 who solves the mysteries of the universe.
A lot of INFJs and INTJs are Type 5.
Interpersonally, the typical INFJ is much more warm and agreeable compared to the more aloof, introverted and cold Type 5.
Emotionally, they overlap with the Type 5 being slightly more impatient and energetic. They also overlap intellectually in terms of traits with the INFJ just being more on the pragmatic side and the Type 5 being slightly more eccentric (very slight).
About one in 10 INFJs say they type as Enneagram 5.
Type 6 (the Loyalist): Dramatic, extravagant, sentimental, romantic.
Although I personally test low on Type 6, almost 10 percent of INFJs land in this Enneagram category. They can be people pleasers who are on the clingy and gullible side.
They could also be a little wild when it comes to spending, but like most INFJs, the Type 6 is highly dependable. Intellectually, the Type 6 is more dogmatic than an average INFJ.
Type 7 (The Enthusiast) and 8 (The Challenger): Only about 1 to 2 percent of INFJs test as either Type 7 or Type 8 so I’m not going to elaborate much here.
Playful and energetic, Type 7’s core desire is to avoid pain. Assertive and adventurous, the Type 8’s core desire is the need to be in opposition and they fear being controlled. Getting out the Medieval torture devices for these two types…
Type 9 (The Peacemaker): About 1 in 10 INFJs say they test as Enneagram 9. Tactful diplomats with a high level of empathy and generous spirits.
If you meet a Type 9 Enneagram INFJ, expect the person to be slightly more extroverted, conventional and dogmatic compared to the average INFJ. They are also less systematic and more carefree and impulsive in terms of organizational style.
Why does it matter? Knowing your Enneagram Type can definitely help when it comes to choosing a career. As for relationships, it’s the little nuances here and there that make the difference in bridging communication gaps.
You might also feel a more kindred spirit with a different MBTI system type who shares an identical Enneagram Type. For example, Type 4 INFJs and Type 4 INFPs often strike up a friendship. And Type 5 INFJS and Type 5 INTJs have a lot in common.
