The Enneagram and Myers Briggs Test are two of the most popular and insightful personality systems used to understand human behavior, motivation, and emotional patterns. While both aim to reveal how people think, feel, and act, they approach personality from different perspectives — and when used together, they provide a powerful framework for self-discovery and personal growth.
This article explores what each system measures, how they differ, and how understanding the Enneagram and Myers Briggs Test together can help you gain a deeper understanding of your personality and relationships.
What Is the Myers Briggs Test?
The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality assessment based on the work of psychologist Carl Jung. It categorizes individuals into one of sixteen personality types using four core dimensions:
- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): Where you focus your energy — outwardly with others or inwardly with yourself.
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): How you process information — through concrete facts or abstract ideas.
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): How you make decisions — using logic or emotion.
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): How you approach life — structured and organized or flexible and adaptable.
Each Myers Briggs personality type, such as INFJ or ESTP, reflects a unique combination of these preferences. The MBTI helps identify how individuals communicate, make choices, and interact with others in both personal and professional settings.
What Is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is another personality model, but unlike Myers Briggs, it focuses more on motivation and emotional core drives rather than cognitive preferences. The Enneagram divides personalities into nine interconnected types, each representing a distinct worldview and coping strategy.
The nine Enneagram types are:
- Type 1: The Reformer – principled, perfectionistic, ethical
- Type 2: The Helper – caring, generous, people-oriented
- Type 3: The Achiever – ambitious, image-conscious, success-driven
- Type 4: The Individualist – sensitive, introspective, creative
- Type 5: The Investigator – analytical, detached, knowledge-seeking
- Type 6: The Loyalist – cautious, dependable, security-oriented
- Type 7: The Enthusiast – optimistic, spontaneous, fun-loving
- Type 8: The Challenger – assertive, protective, decisive
- Type 9: The Peacemaker – calm, adaptable, harmony-seeking
Each Enneagram type also has “wings” (adjacent influences) and stress/growth points, creating a dynamic picture of how people behave under different circumstances.
Enneagram vs. Myers Briggs: Key Differences
Although both systems aim to explain personality, they approach it from fundamentally different angles:
| Aspect | Myers Briggs Test | Enneagram |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Cognitive preferences and behavior patterns | Core motivations, fears, and emotional drivers |
| Number of Types | 16 personality types | 9 core types (with wings and variations) |
| Origin | Based on Carl Jung’s psychological theories | Rooted in ancient wisdom and modern psychology |
| Primary Use | Understanding thought processes and decision-making | Understanding emotional motivation and personal growth |
| Outcome | Identifies cognitive style and personality type | Reveals inner desires, fears, and behavioral patterns |
In short, the Myers Briggs Test explains how people think and act, while the Enneagram explains why they do what they do.
How the Enneagram and Myers Briggs Test Work Together
Combining insights from the Enneagram and Myers Briggs Test offers a fuller understanding of personality. The Myers Briggs system helps identify your cognitive style — how you perceive and process information — while the Enneagram explores your emotional core and what drives your behavior.
For example:
- An INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) with Enneagram Type 4 may be introspective, emotionally deep, and driven by authenticity.
- An ENTJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) with Enneagram Type 8 might be confident, assertive, and focused on leadership and control.
- An ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving) with Type 9 may seek peace, creativity, and emotional balance.
Understanding both types helps explain how personality traits interact with motivation — for instance, why two people with the same MBTI type might behave differently depending on their Enneagram type.
Common Enneagram and Myers Briggs Combinations
While there is no fixed correlation between the two systems, certain pairings tend to occur more frequently. Below are some of the most common Enneagram and Myers Briggs Test combinations:
- INFJ – Type 4 or Type 1
- INFP – Type 4 or Type 9
- INTJ – Type 5 or Type 1
- ENFP – Type 7 or Type 2
- ENTP – Type 7 or Type 8
- ISFJ – Type 2 or Type 6
- ESFJ – Type 2 or Type 3
- ISTP – Type 5 or Type 8
- ESTJ – Type 1 or Type 3
These combinations help illustrate how cognitive and emotional patterns intersect to form personality nuances that are uniquely individual.
Benefits of Using Both Systems Together
Integrating the Enneagram and Myers Briggs Test allows for a deeper level of personal insight. While MBTI focuses on how you think and behave, the Enneagram explores your inner world — your fears, desires, and coping mechanisms. Together, they offer a more holistic understanding of personality.
Key benefits include:
- Enhanced self-awareness: Understand both how and why you act the way you do.
- Improved emotional intelligence: Recognize motivations behind your reactions.
- Better relationships: Appreciate the diversity of others’ personality structures.
- Personal growth: Identify strengths, blind spots, and paths for self-improvement.
Final Thoughts
The Enneagram and Myers Briggs Test represent two complementary lenses through which to understand personality. The Myers Briggs system explains cognitive preferences — how you think and communicate — while the Enneagram reveals deeper emotional and motivational layers.
By combining insights from both, you gain a comprehensive picture of who you are — your strengths, challenges, and the inner drives that shape your behavior. Whether you’re pursuing self-discovery, improving relationships, or enhancing professional effectiveness, these two systems together provide a roadmap for lifelong personal development and psychological insight.