Is Enneagram Type 1 and INTP on the Myers-Briggs a Weird Combination?

First, a friendly reminder: unless instincts tell you otherwise, feel free to check the Tritype by Katherine Fauvre for more information. These biological imperatives matter, and only then will the processing style come into play, helping with defensive strategies. In short, while the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can provide a secondary understanding, it should not overshadow your primary Enneagram type, which will deeply influence how you implement your strategies.

Understanding the Compatibility

Having said that, it is important to note that the Enneagram Type 1 and the INTP from the MBTI system are indeed not a common pairing. Type 1 and INTP may seem atypical or even impossible when you consider the different functional orientations each type uses. Typing is not set in stone and people can exhibit traits that span different types, but Type 1 and INTP do not align well given their primary motivations and behaviors.

Convertible Personality

While it is highly unusual, there are scenarios where an ENFP (who tends to be ambivert and flexible) could appear to have some INTP traits. This might happen when an ENFP frequently switches to introversion. However, it’s important to remember that the MBTI model is not without flaws, as it is a theory. People can indeed switch between these types, but such a switch is rare and the MBTI is not designed to capture such fluidity.

Focus of Perfectionism

It is important to note that the perfectionism of an ENTP can manifest in different areas. For an INTP with an Enneagram Type 1 focus, the perfectionism might not be directed at being caring, as it would for a Type 1, but instead at excelling in areas like logic, argumentation, or writing. In essence, the primary motivation to be correct can fuel their perfectionism, rather than the desire to be accepted or adherent to social norms.

Cognitive Stack Analysis

Let's break down the cognitive stacks for an INTP and an ENFP. The stack for an INTP is as follows:

Superior (Hero) Auxiliary (Parent) Tertiary (Child) Inferior (Anima/Animus) INTP:
Ti (Introverted Thinking), Ne (Extroverted Intuition), Si (Introverted Sensation), Fe (Extroverted Feeling) ENFP:
Ne (Extroverted Intuition), Fi (Introverted Feeling), Te (Extroverted Thinking), Si (Introverted Sensation)

Each of these types uses two cognitive-attitudes that the other does not:

INTP uses Introverted Thinking (Ti) and Extroverted Feeling (Fe). ENFP uses Introverted Feeling (Fi) and Extroverted Thinking (Te).

The shared cognitive-attitudes, Extroverted Intuition (Ne) and Introverted Sensation (Si), are not even on the same axis, further highlighting the stark differences between these types.

Personality Identity vs. Orientation

While INTPs are fundamentally Judgers (J) on their identity level, characterized by their heroic role and their desire to be correct, they are Perceptives (P) on their relational level, which affects how they present themselves to others. ENFPs, on the other hand, are primarily Perceptives (P) on their identity axis but are Judgers (J) on their relational axis. This internal conflict can lead to a deeper understanding of themselves and their role in the world.

Subconscious and Cognitive Transitioning

The subconscious mind, also known as the animus (in women) or the anima (in men), plays a significant role. An ESFJ cognitive stack is as follows:

Superior Auxiliary Tertiary Inferior ESFJ: Fe (Extroverted Feeling), Si (Introverted Sensation), Ne (Extroverted Intuition), Ti (Introverted Thinking)

The inferior function, Ti, represents the Internalized Critic, leading to anxiety related to social acceptance, fit, and likability. When this anxiety is lifted, the individual becomes more aspirational and balanced. To achieve this, an INTP must focus on their inferior function, Fi, by aligning with their emotional intelligence and synchronizing with others.

Remember, cognitive transitioning is mentally exhausting, and people often cannot maintain this mental state for extended periods, such as hours.

Understanding these differences can provide insight into the unique challenges and strengths of individuals who may exhibit traits crossing these lines, including the rare combination of Enneagram Type 1 and INTP on the MBTI.