ESTJ 8w9 Personality: Strengths, Weaknesses & Growth Tips

The ESTJ 8w9 personality combines the efficiency, organization, and reliability of ESTJs with the desire for power of the Enneagram Type 8 and Type 9’s appreciation for peace and stability. As such, people with this personality type are often seen as effective leaders who use their influence and strategic mindset to create and preserve a stable, harmonious environment.

If you or an ESTJ you know got this result on the Enneagram test, keep reading to learn more about the quietly determined ESTJ 8w9 type.

ESTJ 8w9 Personality: Typical Traits and Behaviors

Some typical traits of the ESTJ 8w9 personality include discipline, dependability, and a strong sense of authority. While these ESTJs are as practical, organized, and decisive as others belonging to this MBTI type, they are usually more patient and diplomatic due to the influence of the assertive yet composed Enneagram 8w9.

Here’s a more detailed overview of their key traits:

• Authority. Both ESTJs and Eights are take-charge types of people, so it’s no wonder that ESTJ 8w9s are natural-born leaders. However, their Nine wing softens their intensity and hunger for power; they usually channel their leadership skills into protecting others rather than bossing them around.
• Discipline. ESTJ 8w9s are consistent individuals with a strong work ethic. Because they are usually ambitious and result-oriented, they rarely, if ever, procrastinate. Their disciplined nature enables them to achieve both their personal and professional goals with ease.
• Dependability. Dependability is one of the greatest strengths of the ESTJ 8w9 personality. These individuals take pride in being trustworthy, following through on their commitments, and being there for their loved ones.

ESTJ 8w9 vs. ESTJ 8w7

The difference between ESTJ 8w9 and ESTJ 8w7 personalities boils down to their Enneagram wings. Sevens are more enthusiastic, spontaneous, and fun-loving than Nines, meaning ESTJ 8w9s are significantly calmer than their counterparts. They also tend to be more sensitive to other people’s feelings due to their harmony-seeking nature.

Below is a brief overview of the key differences between ESTJ 8w9 vs. 8w7 personalities:

What Are ESTJ 8w9 Core Fears and Desires?

The core fears and desires of ESTJ 8w9 personalities are closely connected to the themes of autonomy and stability.

Let’s explore them in greater depth:

Core Fears of ESTJ 8w9

The core fears of ESTJ 8w9s are:

• Conflict. Although ESTJ 8w9s may seem composed and confident on the outside, they often harbor a deep-seated fear of conflict, as it disrupts their inner peace and stability. Due to the influence of their Nine wing, they are usually less confrontational than other ESTJs.
• Loss of control. Losing control of their lives is among the greatest fears of ESTJ 8w9s, who strive to be the masters of their own fate. They never want to face chaos or feel overpowered by others, as this threatens their sense of autonomy.
• Emotional vulnerability. Neither ESTJs nor Eights are comfortable with their emotions, so it’s only natural that ESTJ 8w9s keep theirs to themselves. Opening up can be difficult for them since it makes them feel exposed, vulnerable, and weak.

Core Desires of ESTJ 8w9

The core desires of ESTJ 8w9s include:

• Peace. ESTJ 8w9s strive to create a peaceful, stable, and predictable life for themselves. As such, they avoid unnecessary change and prioritize long-term stability when making decisions.
• Respect. Being highly respected in their communities is something most ESTJ 8w9s crave. Therefore, they make every effort to establish themselves as dependable individuals; you can count on them to step in during a crisis or take charge when others hesitate.
• Personal power. At the very core of the ESTJ 8w9 personality lies a desire for autonomy and control. To them, power isn’t about dominating others; it’s their way of preserving independence and stability.

Top Career Paths for ESTJ 8w9 and Careers to Avoid

ESTJ 8w9s are drawn to career paths that offer structure and leadership opportunities. They often feel most comfortable in organizations with a clear hierarchy. And, given how determined these individuals are, you can rest assured it’s only a matter of time before they rise to positions of authority!

Being in control is where ESTJ 8w9s thrive, so they don’t hesitate to take responsibility at work. As leaders, they are firm, consistent, and calm. They lead by example, using their strategic mindset to keep teams on track and organize processes for maximum efficiency.

They generally make understanding leaders who strive to create a productive work environment where everyone feels supported and can perform at their best. However, they can also flourish as team members, but only if they’re given enough autonomy; micromanagement can stifle their potential and lead to workplace conflict.

Best ESTJ 8w9 Careers

Below are some examples of the best ESTJ 8w9 careers:

• CEO
• Judge
• Doctor
• Politician
• Sales director

Worst ESTJ 8w9 Careers

The worst jobs for ESTJ 8w9s are those that involve too much emotional labor or offer them little autonomy, structure, or opportunities for development, such as:

• Cashier
• Therapist
• Receptionist
• Personal assistant
• Customer support representative

ESTJ 8w9 in Love and Relationships: What They’re Looking For

In love, ESTJ 8w9s look for mutual respect, trust, and devotion. Because people with this personality type value stability, they rarely like the idea of short-term dating; instead, they seek to find someone with whom they can build a lasting, secure relationship. As such, they’re drawn to people who are dependable, responsible, honest, and loyal.

ESTJ 8w9s often struggle to express their emotions openly. As a result, they may also feel uncomfortable around people who are overly emotional. But even though they typically avoid talking about their feelings, they don’t hesitate to express their love through actions. As such, their preferred love language is usually acts of service.

Best & Worst Romantic Matches for ESTJ 8w9

The following Enneagram types are generally considered the best romantic matches for ESTJ 8w9s:

• Type 1, as Ones also value responsibility, structure, and discipline, which ESTJ 8w9s usually find desirable in romantic partners
• Type 6 because Sixes are loyal, predictable, and trustworthy; they also don’t usually mind letting ESTJ 8w9s take the lead in the relationship
• Type 9 since Nines are patient and peaceful, and ESTJ 8w9s usually feel calm and relaxed in their grounding presence

However, ESTJ 8w9s may find it more challenging to get along with people with these Enneagram test results:

• Type 4because ESTJ 8w9s tend to find Fours’ emotional intensity draining
• Type 7, as Sevens and ESTJ 8w9s usually have vastly different lifestyles, preferences, and priorities; while Sevens seek novelty, ESTJ 8w9s want stability
• Type 8 since this pairing often leads to power struggles in relationships

3 Powerful Strategies for ESTJ 8w9 Growth

Embracing flexible thinking, developing emotional awareness, and creating a healthy work-life balance are three powerful strategies that can help ESTJ 8w9s grow. Those exhibiting emotional detachment, controlling tendencies, and other unhealthy behaviors can also benefit from them.

Here’s how these tips foster ESTJ 8w9s’ personal growth:

#1. Embrace Flexible Thinking

While ESTJ 8w9s are rational and strategic, they can struggle to see and appreciate different viewpoints. As a result, they can come across as rigid and have difficulty handling change or circumstances that are out of their control.

Developing flexible thinking can help ESTJ 8w9s become more adaptable and open-minded. A good place to start is to talk to people from diverse backgrounds, as this can expose them to perspectives different from their own.

#2. Develop Emotional Awareness

If there’s one thing that can make ESTJ 8w9s uncomfortable, it’s emotional openness. However, it’s virtually impossible to build close relationships when you wall yourself off emotionally. For this reason alone, ESTJ 8w9s should build emotional awareness, which can help them understand not only their own but also other people’s feelings.

Here are some tips for becoming more emotionally aware and open:

• Keep a journal to track and process your emotions.
• Reframe your emotions as useful signals rather than a nuisance.
• Use tools like the Feeling Wheel to label your emotions and communicate your feelings.

#3. Create a Healthy Work-Life Balance

ESTJ 8w9s are determined and ambitious, but their drive and sense of responsibility can lead them to focus on work to the point of neglecting their mental, emotional, or social well-being. To prevent this, it’s essential for them to create and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Remember that you don’t have to make major changes to feel a positive difference in your life. Instead of taking on too many responsibilities at work, for example, you can simply delegate some tasks to others.

ESTJ 8w9 Famous People & Celebrities

ESTJ 8w9s have no shortage of courage and ambition, so it’s not uncommon for them to make a name for themselves, be it in the entertainment industry, politics, or business.

Here are some ESTJ 8w9 celebrities and famous people you may know:

• Lucy Liu, American actress, film producer, and artist, who became one of the most prominent figures for Asian American representation in Hollywood
• Henry Ford, American business magnate, industrialist, and founder of the Ford Motor Company who became a pioneer in making car ownership affordable through Fordism
• Joe Jackson, American talent manager, best known for being the patriarch of the Jackson family
• Ivana Trump, Czech-American businesswoman, socialite, model, and Donald Trump’s first wife
• Jimmy Butler, American basketball player
• Uma Thurman, American actress
• Malcolm McDowell, American actor
• Phil McGraw (Dr. Phil), American television personality and author
• Aleksandr Lukashenko, the first and only president of Belarus

ESTJ 8w9 Fictional Characters

Below are a few examples of ESTJ 8w9 characters in fiction:

• Roz (Monsters, Inc.). ESTJ 8w9s can be stubborn and rigid, and so is Roz. You’ll rarely see her smiling, but you’ll surely hear her bugging Mike about his sloppy paperwork. Still, she isn’t cold or ruthless; her Nine wing becomes apparent when she lets Mike and Sulley say goodbye to Boo.
• Mitch Buchannon (Baywatch). Fearless and caring, Mitch is a quintessential ESTJ 8w9 character. Besides a commanding presence and exceptional leadership skills, he also has a compassionate side, heroically risking his life to rescue people who come to the beach.
• Lyanna Mormont (Game of Thrones). Loyal, brave, and intelligent, Lyanna possesses strong leadership abilities that helped her earn people’s respect at just 10 years old. Based on her courage and determination alone, it’s safe to say she’s an ESTJ 8w9!

Uncover Your Enneagram Type in Minutes

Take our free Enneagram test now to discover which of the nine personality types you belong to!

Final Thoughts

And that’s all you need to know about the ESTJ 8w9 personality type!

Although people with this personality may seem no different than most ESTJs at first glance, there’s one thing that makes them truly unique: their appreciation and desire for peace and harmony.

Because of this, ESTJ 8w9s can be surprisingly calm and accommodating for this MBTI type. Nonetheless, they are fiercely protective of their friends, family, and personal boundaries.