Enneagram Type 8 is one of the nine Enneagram personality types. People often view Enneagram 8 as protectors, challengers, and natural leaders due to their resilience, self-confidence, generous spirit, take-charge nature, and can-do attitude. Strength and fairness are essential to them.
When nurtured and well-understood, people with this Enneagram can steer society and humankind into realms of success with boldness and charisma.
On the downside, people with these personalities are often seen as radicals and complicated due to their goal-oriented and transformative approach to life.
This article covers aspects of the Enneagram Type 8 to understand better how they perceive themselves and the world around them. We will explore Enneagram 8s in the workplace, dating scenes, and other social setups.
Not sure of your Enneagram type? Take an Enneagram test to find out!
Key Personality Traits of Enneagram Type 8
Enneagram Type 8 has earned the nickname the Challenger or Protector because they are unafraid to push boundaries, fight oppression, and stand up for justice. They are the most intense and influential of all the Enneagram types.
Eights are resilient, self-confident, self-reliant, and goal-oriented individuals. Due to their strong personality traits, Type 8's quest to assert power and control keeps them safe from experiencing their own fears of feeling weak or vulnerable.
If we were to look at personality traits assessed with the MBTI, many ENTJs (The Commander) would also fall into the Enneagram 8 classification. They are also likely to score high in the Big Five trait of extroversion since most Type 8s are extroverts.
Some of the key personality traits that stand out for an Enneagram 8 are:
Natural Leaders
These strong, natural-born leaders can make swift decisions and take responsibility for standing up for themselves and others. Eights tend to be in leadership roles since taking charge is their strong suit.
Protective and Justice-Oriented
People with Enneagram Type 8 focus on fighting for justice and combating oppression. They possess a strong sense of duty to protect the weak in society.
Bold and Independent
Type 8s take pride in their autonomy and dislike relying on others. They tackle difficulties head-on and are not easily influenced by divergent opinions.
Assertive and Confident
An Enneagram Type 8 is not shy in expressing their opinions bluntly. Boundaries and limits don't bother them. They are self-confident, ready to stand up for their views, and able to make tough decisions when it comes down to it.
Bossy and Intimidating
The powerful and intense nature of Type 8 can potentially overpower others and even ruin their relationships as they seek to maintain control over their environment.
Famous Enneagram Type 8 Celebrities
To better understand the characteristics of Type 8, it can be helpful to look at famous people with the Enneagram 8 personality type. Because they are in the public eye, their traits are up front and center for everyone to see.
While we don't have their actual Enneagram test results, based upon their outward behaviors, some famous Enneagram 8 celebrities include:
- Alec Baldwin
- Aretha Franklin
- Barbara Walters
- Chelsea Handler
- Courtney Love
- Donald Trump
- Winston Churchill
- Mark Cuban
- Elon Musk
What Motivates Enneagram 8 and What Makes Them Tick?
The Enneagram system offers a profound lens through which to view the diverse tapestry of human personality. It highlights the distinct motivations, desires, and fears that drive each of the nine types. Recognizing the unique set of factors that propel each personality type forward is central to understanding this intricate model.
For Enneagram Type Eights, known for their assertiveness, resilience, and protective nature, delving into what motivates them is vital to grasping their complex character. This segment aims to unpack the core motivations that make Enneagram Type Eights tick, shedding light on the powerful internal forces that influence their actions and decisions.
Enneagram Eight Basic Desire
What motivates Enneagram 8s? What keeps them going when facing pain, challenges, or dissatisfaction? All personality types have basic desires that align with their goals, and type Eight is no different.
Type 8's top motivations include:
- Commanding presence
- Taking charge and offering leadership
- Making decisions that impact other people
- Staying in control of their situation
- Maintaining their freedom and self-reliance
- Proving their strength and resisting weakness
Enneagram Eight Basic Fear
In addition to identifying our core desires, the Enneagram identifies our core fears. Type Eight's basic fear is being controlled or suffering harm at the hands of others.
Here are more scenarios that the Enneagram Type 8 personality dread:
- Feeling powerless
- Feeling vulnerable
- Feeling underestimated
- Feeling incompetent
- Getting manipulated
- Suffering injustice
Enneagram Eight Hobbies
Type 8s may be powerful and goal-oriented, with little leisure time to spare. Still, they need to unplug to achieve a wholesome life balance. That said, when they engage in hobbies, it doesn't come as a surprise that they prefer engaging in activities that utilize their abilities and elevate their status.
These are some of the hobbies Type Eights would find most thrilling:
- Hosting events
- Public speaking
- Debating
- Playing video games
- Blogging
- Volunteering
- Strength sports like boxing and weightlifting
- Thrill-seeking activities like mountain biking and rock climbing
Enneagram 8 Strengths
The Enneagram 8's strengths largely lie in its leadership and decision-making skills. Loved ones and work colleagues can rely on them to make fair and timely decisions. Their ability to express their opinions and advocate for everyone they care about fosters trust, productivity, and harmony.
Some of the strengths typically associated with Enneagram personality type 8 include:
- Taking initiative
- Socially intelligent
- Effective leadership
- Defend and protect
- Unbiased and quick decision-making
- Bold and secure
- Ability to express their opinion clearly and directly
- Compassionate and warm
- Excellent conflict resolution
- Favors loyalty and trust
Enneagram 8 Weaknesses
Their self-confidence and desire to control their environment can be perceived as overbearing and manipulative, causing others to feel uncomfortable. Considering their disregard for other people's opinions, it's no surprise that they trigger frequent misunderstandings, mainly because they prefer rushing through a decision over taking counsel.
Enneagram Eights typically overvalue power and will find it through any means, including wealth, sheer will, or even by force to cement their control over an environment.
These are the weaknesses typically associated with Enneagram Type8:
- Appear controlling and intimidating
- Finds difficulty in submitting to authority
- Insensitive and combative
- Fear of vulnerability
- Outbursts of anger
- Impatience
Enneagram Type Eight Wings
The wings on the Enneagram are the neighboring types located on either side of your core type. In this case, the Eight's wings are Seven and Nine. Often described as subtypes, wings represent the personality types you can incorporate into your primary type to develop more robust capacities that align with your interests and talents.
While the wing you scored second highest is more dominant than the other, they both can help you learn more about yourself and make positive changes where necessary to unlock your full potential.
Let's focus on each of your wings and the influence they inject into your core personality.
Enneagram Type Eight with a Seven Wing (8w7)
Eights with a Seven wing are more enthusiastic and energetic. They project more ambition and impulsively take more risks. That may not be surprising, but what makes these individuals interesting is that they take on the "live in the moment" attitude, which completely shifts this personality into a work hard, play hard scenario.
Enneagram Type Eight With a Nine Wing (8w9)
Eights with a Nine wing are a combination of almost two complete opposites: an assertive and composed nature (think of a velvet glove). They can act decisively when needed but with gentleness and patience. Type 8w9s also accommodate other people's opinions, making them likable and respected by others.
Type 8 Enneagram in the Workplace
Eights love working in environments where they can show leadership and implement ideas. They are energetic and ready to take on roles that challenge their limits. With adequate management skills, Type 8s can be some of the best bosses.
Type 8s don't just want to exist in the workplace; they want to thrive and significantly impact their organizations. Their colleagues may find them intimidating and domineering, but they can also rely on Eights to efficiently resolve a crisis and maintain a safe and just work environment for everyone.
Ultimately, the best careers for anyone depend on a variety of factors, including personal interests and aptitudes. With that said, based on Enneagram traits, some good job choices for Type 8s include:
- Business Consulting
- Company Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Politics
- Law
- Marketing
- Sales
- Product management
Learn more about Enneagram 8 in the workplace.
Enneagram 8 in Romantic Relationships
When dating, it's crucial to understand how your Enneagram type may affect the relationship. Type 8s are protective and fiercely loyal partners. Their love language is acts of service and they express it by standing up for their partners in difficult times and making the tough decisions when most required.
Type Eights prefer to quickly de-escalate tense discussions to keep the power balance. But they are also dedicated to honest communication and giving their partners plenty of freedom.
Beneath their strong armor and in-control demeanor, Eights fear being vulnerable or getting hurt. They may quickly withdraw if their partners don't reciprocate their feelings.
If you love an Eight, get ready to work through their independent, stubborn, and tough exterior, and you will have yourself a dedicated, generous, and hopelessly romantic partner.
How Do Enneagram Type Eights Handle Stress?
Enneagram 8s encounter stress just like everyone else, they are the type who are the least likely to connect stress to negative emotions. Instead, Type Eights feel energized when under stress; it challenges them. You might say they even relish being under pressure (until it gets to be too much).
The first reaction to stress for Type Eight is to go into overdrive. This reaction may take the form of overworking and excessive Type A behaviors.
Left unchecked, they may fall into unhealthy habits like cynicism, extreme withdrawal, being secretive, and being overly critical. Eights only spiral down into these unhealthy stress-relief habits because they learned from an early age to be strong and to stay on guard; only strong and resilient people make it in life.
Enneagram 8s tend to be stressed by:
- Feeling helpless
- Feeling insignificant
- Freedom infringement
- Dishonest and manipulative people
- Facing injustice
- Failure
Quick Tips to Help Type 8 Handle Stress
- Take stock of the progress you've made for each of your goals
- Loosen your guard and embrace vulnerability (it does not make you weak
- Talk to someone you trust about your issues
- Find and apply logical solutions to your problems
- Practice mindfulness
- Engage in moderate physical exercise
- Embrace positive affirmations like " It hurts right now, but I'll get through it" instead of "Suck it up" or "Get over it."
Levels of Development for Type 8 Enneagram
Levels of personal development in the Enneagram are categories that describe the best to the worst version of their core types. The Type 8 Enneagram levels of development are as follows:
Healthy Eights
When self-aware and emotionally healthy, the Protectors epitomize justice and fairness. They fight for the weak in society and champion causes that bring lasting change to society. Close friends and family can rely on their logical advice, genuine love, and unwavering support.
Above all, healthy Eights acknowledge that they wield true power and strength by showing their kind and gentle side and becoming vulnerable to the people they trust.
Average Eights
Average Eights are highly ambitious and see every business opportunity or relationship as a battleground where the goal is nothing short of a win. They are assertive and confrontational and will typically only respect the people who meet them eye to eye. Yet, when they recognize oppression in society, their rage turns to compassion, which fuels their pursuit of justice.
Average Eights have trouble admitting failure and view vulnerability as a threat.
Unhealthy Eights
Unhealthy Eights are quick-tempered and aggressive towards anything standing in their path to attaining power. Their gentle side turns into a blind spot, and they may entirely disregard other people's feelings and emotions.
When their pursuits hit a roadblock, the Challengers lash out or issue threats in an attempt to regain power and protect themselves.
What is an Enneagram 8 at Their Best?
At their best, Type 8s utilize their power and strength to champion change, build a better world, and inspire others. They no longer play as the prototype of "getting big" through any means possible. Instead, they portray qualities of strength, kindness, and generosity that put them on the same pedestal as superheroes.
For Type 8s, the path to becoming their best selves involves continuous self-reflection and embracing vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness.
This process allows them to forge deeper connections with others, moving beyond the surface level to truly understand and support the people in their lives. It's about learning to balance their inherent assertiveness with empathy, showing that authentic leadership is not just about leading the charge but also about lifting others along the way.
To embark on this journey toward being their best selves, Type 8s might consider practices encouraging emotional openness and self-awareness. Activities like mindfulness meditation, journaling, or engaging in open and honest conversations can be transformative. These practices help in recognizing the value of showing one's softer side and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for themselves and those around them.
Additionally, seeking feedback from trusted friends or colleagues can provide invaluable insights into how their actions affect others, guiding Type 8s towards a more empathetic and understanding approach. The goal is not to diminish their strength but to channel it in ways that inspire, motivate, and champion causes with compassion and integrity.
5 Growth Opportunities for Enneagram Eight
Enneagram Eights have numerous growth opportunities they can embrace to enhance their careers, mental health, physical health, emotional intelligence, and personal relationships. To get you started in the right direction, here are five steps you can take for personal growth.
1. Understand the Value of Vulnerability
Learning that you can be vulnerable with those you trust helps you to build emotional intelligence. You find it easier to ask for help when you need it. Learning to take care of yourself is just as important as your need to protect others.
2. Embrace People's Perspectives and Opinions
Use the Golden Rule of communication. Listen to other people's opinions before giving your own. It can be as simple as learning to listen before you speak. That way, you grow your capacity to incorporate their contributions over time.
3. Acknowledge Your Limits
Type Eights are always looking for a challenge that pushes their mental limits. They also set extremely high expectations for themselves. However, this trajectory can lead to poor physical health, burnout, and emotional fatigue without a sense of balance. It's prudent that you make time for hobbies and rest as needed.
4. Think and Feel Before Taking Action
When you feel the need to act impulsively, check in with your thoughts and feelings before taking action. You can try grounding techniques during moments of anxiety or intense situations.
5. Allow Others to Lead
There is no doubt you're a good leader. But sometimes, you need to step back and let others take charge. It also helps to take the time to understand that people differ in how they show leadership. And that's okay!
Be the Best You that You Can Be!
By embracing these steps, Enneagram Type 8s can become the superheroes they are meant to be, not just in their actions but in their impact on the world around them.
Here are some recommended readings to help you on your journey. They can all be found in the Brain Manager's free members’ library.
