THE CHALLENGER
Eights have a motivational need to be strong and avoid showing vulnerability. They value having a sense of control and being direct and impactful. Eights love challenges and will embody a need for justice which enables them to protect others. Healthy Eights are experienced by others as strong, deeply caring and approachable. They offer the gift of innocence to themselves and the world around them when they align with the flow of reality. At their worst, others will experience Eights as domineering, aggressive and lustful, an image that stems from the Eight strategy to express themselves as larger than life in a threatening world.
GETTING TO KNOW THE TYPE EIGHT…
Basic Fear afraid of being controlled or hurt by others
Basic Desire is to protect themselves and remain in control of their own lives
Basic Strengths are the ability to express themselves in all situations, act quickly and decisive, leading, defending others and being fair
Blind Spots are being perceived as intimidating, disregard opinions of others and have a hard time following rules or orders
Motivated feeling free, understood and respected. Action and exercise are motivating, too
Drained by being controlled, feeling insignificant and being vulnerable
Best Jobs for the Type Eight: lawyer, politician, director, advertising executive, financial advisor, business owner, sales director
Assertive: confident and direct, say what they need to say and get on with things.
Decisive: quick to respond and willing to make decisions. They trust their gut instincts and will move things forward.
Protective: Under their toughness, are bighearted and take people under their wing. They protect the people and things they care about and will fight against injustices.
Independent: Self-sufficient Eights dislike being dependent on others and maintain their autonomy.
Influential: have their own way of taking charge and influencing others, which includes the capacity to influence the bigger picture.
RELATIONSHIPS
IF YOU LOVE AN EIGHT:
Eights need to be met on their level. They value honesty and straightforward communication (don’t beat around the bush). Remember that their aggression is not personal—more than likely, they’re not thinking about you but instead trying to protect themselves and control their environment.
Type 8’s value having a sense of control in their lives, which can cause them to appear rather aggressive at times. They believe in going after the things they want, but can struggle to allow others to help or take charge. They work to be able to control their environment, but can also be focused on controlling people.
PROFESSIONAL LIFE
They are very assertive and value being able to charge into a situation with confidence and skilled leadership. They want to be independent, and resist being indebted to anyone. They often refuse to “give in” to social convention, and they can defy fear, shame, and concern about the consequences of their actions. Although they are usually aware of what people think of them, they do not let the opinions of others sway them. They go about their business with a steely determination that can be awe inspiring, even intimidating to others. The Challenger is dominant and likes to be in charge. They are the ultimate leaders, and they tend to live for power.
WORKING WITH A TYPE EIGHT
Communicating: Be upfront and direct while remaining open to their ideas.
Meetings: Remain logical and practical, allowing eights to share new ideas or suggestions.
Emailing: Avoid casual conversation—be clear and concise.
Giving feedback: Share feedback respectfully and constructively to avoid defensiveness.
Resolving conflict: Stand your ground and call them on inappropriate action, while also listening to and considering their side.
ROMANTIC LIFE
Romantically, Eights are the true “rugged individualists” of the Enneagram. More than any other type, they stand alone. The Challengers are very protective of those they love and those who cannot defend themselves, such as children, animals, the disabled, and the elderly. The Challenger has a tough exterior, they don’t like being told what to do, and they speak in a very assertive way. Just like in other areas of life, Enneagram Type 8 in relationships can be controlling. However, as tough as they are, they need to be reminded that they are loved, and they seek someone who acknowledges their soft side and allows them to be vulnerable. They expect their partner to be bold and deeply passionate.
HOW TO SUPPORT, GET ALONG and LOVE YOUR TYPE EIGHT:
They are confused when others do not assertively deal with issues.
Eights do not do well when they see any type of injustice.
They expect others to take responsibility for their own behavior.
An Eight can often be misunderstood with their direct and blunt communication skills.
They expect everyone to be straightforward and honest in their communication method.
Being betrayed and blindsided is a total turnoff to the Eight
Eights are generous and loyal friends
They stand up for and fiercely protect those that they care for, the weak and those who have injustices.
In their unhealthy state, they are very quick to anger and become demanding.
Once they reach the unhealthy state of the Eight, they refuse to see how they are hurting others and become insensitive.
Get along with an Eight by acknowledging, but not flattering.
If an Eight is silent they probably aren’t upset with you. They will let you know if they are!
Eights may mistake tenderness for manipulation
Exercising helps to use up some of their excessive energy
Be secure and strong in what you think and believe. Eights love intensity.
Vulnerable Eights have very intense emotions.
GROUPINGS WITH A TYPE EIGHT
To see more pairings by type, click HERE
*Words of Gentle Caution: Keep in mind that much variation exists within a “typical” pattern based upon the level of personal development, cultural background, gender, the influence of other types, and life experience in general. Thus the characteristics and attributes presented for each combination are typical or “classic” for these two types.
GROWTH
GROWTH FOR THE TYPE EIGHT
Growth for an Eight would overcoming the fear of being harmed. Work would also contain slowing down before taking action. Eights can help themselves grow by using their anger as a clue for deeper issues. Their attitude often follows the mantra, “Lead, follow or get out of the way.”
GROWTH AREAS FOR THE TYPE EIGHT
Becoming more emotional and generous toward others
Having more empathy and compassion toward others
Opening up to others
Revealing their vulnerability
It is difficult for Eights, but learn to yield to others, at least occasionally.
Remember that the world is not against you.
Eights typically want to be self-reliant and depend on no one. But, ironically, they depend on many people.
Eights typically overvalue power. Having power, whether through wealth, position, or simple brute force, allows them to do whatever they want, to feel important, to be feared and obeyed. But those who are attracted to you because of your power do not love you for yourself, nor do you love or respect them.
SUBTYPES FOR THE CHALLENGER
The Gut Center {LUST: Doing things excessively in order to deny own weaknesses}
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SUBTYPE: SATISFACTION
SUBTYPE: SATISFACTION
The SP Eight is strong, direct and productive and appears powerful and effective. Confident in even the most challenging situations, they are survivors and are pillars of strength for many as they take the role of guardian, father or mother figure. When their needs are not satisfied, they become frustrated and intolerant, and tend to take a direct, no-nonsense approach to get what they want, without guilt or apology. Express lust through a strong need to obtain what they need for survival. Intolerance of frustration. Hard time being patient when unable to get immediate satisfaction of their survival needs and desires. Get things done without a lot of fuss or explanations. Least expressive among the Eights. Protective of those in their inner circle.
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SUBTYPE: POSSESSION
This subtype is the most rebellious Eight, provocatively breaking rules and standing out as a rebel, iconoclast or trail blazer. Their impulsiveness and desire for intensity may seem like Four characteristics, but these are rooted in an unapologetic drive to create change, willing to provoke and disrupt others to accumulate power and influence. They have a desire to serve a worthy cause, but prefer to do so from a central or leadership position. Express lust through open rebellion. Most rebellious, and most emotional among the other Eights. Able to take over the whole scene energetically, and be the center of things. Feel their power by possessing everyone’s attention. Need for dominance and power over others. Want to influence others with their words. Can be charismatic and seductive.
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SUBTYPE: SOLIDARITY (COUNTERTYPE)
The Social Eight countertype uses their power and influence in the service of others, making them appear Two-ish in their drive to support others rather than asserting their own needs. Sensitive to injustice and unfair social norms, they are loyal and protective and shield ‘their people’ from harm, unjust authority or abuse of power. Even though they prefer not to be too vulnerable, they invite and appreciate tough feedback from close allies. Rebel against social norms. Oriented towards protection and loyalty. Express lust and aggression in the service of life and other people. Nurturing, protective, and concerned with the injustices, with an antisocial aspect with regards to the rules of society. Use influence to serve the group rather than further own agenda.
Male Social Eights might be mistyped as Type 9s, while females might resemble Type 2s.
CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE
The Gut Center
The Gut Center (or Instinctive Center) is home to enneagram types 8, 9, and 1.
While these numbers all seem rather different, they share them same gut instincts (as opposed to the heart or head centers.)
8’s, 9’s, and 1’s all take in life through their instincts (with their gut) and generally respond based on what their instinct is telling them to do.
8’s, 9’s and 1’s are all:
Concerned with: Justice
Seeking: Autonomy
Underlying Issue: Anger
Each of these enneagram types all deal with anger as their gut center issue. However, each type deals with the anger very differently.
8’s tend to display their anger (in hopes of controlling it)
9’s tend to deny their anger (in hopes of not upsetting anyone)
1’s tend to repress their anger (in hopes of achieving perfection)
Advice for those in the Gut Center: Instead of acting quickly based on your instincts, allow yourself to think first. Think about how your anger (which is likely the deep underlying cause of your instinctual reaction) affects you and those around you.
MOVEMENTS OF STRESS AND INTEGRATION
When 8’s are stressed, they first dip into their unhealthy traits as an 8 (controlling, intimidating, rebellious). However, after that level, if they are still stressed or the stress increases they will move towards type 5 and pick up the average to unhealthy traits of 5.
Average to unhealthy traits of 5 include: withdrawing, being secretive, detached, cynical, stingy, critical of others.
Type 8’s can use their stress number in healthy ways by making use of the healthier traits of 5. This can mean observing your emotions. Looking at the problem objectively and slowly. Insightfully looking at all the angles to the problem.
Quick tips for 8’s in stress: Sit down and list all the emotions you are feeling. Research ways to solve the problem and then try some. Make use of physical activity to release some of that pent up energy. Share your issues with someone you trust and work through it logically with them.
In growth, a Type Eight takes on the higher qualities of a Type Two. Develop trust in others and allow yourself to be helped (towards Type 2), and observe your own thoughts carefully to understand what your true motivations are before taking impulsive action (towards Type 5). Learn to think more positively of situations (towards Type 7) and be empathetic towards others (towards Type 9). is to about giving up the need to control everything. You learn that true strength comes not from domineering others but surrendering to a higher power. Also, asking for forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but a sure indicator of courage and strength. You also learn about not going into extreme behaviour. Opportunities for growth take place when you move along the grid line to an Enneagram Type 5. You step back and reflect, instead of overreacting and coming across aggressively. Thus, you learn to tone down the intensity of your responses and be less confrontational when stressed.
At your best, you are a natural leader. You have got powerful instincts. You are authoritative and being decisive, you have the ability to make things happen rather quickly. You have the statue of being a commander and an influencer. With a no-nonsense attitude, you are willing to carry responsibility. You courageously step up to fight a cause. You are more interested in applying your talents and strengths for the betterment of mankind. You can be a steadfast friend. You also tend to be very generous when it comes to those under your care. As you grow, you become more sensitive to the feelings of others like an Enneagram Type 2 and more willing to extend your help to the weak and powerless.
WINGS
IMPORTANCE OF WINGS
Understanding Enneagram wings is important because the wings of each personality type affect each type in significant ways and can be used to understand the motivations of an individual further. Recognizing each enneagram wing’s influence can help you avoid their weaknesses or lean into their strengths when needed. The wings of each type can seemingly contradict the dominant Enneagram personality types they are attached to. Learning about enneagram wings can help you discover, enhance your journey of self-discovery, better understand others, and strengthen relationships. Once you understand your Enneagram wing type, you can use the knowledge you’ve gained to better yourself as a person by recognizing your behaviors. This process can help you develop desirable qualities so that you avoid blindly hurting yourself and others.
WING OVERVIEW | TYPE 8 | CHALLENGER
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THE NONCOMFORMIST
Enneagram 8W7’s are more outgoing, energetic, and fun. You are ambitious and determined to make a change but can make impulsive and reckless decisions because of it. You like to make the most out of nothing and live your life to its fullest. You are more social than a typical type eight.
They tend to be self-confident, sociable, and pragmatic in their behavior. They are ambitious and independent, preferring to follow their own path. They are generally more comfortable with conflict than eights with a nine wing.
Eight with a seven wing fear being controlled by others. They dislike authority and prefer to work alone. Their basic desire is to remain in control of their own lives. They also want other people to be free, and are often advocates for those less able.
Nonconformists defend themselves by denying vulnerability. They don’t want to appear weak and therefore avoid situations that may leave them exposed or defenseless.
STRENGTHS
Making logical and fair decisions
Forming connections with others
Creating optimistic and innovative plans
Leading others inspirationally and effectively
Ability to share their thoughts and opinions openly
WEAKNESSES
Struggling to remain patient
Tendency to overindulge themselves
Difficulty listening to authority figures
Lacking sensitivity to the feelings of others
MOTIVATIONS
Spending time around groups of people
Freedom and opportunity from work
Making practical but optimistic decisions
Exercising or exerting pent-up energy
STRESSORS
Feeling out of control and insignificant
Reconciling with their own emotions
Being perceived as bossy or controlling
Others’ self-pity or lack of action
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TYPE EIGHT: CHALLENGER
Type eights tend to be self-confident, powerful, and assertive in their behavior. They love engaging in debates and are skilled at making difficult decisions. They are fiercely independent and dislike being reliant on others.
The most basic desire of the Enneagram Type 8 is to protect themselves and remain in control of their own lives. They seek to defend themselves and others from injustice. Eights often tend to advocate for the underdog, as they work to protect those they feel are unable to protect themselves. Challengers defend themselves by avoiding and denying vulnerability. They believe, somewhat subconsciously, that vulnerability will make them appear weak; therefore, they avoid it at all costs.
The basic fear of the Type 8 is that they might be controlled or hurt by others. They tend to avoid situations that make them feel helpless and stand up for themselves in all circumstances. When stressed, they may guard themselves more from others.
Eights are forces of nature, with a strong presence and personality. They value being in control and may resist taking a follower role. They find it difficult to let down their guard, but they are sensitive, caring and protective of those they take under their wing. Eights pursue truth relentlessly and mask their vulnerability with a tough, certain and no-nonsense exterior.
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THE DIPLOMAT
They are confident, patient, and protective in their behavior. They are generally more gentle and subdued than other eight types. An enneagram 8W9 is typically more organized and prepared than an 8w7. You are easier to approach and cooperate better with others in the competition. By the influence of the ninth wing, you make an excellent mediator rather than being the source of conflict as a typical eight can be.
Eights with a nine wing fear being hurt by others. They avoid situations in which they have less control, generally preferring to be in positions of leadership. Their basic desire is to guard themselves against threats and control their own destiny. They may express this by asserting independence at a young age.
Diplomats defend themselves by building emotional walls and denying vulnerability. They seek to appear strong, subconsciously believing that being too emotional will make them seem weak.
STRENGTHS
Ability to see different perspectives
Naturally energetic and confident
Leading others through support and guidance
Protecting those they care about
Giving attention to the needs of others
WEAKNESSES
Struggling to control their temper
Tendency to be stubborn or rigid
Disliking rules or orders from authority figures
Seeming overly confident or emotionally detached
MOTIVATIONS
Leading others effectively
Making their own decisions
Spending time with loved ones
Empowering and advocating for others
STRESSORS
Excessive conflict or disagreement
Rejection and dismissal from others
Facing emotionally vulnerable situations
Feeling as though they lack control