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Type 8s are bold, decisive, and not afraid to challenge the status quo.
You protect the vulnerable and power through obstacles. But that tough armour often hides a tender heart.
Let’s discover how your real strength is found in vulnerability.
Type 8s are driven by a deep inner belief that they must be strong and in control to protect themselves and others.
They believe that vulnerability is dangerous and must be avoided.
Their core fear is of being harmed or controlled by others, often fearing weakness and betrayal. Their core desire is to protect themselves and to determine their own course in life. This usually leads them to be assertive, decisive, and protective.
Type 8s are motivated by a need for autonomy and control, often taking charge to ensure their environment is secure.
Psychologically, Type 8 is often shaped in childhood environments where they felt the need to be strong to survive, leading them to value power and resilience.
Their motivation type is usually control-based; they seek strength and independence above all.
Overview:
Eights are assertive, powerful, and decisive. They are natural leaders who seek control and dislike vulnerability.
Core Beliefs & Fears:
They fear being controlled or appearing weak and desire to assert their strength and protect themselves and others.
Motivation Style:
Their actions are driven by the need for autonomy and direct power, often challenging authority and taking charge.
How Created:
Typically formed in environments where self-reliance was necessary, Eights develop a strong exterior to guard against external threats.
Relationships:
Romantic: Passionate and protective, though sometimes intense or confrontational.
Professional: They excel in leadership roles and decisive actions, but may be overly dominating in conflicts.
Each Enneagram type embodies a core motivation and fear that can lead to a range of behaviours. When individuals are self-aware and balanced, they express the healthiest traits of their type. Conversely, under stress or when disconnected from their core values, they may exhibit less healthy behaviours.
The Enneagram also illustrates how individuals may adopt behaviours from other types when experiencing growth or stress.
Understanding the healthy and unhealthy aspects of your Enneagram type offers a roadmap for personal development. By recognising these patterns, you can work towards embodying the healthiest version of your type, leading to greater self-awareness and more fulfilling relationships.
Healthy: Confident, assertive, and protective. They stand up for others and lead with strength and determination.
Unhealthy: Can become domineering, confrontational, and insensitive, fearing vulnerability and seeking control over their environment.
Growth vs. Stress: May become impulsive, distracted, and avoidant, seeking constant stimulation to escape discomfort or pain.
In Growth (Moves to Type 2): Eights become more compassionate, nurturing, and open to vulnerability. They still lead, but with heart and connection
In Stress (Moves to Type 5): Eights may become withdrawn, secretive, and overly analytical. They pull back emotionally and stop trusting others, retreating into their mind.
Think of your Enneagram wing as your personality's sidekick, adding depth and nuance to your core type.
Each Enneagram type is flanked by two neighbouring types on the Enneagram circle. These adjacent types are your potential wings. While your main type captures your core motivations and fears, your wing influences how you express these traits in the world.
Understanding your wings can provide deeper insights into your behaviours, relationships, and personal growth journey. It's like discovering a new dimension of yourself that enriches your self-awareness and interpersonal dynamics.
Drives forward with aggressive initiative.
Type 8w7s combine the assertiveness and strength of the core Type 8 with the energetic and adventurous qualities of Type 7.
They are confident, sociable, and pragmatic, often seeking new experiences and challenges.
Their core fear is being controlled by others, and they strive to maintain their independence and freedom.
This subtype often emerges from childhood experiences where autonomy and self-direction were emphasized.
They are motivated by a desire to remain in control of their lives and to advocate for the freedom of others.
8w7s are known for their charisma and ability to inspire others, but they may struggle with vulnerability and emotional honesty.
Exerts strength with calm, measured authority.
Type 8w9s blend the assertiveness and strength of Type 8 with the calmness and patience of Type 9.
They are confident, protective, and more subdued than other Type 8s, often preferring to maintain harmony while still asserting control.
Their core fear is being hurt by others or losing control, leading them to avoid situations where they feel vulnerable.
This subtype often develops in childhood environments that valued both strength and peace.
They are motivated by a desire to guard themselves against threats and to control their destiny.
8w9s are known for their quiet strength and ability to mediate conflicts, but they may struggle with expressing their emotions openly.
Type 8 (Balanced 8w7 & 8w9) – The Dynamic Peacemaker:
Decisive leadership is tempered by calm inclusivity.
A Type 8 who accesses both wings gains the 7’s vision and energy alongside the 9’s calm and steadiness.
This results in a powerful but approachable leader—someone who can take decisive action without bulldozing others.
They are assertive yet adaptable, intense yet easy to be around.
This 8 tends to lead with both heart and strategy, using their power not just for control but to empower others and create lasting change.
They bring passion and peace into balance.