What to Know about Enneagram Type Eight

Enneagram Type 8 is nicknamed “The Challenger” for their assertive nature. Type Eights are not afraid to voice their opinion, especially when they see an injustice happening. 

It’s hard for Eights to show their vulnerable side, but deep down, they are very sensitive and will do anything to protect those they love. 

Below you will find an overview of what motivates the Enneagram Type 8 and things they can work on to improve their daily living.

Enneagram Type 8’s Focus of Attention

→ Power and Strength

Type Eights appear strong and powerful on the outside to mask vulnerability. They can overdo their strength with excessive energy.  Eights can appear larger than life, and some people might find them intimidating. Type Eights are often surprised to hear people are intimidated by them.

→ Making Big Things Happen

Type Eights like making big things happen all around them. They are big-picture thinkers who are good at making their ideas a reality.  Eights can get frustrated (especially with other people) if things aren’t moving at a fast enough pace.

→ Fighting for Justice

Types Eights are very much justice fighters. They have a soft spot for an underdog and like protecting the vulnerable.  Eights fighter mentality is compensation for what they tend not to pay attention to: their own vulnerability.

Type 8’s Passion: Lust

The passion (or vice) of Enneagram Type 8 is LUST. (Learn about the Enneagram Type Passions here.)

This doesn’t mean sexual LUST, though they can have that too. It’s a lust for thinking on a bigger scale and being impatient in getting things done or meeting their needs. 

Type Eight’s motto could be “work hard, play hard” because they tend to do things at an extreme pace. It’s hard to get them to slow down, especially when it comes to taking time for themselves. 

Eights can be larger-than-life characters, which is very intimidating to those around them. They’re often surprised anyone is intimidated by them since, in their view, this is just how they live their lives.

Type Eight displays LUST in their excessive energy, and they don’t always realize the impact their energy has on others.

Type Eights can benefit from softening their stance and pausing before going into action. This will prevent their passion of LUST from coming out in their impulsive and intense behaviors.

Type 8’s Strengths and Struggles

Strengths

• Assertive and self-assured

• Good at getting things done

• Trustworthy and sincere

• Don't fear confrontation

• Not afraid to say what they think

• Supportive and protective of others

Struggles

• Hard for them to show any emotion that makes them look weak or vulnerable (fear, sadness, etc.)

• Their energy can come off as too excessive

• They don't realize the impact (good or bad) they have on others

• Think in terms of black and white

Things for Enneagram Type 8 to Work On

📍 Get in touch with your vulnerability and share it with others. Know that it takes strength to be vulnerable.

📍 Try to control your spontaneous behaviors. Take a deep breath (or five) before reacting to a situation.  

📍 Find someone you trust who will be honest with you and ask them to give you feedback on how you interact with others. Start to notice what impact your behavior has on others.

If Someone You Love is a Type 8

❣️ Don’t shy away when your Eight is being assertive with you. Stay with them and know that they don’t hold a grudge. They’ll probably be okay with you five minutes later.

❣️ Know that it’s not easy for a Type 8 to ask for protection or support. Gradually offer these things to the Eight and let them know they can be vulnerable with you. 

❣️ Type Eights value truth and honesty. Be frank with them and directly speak your opinions when engaging in conversation. 

❣️ Don’t hide information from your Eight. Be transparent in your thoughts and feelings if you want to have a good relationship with them.