Enneagram 8 - The Challenger

This is the eight in a series of nine features that provides insight into each of the Enneagram types. Each feature provides an overview of the type, including how each type responds to stress and evolves in growth. It also includes insight for leaders to customize their approach of support, insight for people working with them to be more intentional partners, and reminders for those that identify with the specific type.

What are the characteristics of an Enneagram 8?

• type Eights are self-confident, strong, assertive, protective, resourceful, straight-talking and decisive

• their basic desire is to protect themselves and to be in control of their own life and destiny

• because of their desire for control, they can sometimes feel overbearing to those around them

• their basic fear is being harmed or controlled by others

• they can have problems with healthily managing their emotions and being vulnerable if they feel in the grips of control or not being heard

• Eights at their best are fierce champions of others and channel their direct nature to support a common ‘good’ and inspire those around them

How do Enneagram 8s respond to stress and growth?

When Eights are stressed, they can take on the unhealthy qualities of a Five

• this can make them secretive and fearful, focused on details as a means to attack

When Eights are healthy, they can take on the healthy qualities of a Two

• this can help them look outside themselves and be caring/supportive of those around

For leaders to know when working with Enneagram 8s

• be on your game; they have very high expectations of their leaders

• be direct; they know when you’re holding back or trying to frame something to be ‘nice’

• listen with intention; they will be frustrated when feeling unheard, or worse…dismissed

• believe in them, they’ll see doubt as a challenge and will feel hurt by the lack of faith

• they need autonomy but don’t leave them on their own, they still thirst for support too

For people to know when working with Enneagram 8s

• follow through on commitments, they will feel let down if you do not and will not trust

• be direct, they’ll know if you’re holding back or if you’re frustrated and not saying so

• please hear them out, it is very important to them that their perspective is heard

• it can be helpful to understand that they are very direct and can seem impersonal

• they are actually sensitive so please don’t forget they have feelings too

For Enneagram 8s

• use your energy wisely; not everything requires a challenge or battle

• caring the loudest doesn’t mean that you care the most; be mindful of other perspectives

• ask for permission before you bring your big energy, direct feedback, and no nonsense in

• put intention into relationships; your work and what you achieve is only one part

• the world is not against you if someone disagrees with you; you can be heard and wrong

For more on The Enneagram:

The 9 Ways of Working - Michael J. Goldberg

The 9 Types of Leadership - Beatrice Chestnut, PhD

The Sacred Enneagram - Christopher L. Heuertz

The Enneagram Institute - https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions