Type 8s are the fierce, protectors of the world. Strong and assertive, they desire to protect those who are the most vulnerable. However, in also protecting themselves, their temper often gets in the way of showing any weakness.
At their best, they are heroic and inspiring, using their strength to improve the lives of others. At their worst, they are domineering and intimidating, never letting anyone get close to them.
Powerful, Self-Confident, Decisive, Confrontational
Key Desire: To protect yourself and your inner circle
Key Fear: Being harmed, controlled, or manipulated
Key Longing: You will not be betrayed
Strengths:
- Assertive
- Protective
- Independent
- Leadership
- Influential
- Generous
- Vitality
Challenges:
- Vulnerability
- Controlling
- Quick to anger
- Intimidating
- Confrontational
- Excessiveness
- Dominating
Type 8 Wings
Each type is influenced by its nearest “wing.” We usually lean on one wing more than the other. These wings give more intricacy to who we are.
8w7 “The Maverick”
If you lean more on your 7 wing, you are enthusiastic and energetic, but more combative. You love to be around people and are practical when making decisions. You appear cheerful and charismatic, but have a stronger fear of being controlled. You also struggle with being impatient and highly impulsive.
- Visionary
- High mental energy
- Entrepreneurial
- Assertive
- Power-seeking
- Charismatic
- Combative
8w9 “The Bear”
If you lean more on your 9 wing, you are confident, calm, and tend to be more patient. You appear laid back, relaxed, and less intimidating. You prefer to be in leadership positions to avoid being controlled. You’re often reluctant to open up emotionally and build a lot of walls.
- Leader
- Benevolent
- Well-liked
- Patient
- Gentle and strong
- Stubborn
- Bottles up emotions
Growth & Stress
Every Enneagram has stress and growth paths. These are the directions we go toward as we grow or become more secure, and when we’re stressed and disintegrating.
Security
Move toward healthy 2s
- Compassionate
- Vulnerable
- Sincere
Stress
Move toward unhealthy 5s
- Cynical
- Fearful
- Isolated
Levels of Development
Healthy Levels
Level 1:
At their best, type 8s are self-restrained, forgiving, and merciful. They are able to surrender to a higher authority. Incredibly courageous and achieve true heroism.
Level 2:
Self-assertive, self-confident, and strong. They have learned to stand up for what they need and want. They have a resourceful, “can do” attitude and passionate inner drive.
Level 3:
Decisive, authoritative, and commanding. They are natural leaders others look up to. They take initiative and champion people. They are protective providers, who carry others with their strength.
Average Levels
Level 4:
They achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence. They are pragmatic and resourceful. They take risks, are hardworking, and deny their own emotional needs.
Level 5:
They begin to dominate others and their environment. They want to feel supported, yet also act as if their word is law. They are proud, egocentric, and want to impose their will on everything. They do not see others as equal or treat them with respect.
Level 6:
They become highly combative and intimidating to get their way. They are confrontational and create enemies. They will not back down from anything. They threaten others to enforce obedience and treat them unjustly.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7:
They defy any attempt at being controlled by others. They are ruthless dictators. Hard-hearted, immoral, and potentially violent.
Level 8:
They develop delusional ideas about their power, invincibility, and ability to prevail. They are obsessed with power and feeling invulnerable. They recklessly over-extend themselves.
Level 9:
If they get in danger, they may brutally destroy everything that has not conformed to their will rather than surrender to anyone else. Vengeful, barbaric, murderous with sociopathic tendencies.
Posts About Type 8
A Breakdown of Eleven: Taking Care of the Type 8 in Your Life
Are you a Strangers Things fan? Do you think Eleven is an amazing character? Well she is a Type 8 on the Enneagram! Learn more about how to spot Type 8s and how to nurture them.
The Human Connection 