There are no negatives in life, only challenges to overcome that will make you stronger.
Eric Bates
Overview of E.I.G.H.T
“The Challenger” is a powerful, domineering type known for their assertive nature. These types are decisive people who often try to control their environment to avoid being controlled themselves. They are strong-willed, unafraid of confrontation, and good at getting what they want.
- Strengths: self-confidence, willfulness, determination.
- Weaknesses: intimidation, confrontation, egocentricity.
- Basic Desires: to be in control of their lives and move forward.
- Basic Fears: being controlled or manipulated by others.
Center of Intelligence: Body
Enneagram Eights are located in the Instinctive Center. This means that they have the potential to be grounded and alive in their bodies. Eights use their gut instincts to help guide them through life and make decisions. They are concerned with justice, seek autonomy, and emotionally struggle with anger. Eights, in particular, often struggle with their temper and attempt to display their anger in the hopes of controlling it.
Adjacent Wings: 8w7 and 8w9
Wings play a major role in expressing type diversity within the Enneagram. Wings can only be adjacent to the dominant type, so an Enneagram Eight can have a seven-wing or a nine-wing based on its position in the Enneagram.
Eight wing seven
Eights who have a Seven-wing will display ambitious, social, and bold tendencies. 8w7’s want to be the author of their own destiny. They have big hopes and dreams for the future and dislike when others get in the way. They are more inclined to prize freedom than 8w9’s and love a good challenge. Strengths include connecting others together, sharing their thoughts honestly and openly, leading others with zeal, and acting when necessary. Weaknesses include being too blunt and harsh, feeling like they’re surrounded by “stupid people,” overindulging in things they like, and struggling to submit to authority.
Eight wing nine
Eights with a Nine-wing will display confident, patient, and protective tendencies. 8w9’s are leaders concerned with guiding others. They adapt Nine’s ability to relate to others while being strong, independent Eights. Strengths include independent problem-solving, fighting for justice and other people’s free will, maintaining positive and strong energy, and bravely working to meet their goals. Weaknesses include being a little too hot-headed, resisting valuable input, emotionally separating themselves from other people, and being too stubborn to make positive change.
Directions of Growth and Stress
Direction of Growth (Integration)
When an Enneagram Eight is moving in a direction of personal growth they go toward an Enneagram Two. The usually controlling and impulsive Eight will become more caring and receptive at Two. Their focus will gradually shift from viewing others as a means to an end to a more altruistic perspective.
Direction of Stress (Disintegration)
When an Enneagram Eight is moving in a direction of stress they go toward an Enneagram Five. The usually assertive and decisive Eight will become more withdrawn and uncertain at Five. Their focus will gradually shift from knowing what they want (and how to get it) to being fearful and apathetic.
The Stances: Aggressive
In times of conflict, Enneagram Eights assume an Aggressive Stance (there are three potential conflict stances within the Enneagram). This means that they will move toward conflict when they desire a specific outcome. In the Aggressive Stance, Enneagram Eights feel that other types move too slowly for them, they are skilled at orienting others to their own ideas, and they seem to have never-ending energy.
The Subtypes
The three instincts of the Enneagram, also called the subtypes, are basic instincts present in every human being. Although all three exist in the body, one will be a driving force.
Self-Preservation Eights
Self-Preservation types, in general, are concerned with safety, comfort, and getting their physical needs met. Self-pres Eights are direct, straight-shooters who like to get to the point without wasting time. They believe that every challenge they face is an opportunity for growth and they approach conflict head-on. These types are resilient and will fiercely protect their loved ones. They are competitive, bold, and will try to gain more physical possessions for themselves.
Intimate Eights
Intimate types, in general, are concerned with one-on-one connection and depth. Sx Eights are rebellious and value their autonomy. They are not afraid to march to the beat of their own drum and at times may be unable to adapt to new circumstances. These types want to be a leader in their organization so that they can have a direct hand in the good being done there. They are possessive and may need help from a loved one to let go of things they can’t control.
Social Eights
Social types, in general, are concerned with their social standing and whether or not they are accepted by the tribe. Soc Eights want to fight against injustice and stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. They are skilled at orienting others to their vision and leading the way to a better tomorrow. They tend to put others needs above their own and they will go the extra mile for “their people.”
Personality City 