Enneagram Type 8 Leader
The Enneagram Type Eight is often referred to as The Challenger or Active Controller. They are motivated by a desire to be strong and in control, and to avoid vulnerability and weakness.
Eights can be action-oriented, assertive, authoritative, bold, confident, convincing, courageous, decisive, direct, energetic, fearless, fun-loving, honest, influential, justice-oriented, passionate, persistent, powerful, protective, resourceful, and results-oriented. They can also be perceived as aggressive, blunt, confrontational, controlling, domineering, excessive, forceful, impatient, intense, intimidating, rebellious, and vengeful.
Strengths & Challenges
Strategic Thinking & Impact
✔️ Eights naturally see the big picture and are driven to make a significant impact. Their ability to read situations and power dynamics allows them to strategically influence and lead with purpose. They thrive on challenging the status quo and have the energy, focus, and determination to drive results.
❌ Their "big-picture" focus can sometimes cause them to overlook important details. Eights tend to see things in "black-and-white" terms, which may prevent them from appreciating the nuances in the "gray areas" that could enrich their perspective.
Decisive Action
✔️ Eights aren’t afraid of complex challenges or tough decisions, they embrace them. Known for their fierce courage, they readily take bold action and are willing to take risks. Once the big picture is clear, they swiftly move to execution, turning vision into action.
❌ While their decisiveness and desire for swift action are strengths, they can sometimes act too quickly, without fully considering all the implications, or ensuring others are on board, leading to frustration and disengagement.
Fearless Confidence
✔️ Eights have a fearless confidence and a big presence that can inspire and energize those around them. Their energy and vitality naturally draw attention and command respect, and they often rally others to follow their vision.
❌ However, Eights often aren’t aware of how big their energy actually is. Their confidence and energy can be “intense” and perceived as overly assertive, domineering or intimidating, which can alienate others and make it difficult for some to express their ideas or opinions.
Candid Communication
✔️ Eights are known for their direct and honest communication style. They are unafraid to speak their mind or address difficult issues, encouraging open dialogue. They are comfortable engaging in conflict, especially if it uncovers motives or drives progress.
❌ However, their direct approach can be perceived as confrontational, which can be off-putting and can lead to conflict or discomfort for those not used to this style. They can sometimes push others to get responses, which can cause discomfort and lead others to withdraw.
Protective Advocacy
✔️ With a strong sense of justice, Eights often possess a mama / papa bear instinct to stand up for the underdog and protect those they care about. Their assertive nature allows them to challenge those in positions of power and defend those in need when they sense unfairness or injustice. They are also incredible mentors to those they care about.
❌ However, their protective instincts can sometimes lead them to be overly controlling or overbearing. Despite their protective instincts, if people show up as weak or ineffective, Eights can distance themselves or even dismiss those they deem ineffective. Eights’ motivation to be strong and in control means they can be protective of showing their own weaknesses or vulnerability.