Enneagram type 8 — the challenger

solution master, maverick, protector

taking charge, because they don't want to be controlled, people of this personality type are essentially unwilling to be controlled, either by others or by their circumstances; they fully intend to be masters of their fate. type eights are strong willed, decisive, practical, tough minded, and energetic. they also tend to be domineering; their unwillingness to be controlled by others frequently manifests in the need to control others instead. when healthy, this tendency is kept under check, but the tendency is always there, and can assume a central role in the type eight's interpersonal relationships.

type eights generally have powerful instincts and strong physical appetites which they indulge without feelings of shame or guilt. they want a lot out of life and feel fully prepared to go out and get it. they need to be financially independent and often have a hard time working for anyone. this sometimes necessitates that the type eight opts out of the system entirely, assuming something of an outlaw mentality. most type eights, however, find a way to be financially independent while making their peace with society, but they always retain an uneasy association with any hierarchical relationship that sees the type eight in any position other than the top position.

type eights have a hard time lowering their defenses in intimate relationships. intimacy involves emotional vulnerability, and such vulnerability is one of the type eight's deepest fears. betrayal of any sort is absolutely intolerable and can provoke a powerful response on the part of the violated type eight. intimate relationships are frequently the arena in which a type eight's control issues are most obviously played out and questions of trust assume a pivotal position. type eights often have a sentimental side that they don't even show to their intimates, such is their fear of vulnerability. but, while trust does not come easily to a type eight, when a type eight does take someone into the inner sanctum, they become a steadfast ally and stalwart friend. The type eight's powerful protective instincts are called into play when it comes to the defense of family and friends, and type eights are often generous to a fault in providing for those under their care.

type eights are prone to anger. when severely provoked, or when the personality is unbalanced, bouts of anger can turn into rages. unhealthy type eights are frankly aggressive and when pushed, can resort to violence. such type eights enjoy intimidating others whom they see as "weak" and feel little compunction about walking over anyone who stands in their way. they can be crude, brutal and dangerous.

basic propsition — you gain protection and respect by becoming strong and powerful, imposing your personal truth, and hiding your vulnerability.

strengths — courageous, strong, fair, truthful, determined, generous, protective of others.

challenges — excessive, angry, dominating, lustful, afraid of vulnerability.

defense mechanism — denial — the forceful re-directing of attention and feeling based on wilfulness and control.

type eights use denial to avoid vulnerability and to maintain a self-image of being strong. they seek to impact the world and other people rather than be receptive. the pressure to deny vulnerability reduces their emotional energy and keeps them from receiving all of life’s gifts.

type 8 self-mastery indicators

	what it means	what it looks like in type 8
low self-mastery	primarily reactive low productivity behavior low personality integration deep identification with beliefs	the bully direct in a cruel way • unleash anger and destructive, punitive behavior • believe they must overcome their enemies by whatever means necessary and justify their actions by blaming • unable to acknowledge own vulnerability • unable to contain explosive anger • can deteriorate into antisocial behavior.
moderate self-mastery	responds mainly from habit some personality integration more flexible to change	the immovable rock try to manage frustration and anger • sensitive and big-hearted • controlling, dominating, aggressive • respond and take action quickly and expect immediate responses • strong opinions • looked to for decisions and direction • can be humble, but like to be appreciated and respected • seek large challenges • when feeling constrained, become angry, blaming, and/or sick.
high self-mastery	aware of inner experience responds productively, flexibly high personality integration self-acceptance	the truth seeker fully acknowledge long-hidden vulnerability • generous, strong, open-hearted, and open-minded • direct, honest, and speak from the heart, head, and gut • solicit and embrace differing opinions • protect others in gentle, non-controlling way • grounded, warm, and deeply confident.

awareness practice

observe your habit of mind or focus of attention — injustice, not being controlled, getting things moving — with as little judgment as possible. ask yourself the following questions, while noticing your feelings and how your body responds:

how does my big energy express itself?
when do i just go for what i want without thinking?
in what ways do i assert control, power, or my sense of justice over others?
how do i divert attention away from my own fears of being hurt?
in what ways do i forget to be sensitive or tender toward myself and others?

type 8 in business

the powerful, decisive type — self-confident, commanding, confrontational, and willful. type eights have a clear vision of what they want to accomplish and the willpower to make it happen. they make difficult decisions and see serious problems simply as challenges to be met, obstacles to be overcome. they want to be in control and find it difficult to delegate tasks or share leadership. they champion people, protecting and empowering them, but also can deteriorate into intimidation to get their way, making unnecessary enemies both within and outside the organization. at their best, they are magnanimous and generous, using their strength to improve others' lives.

what they look for	dependability, loyalty, strength, and role compatibility
what gets in the way	insisting on maintaining control of others; manipulating by dominating others and by demanding that others do as they say.
leadership paradigm	emphasizing challenges, the organization is moved forward through decisive leading, establishing capable and reliable people in the right positions and empowering others into taking action.
natural qualities as leader	widely respected for their ability to see the big picture, think strategically, and handle the multiple components of operations. type eight leaders enjoy creating order out of chaos and quietly mentoring peers and subordinates. they handle themselves well at all levels within the organization and are respected for their honesty and straightforwardness. they are often described as bold and tend to be courageous in thought and action. though they may be daring, they can also be humble, not needing to be recognized for all they are orchestrating behind the scenes. they may know themselves well and may also encourage high levels of introspection in others.
areas for development	as much as they may form quick and accurate impressions of others, type eight leaders may also be harsh and impatient. getting them to change their opinion is very difficult. they have high expectations of themselves and often push to the point of exhaustion. when fatigued, they have little control of their reactiveness and may show anger that can be devastating to others. at the same time, they may also say that they do not really care what others think of them. this may lead to awe but also fear in others.

focal points for self-awareness and leadership

ultimate development goal	realizing that we are all inherently innocent and can naturally sense truth; that approaching each situation with a fresh perspective and free of personal prejudice enables us to recognize truth.
what hinders growth	refusing to be controlled and being unaware of controlling others excessive lifestyle that leads to exhaustion and alienation of others self-defeating behaviors denial of fears, weaknesses, and vulnerability not valuing own tenderness and sensitivity.
furthering growth	take up a meditation practice and stay with it when your impulse is to get up and go. take time during the day to check your energy levels. become aware when you are acting on impulse. use your anger to remind you to relax and breathe deeply several times per day. check out your impact with your friends and colleagues: are you being too much? before moving into action, review the possible long-term consequences and remember your long-term goals. practice delaying stimulation and gratification and learn to accept boredom and fear. when you feel bored and about to go into action, ask yourself whether you are suppressing fear or sadness and learn to let yourself feel them. recognize and welcome your vulnerability and weaknesses as a sign of innocence. in conflict, make sure you are listening to the other side, and use it as an opportunity to recognize the validity of other points of view. notice whether your impulse to break the rules is just for the sake of breaking rules or an appropriate response to a situation. start to question whether excessive behaviors (socializing and others) are a way of concealing and forgetting your real priorities. write down and review insights about yourself daily as a way of opposing self-forgetfulness and denial. notice your tendency to blame others and acknowledge your involvement in negative situations.
specific leadership development	don’t yell at work — as frustrated as you may feel and even if you are not directing a raised voice toward a particular person, the price paid for yelling (fear, disrespect) is never worth it. be careful about blaming others — when something for which you are responsible does not succeed as planned, be careful that your tone of voice, line of questioning, and general approach does not make others feel blamed. the perception of being blamed shuts down candid conversation and effective problem solving. consider opposing points of view — ask yourself every day, “who and what am i not listening to?”

adapted from different sources including Ginger Lapid-Bogda, Don Riso & Russ Hudson