Enneagram Type 8 – The Challenger

The Challenger is the name for Enneagram Type 8, one of the most powerful and assertive types in the Enneagram system. Motivated by the need to be in control, to seek justice, and to be independent, Type 8s are born leaders who don’t shy away from challenges. They can be very influential because they are fierce, and confident and demand fairness, but can come across as very intimidating or confrontational when their limits are tested. We will be exploring Enneagram Type 8, its key motivations, and how its wings influence its behaviour and approach to life throughout this article.

What is Enneagram Type 8?

One of the big things an Enneagram Type 8 needs to learn is that when it comes to vulnerability, it’s okay to let their guard down a little. They are independent and decisive, direct in how they act, which means that they prefer to lead instead of passively following. Researchers believe that type 8s have a strong sense of fairness and constantly search for the truth. They have confidence and power, which helps them be a good leader type, but they may need affection in being human, preferring to be strong and maintain control.

Enneagram Type 8 Meaning

Type 8s are driven by a need to protect themselves and others from being limited or oppressed. Their pursuit of self-sufficiency and independence compels them to deviate from societal norms and stand up for what they believe is just. But this desire for control can at times become a need to control or dominate others, especially when they feel threatened or challenged. 

Enneagram Type 8 Wings

There are two possible wings for Enneagram Type 8: 8w7 (The Maverick) and 8w9 (The Bear). 8w7 (The Maverick): In this wing, they have the fierceness, confidence, and decisiveness of Type 8 together with the enthusiasm, fun, and adventurousness of Type 7. People with this wing are active, self-assured, and constantly in search of new challenges or new opportunities. The 8w7 is, therefore, more risk-taking, more entrepreneurial, and defying boundaries. 8w9 (The Bear): The 8w9 wing embodies the domination of Type 8 with the tranquil, peacekeeping aspects of Type 9. People with this wing are more down-to-earth, patient, and oriented toward keeping the peace in their relationships. Although they retain their Type 8 need to control their environment, they can approach challenges more calmly and diplomatically. 

Cognitive Stack in Enneagram Type 8

Assertiveness, Strength and Control are the central elements of the people who state that they are Enneagram Type 8. So here’s what the brain functioning of their brain looks like:

Dominant Function: Extraverted Thinking (Te):

Type 8s are focused on the external world and generally want to take control of the situation by organizing and implementing strategies. Efficiency, structure and tangible results are what they value. Somehow, their dominant function urged them to have control, solve problems, and present practical solutions in the real world.

Auxiliary Function: Introverted Intuition (Ni):

Enneagram Type 8s are action-oriented, they have a deep internal sense of awareness and insight. They know how to see future possibilities and the outcome, based on their intuition and they rely on it to make decisions. It assists them in moving through intricate situations and ‘reading the future’ when it comes to predicting the future.

Tertiary Function: Extraverted Sensing (Se):

When it comes to Enneagram Type 8s, they are very much attuned to their environment and they can quickly respond to external stimuli. They have a strong presence in the world and they like to engage with the world and rely on their senses as a home.

Inferior Function: Introverted Feeling (Fi):

Overall, Type 8s are better at handling power dynamics in their world thus, they may not naturally say what’s on their minds and deep emotions. Because they tend to suppress their inner feelings to maintain strength. When they have to confront their feelings, they will have a hard time expressing or processing them in a balanced manner.

Personality Traits of Enneagram Type 8

individual showing  Enneagram Type 8 traits

Enneagram Type 8s are assertive and they inherently take charge in any situation. They have no fear of being bold.

  1. Self-assured: They keep an aura of conviction that they can take on head on any challenge. Their strength and capabilities are trusted.
  2. Independent: they believe in autonomy and desire to not be controlled or restricted by someone else. 
  3. Protective: Although they may be tough and assertive, Type 8s are also very protective toward those they care about. 
  4. Decisive: Once they have decided on something, Enneagram Type 8s make their move fast and decisively to perform it.
  5. Rebellious: They do not like to be told what to do and will challenge authority figures or systems they think are unjust and restrictive.
  6. Intense: Type 8s live with very high intensity. Passion and energy are how they go into challenges and projects.
  7. Impatient: These people do not accept inefficiency or waits and may be unpleasant when things happen slowly or aren’t what they expected.
  8. Controlling: They are all about controlling their environment and their circumstances. To the point sometimes, they can be overly dominant, and dismissive.

To learn more about the Enneagram Type 8 and its relation to Resilience, Click Here.

Core Fears and Desires

Core Fear:

Enneagram Type 8s are afraid of being controlled, being weak and being vulnerable. They fear being labeled as powerless or dependent on others and spend their energy to remain outside of the situations in which they believe they cannot shield themselves or the people they love.

Core Desire:

Enneagram Type 8s have their core desire to protect themselves and others, control the situation, and feel powerful and invincible. They wish to live their lives freely and boldly in the absence of untold weakness or vulnerability. 

Strengths and Weaknesses of Enneagram Type 8

Strengths:

  • Strong Leadership: Type 8s are natural leaders who lead others to take charge and gain confidence in what they’re doing. Decisive, they know how to lead a team towards success.
  • Fearless & Resilient: They have an unshakable will. They strongly tackle adversity which makes them very resilient.
  • Protective & Loyal: Enneagram types 8s will cherish and stand by their loved ones and will stand up to the people who need it when they can not do it themselves. Their loyalty is unwavering.
  • Direct & Honest: They prefer being honest and being transparent. There is no place for misunderstandings because they are straightforward.
  • Self-Sufficient: They do like to be independent. They do not like to depend on others and are responsible for their own success and well-being.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Enneagram Type 8

Weaknesses:

  • Controlling: Sometimes their strong desire for control will make them overly controlling, allowing for little expression by others.
  • Impatient: Type 8s are impatient and cannot stand what is inefficient and delayed and will quickly get frustrated when things don’t move often or at the speed they expected.
  • Vulnerability Struggles: They shy away from displaying any type of vulnerability or emotional sensitivity, it is difficult for them to open up to others.
  • Aggressive: They are direct which sometimes leads them to be intimidating or aggressive, and thus the relationships can get strained.
  • A Difficulty Accepting Authority: Enneagram Type 8s do not accept easily being told what to do and tend to fight with authority figures which creates conflicts in structured environments.

How Enneagram Type 8s Are Shaped into Who They Are

Enneagram Type 8s have developed from the experiences that enhance their idea of conviction, strength, independence, and control are crucial to their survival. A lot of Type 8’s were raised in a way that they had to be strong due to the fact that either they were protecting themselves from something or they were responsible for themselves at an early age. This over time forms a personality that takes a subject of self-reliance, power, and justice.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy States

When Enneagram Type 8 is at a healthy level, its strength may be used to lift others. They will inspire leadership among those around them and they are protective and fair. On one hand, they are able to be vulnerable with people they trust but usually balance their drive with emotional intelligence.

Unhealthy Enneagram Type 8s are when they are ‘out of control’ and aggressive by nature. They become controlling and even hostile. Vulnerability might be taken as a weakness and others are distrusted by them. This oppression of their desire for dominance can disrupt their ability to establish meaningful relationships.

Enneagram Type 8 Relationships and Compatibility

Compatibility

Type 8s are passionate with regard to relationships with intensity and loyalty. They are very protective of their partner and seek a trusting honest relationship. However, they have problems with vulnerability and can have a problem with softer emotions.

Type 2 (The Helper): 

The helper offers Type 8 warmth and emotional support that the explosive places an extra effort to express. The 8’s tough nature is complimented by their nurturing nature.

Type 9 (The Peacemaker): 

Type 9s are easygoing and calm thus offering a stabilizing presence which soothes the Enneagram type 8.

Enneagram Type 8 in Love

Enneagram Type 8s are fierce in love and extremely passionate. They are to act rather than speak in love and are likely to accept the role of protector. Their need for detachment causes distance in relationships, however. What they want is someone who is strong but who will feel with them too, who will turn up when they are angry, and who will also help them open up emotionally.

Enneagram Type 8 Female

female playing chess showing Enneagram Type 8 personality

Type 8 is a powerhouse as a female, confident, bold and not scared to challenge society. She has command over her audiences and is extremely independent, sometimes excelling in leadership roles. She could, however find it challenging in spaces where women are supposed to be more passive or accommodating. Her engaging in emotional vulnerability is still an ongoing journey for her, with balancing her strong exterior paradox.

Enneagram Type 8 Childhood

Enneagram Type 8s as children often had to grow up and be strong early (due to life circumstances) or they felt the lack of protection from authority figures. They may have learned never to trust others to meet their needs and to rely upon themselves. As Type 8s do understand they had to take charge in a lot of cases in which their own safety and fairness weren’t guaranteed, so as adults they are assertive and independent.

Relation with Specific MBTI Types

Enneagram Type 8s are super independent, bossy, and do not fear anybody, which makes it more relatable to the following types:

ENTJ

Type 8s are natural leaders and this kind of leadership suits them well as they are most likely to be in positions of power and control. They are strategic, goal-driven and not afraid of the challenge.

ESTP

Enneagram Type 8s and ESTPs have a common passion for action, tolerance of risk, and spontaneity. They both like to bend their brains further.

INTJ

However INTJs are Introverts, they are more reserved, but share the same independence, determination, and desire to shape the world on their terms as the Type 8.

Here, you can read more about the Enneagram Type 8. 

Career Paths for Enneagram Type 8

  1. Entrepreneur/Business Owner 
  2. Executive/CEO 
  3. Lawyer
  4. Military/Police Officer 
  5. Politics/Activism 

Common Misconceptions About Enneagram Type 8

  1. Type 8s Are Always Aggressive: Type 8s can be assertive, but this does not necessarily mean aggressive. The problem is their too-direct style, which tends to be misinterpreted as hostility.
  2. They are Emotionless: Type 8s are deeply feeling, but showing vulnerability. Their emotions are highly protected.
  3. Type 8s are Dominant: They need to feel secure and are always fair but don’t want to be manipulated or frightened.
  4. Type 8s are Overly Independent: Although independent, they do value strong, loyal relationships, except for the fact that they like to rely on others less.
  5. They are Careless: Healthy Type 8s balance their strength out with compassion and care deeply for those they attach, they are unapologetically ruthless.

Enneagram Type 8 Celebrities and Characters

These are the famous individuals who are Enneagram Type 8:

Celebrities:

  1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson– A strong-willed leader with an unbreakable work ethic.
  2. Serena Williams- Fearless and dominant in her field, yet deeply protective of her loved ones.
  3. Donald Trump- A man who is very controversial for his strong-willed personality and famous leadership style.
  4. Rihanna – Confident, bold, and fiercely independent in both her music career and business ventures.
  5. Martin Luther King Jr.– A powerful advocate for justice.

Anime and Fictional Characters:

  1. Tony Stark from Iron Man as Marvel
  2. Erwin Smith from Attack on Titan
  3. Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games
  4. Azula from Avatar: The Last Airbendr
  5. Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto from Fast & Furious

Summary

summary and conclusion of Enneagram Type 8

The Enneagram Type 8 known as ‘The Challenger’ is strong, assertive, and contains a need for control. Having a strong desire for independence, justice and loyalty, they are natural leaders. They will be direct and confrontational but they have a great sense of responsibility towards those whom they care. Enneagram Type 8s excel in leadership positions, look for partners who are able to keep up with their high intensity, and are accused of being too aggressive or emotionless. They are powerful forces in the world because they have passion, resilience, and commitment to justice.eficial influence to their circles.ndence and emotional vulnerability.

To know more about your Enneagram type take the ENNEAGRAM PERSONALITY TEST given below.