Enneagram Type 8
Eights belong in the Body Centre and are motivated to be strong, and in control of every situation they are put into. They are assertive, sometimes aggressive, if they or those whom they love and care for are taken advantage of. They find it easy to exert their considerable strength and if pushed into a corner, will retaliate with unabated force and vigour. They are motivated to seek justice and fairness for all. There is a side to the Eight which we may not see – they are persevering, self-sacrificing and brave warriors who have no qualms being in the front line. They display tough love and are intense in voice, physical strength and spirit. They have a “never say die” attitude with anything they are passionate about.
Early Childhood
The Type 8 child often grew up in an unsafe environment (emotionally and/or physically) and they had to fend for themselves or speak up. Their caregivers unconsciously gave the impression that if you don’t speak up or fight for your rights, others will trample on you. They didn’t feel it was safe to be vulnerable as this was either frowned upon or hardly exercised in front of the Eight child. Hence, the tender and sensitive side was hardly nurtured or present in their lives.
Strengths
Eights are confident, independent and self-reliant. They can either be a one-man show or they can marshal a group of people to execute their orders. They function well where there is opposition or if there is an enemy that evokes their inner drive to seek justice and defend the truth. Where other types may weaken against strong opposition, Eights turn up the heat to battle it out.
If you want the honest truth with no holds barred, ask an Eight. They have little time to beat around the bush or edit their words. Their straight-forward, no-nonsense style keeps you on your toes. You know where you stand with Eights and never have to second guess. If you are on their right side, you will receive full support and protection. An Eight parent or leader is likened to an eagle looking over their flock. They look out for your interests with a warrior like bravado to ensure things will be taken care of.
Eights are usually in a time crunch, very much a cut-to-the chase, take action and get-the-job-done kind of person. You hardly have to push them as they are self-motivated and independent.
Eights are usually big picture people and visionary. Being the body type, they feel it in their belly when something is wrong and seem to have bodily wisdom about what to do, and are not often wrong. All said and done, they are the movers and shakers of the world.
Limitations
Any type becomes unresourceful when they begin to over-do some of the thoughts and behaviours that are typical of the type.
Eights can sometimes be intimidating because they are the least likely to initiate a smile and their presence is known just by their energy and serious countenance, until you get to know them better.
Since they are frequently in a time crunch, they have a list of action steps on their agenda. This means they can be intolerant of others’ incompetence. They prefer others to approach them with confidence and not appear wimpy and weak.
Between justice and mercy, Eights would seek justice (and possibly revenge) and this extends to not forgetting past incidents and injustices inflicted on them by any individual. Letting go and forgiving is tantamount to being weak and giving in. Their intensity urges them to hold on to anger as the source of energy to keep up the provocation.
They get uptight when people don’t do what is asked of them or follow their guidelines – they see this as defiance. They want people to shape up or ship out, keeping the good and trimming the fat, unless they feel a connection and loyalty to them.
Eights are impatient and they put too much pressure on themselves to move things according to their standards. While they do not seek to be the best like the Type 3, they want to push any blocks in their way. If others do not fall in line, they see that as their own lack of leadership. They place too much burden on themselves as they are self-reliant, independent and believe they are capable of more than they can take.
Reflections
Eights give the impression of strength and courage but will hide their vulnerabilities. If they allow themselves to be vulnerable, they’d get a lot more emotional and physical support. It will let other people into their lives, paving the way to connect and receive comfort from them.
They generally have a hearty sense of camaraderie but may find it hard to develop deep, intimate relationships with friends. They could attempt to share and listen and truly appreciate what people are trying to tell them. They should get down from their high horse and remove that armour of defense as it would help them connect better with others.
Allow others to exercise autonomy and control. Learn to let go and let others take over where possible. Sometimes, surrendering means empowering others to take charge of situations that are normally under their control. Be receptive and responsive to input from others rather than moving to immediate, unilateral action.
Eights are intense and prone to excess in all manners of things. They work hard and are intense about everything, which could cause them to have difficulty smelling the roses and appreciating the simple things in life like leisure, rest and bonding with others.