This week, learn more about the Enneagram Type Eight – the Challenger/Boss. [Remember – the Enneagram is based on motivation, not behavior. This is why it is important to have a holistic understanding of all the types before determining which type you lead with. If you want more information on what the Enneagram is, check out the first post of this series.]
Enneagram Eights are typically known as Challengers or Bosses, and often by a third name – Protectors. Their primary motivation is to be in control. To clarify, this does not mean “to control.” Eights like their lives to be without chaos, and usually only trust themselves to manage this. This lack of trust in others with their circumstances leads them to an instinctual desire to be in control. However, they will allow anyone they actually trust to control or be in control, because they know their stability in life is being protected and therefore, they do not need to step up. That said, Eights do not like being controlled by others, and actively resist it which can make them hard to manage if they do not trust the manager. They are fierce protectors – the first to stand up to bullies. Though they are almost never intentionally the bully, sometimes their aggressive demeanor and direct communication style can be intimidating and present otherwise. They are passionate about justice – not necessarily the legalistic type of justice, rather the Robin Hood type of justice. They are unafraid to break rules they deem useless or prohibitive of getting stuff done – even rules the Eight themselves create. They do not fear conflict, and others earn respect from Eights when engaging in it. Eights get stuff done and cut out the nonsense. They are hugely energetic (I call the Eight energy “Big Energy”), impatient, and have zero time for anything that does not pique their interest or that they judge to be “dumb,” for better or worse.
In shadow, directness comes off as anger, judgment, intimidation, and sometimes, cruelty. They are not especially malleable with their beliefs. They dislike and almost fear vulnerability which makes them appear hard or invincible, which can be exhausting, when deep down, they desire to be loved too. This is because they are very separated from their emotions – the protector in them is a projection of a time in life when nobody protected them, and they realized they would always have to fend for themselves, creating a very tough exterior shell. They may not have a lot of close friends – it is hard for them to let people in. They can be excessive in things and people that interest them, which some label as lust – not necessarily in a sexual way – just in an overly-satiated and obsessive way. Spouses and friends can find this behavior exhausting and over-done.
As children, Eights often lose their innocence too soon, becoming independent too early – little adults roaming the planet, ready for apartment life at the age of 14. They also might have been bullied in some way, which explains their innate desire to protect – as stated earlier – it is a projection.
Eights are members of the Body Center of Intelligence (aka the Gut Triad), meaning their responses and decision making comes more instinctually or impulsively to them (as opposed to thoughtfully [Head] or emotionally [Heart]). They are of the Aggressive Stance (as opposed to the Withdrawing or Dependent stances). In stress, Eights lean into shadow Type Five (Investigator/Observer) becoming withdrawn and isolated. They do this to guard from being seen as weak during moments of vulnerability or weakness. However, when they lean into the positive side of the Type Five, they tend to slow down, quiet their minds and bodies, focus on learning and being still – which prevents them from being angry and reactive. In support, Eights lean into Type Two (Giver/Helper) becoming more in touch with their emotions, tapping into their penchant for altruistic generosity, and becoming vulnerable servant leaders. Wings are either the Type Seven (Enthusiast/Epicure) or the Nine (Peacemaker/Mediator). (Note – A Wing is when the primary Type might often display features of one of the two Types (or both) surrounding the primary Type on the Enneagram circle. These two types are referred to as a “wing.”)
Common occupations of Enneagram Eights include (but are not limited to) entrepreneurs, executives, corporate leaders, CEOs, controllers, lawyers, judges, consultants, coaches, doctors, politicians, and principals.
Exercising compassion toward a Type Eight: Remember – Enneagram Eights have feelings too. They are buried deep because they do not trust people with their vulnerability; they are afraid they will be betrayed or humiliated if they show that side. They perceive this as weakness and do not want to be seen as weak. Remind them that they do not have to be so strong all the time, and that vulnerability is not the same as weakness. They are worthy of feeling and receiving love too. They will be stubborn about it, so compassion toward them is important. Even when they act like they do not care what people think, deep down, they do – they just do not allow themselves to go there most of the time – the pain is too deep. Support them by reminding them it is ok to be vulnerable and lovable too.
To the Eight folks: You are worthy of your vulnerability, and your vulnerability is your true strength. You are worthy of receiving love.
Remember – the beauty of the Enneagram is the universal discovery that “not everyone thinks the way I do!” This is where the seeds of compassion for self and others are planted.
In next week’s The Chic Guide edition, we will explore our last type, the Enneagram Type Nine, the Peacemaker/Mediator.
A special gift for you – inspired by Type Eights:
Here is a Type Eight cardio-kickboxing workout, featuring owner Jennifer Lynn of Fit Philosophie and instructor Abby Rettig, and inspired by Enneagram Type Eights but for anyone who loves to move and can work out at a moderately paced level. Thanks to Crunchmaster Crackers and Wise Wellness Guild for sponsoring this special feature!
If you find yourself wanting more information about the Enneagram, consider taking my online introductory course which will give you a more in depth overview, and provide a path to help you discover your type!
Whitney Ellison is a thought leader of the Enneagram and Quantum Energy. Learn more about her by visiting her website, wellisonenterprises.com where you can subscribe to her biweekly newsletter, and following her @wellisonenterprises on Instagram where you can find all of her Enneagram series interviews and other comings and goings.
