Enneagram Type 8: So Assertive
Enneagram Eights are assertive, decisive, and strong. They are motivated by power and are one of the most decisive Enneagram types.
Enneagram 8 overview
Enneagram Eights are assertive, decisive, and strong. They are motivated by power and are one of the most decisive Enneagram types.
Enneagram 8 basic desire: On a fundamental level, Enneagram Eights want to feel in control of their life and environment. They have a strong desire to keep themselves safe, both physically and emotionally.
Enneagram 8 basic fear: Enneagram Eights fear being harmed and being vulnerable. They are afraid of not being able to protect themselves.
Enneagram Eights are natural leaders, and they like to be in charge. They are confident, and they know what they want. Eights are also very honest, and they tell it like it is.
People of the Enneagram Eight personality type stand up for what they believe in. Plus, they are very protective of their loved ones and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. Eights are passionate individuals who are comfortable taking initiative.
There’s nothing more Enneagram Eights love than a challenge. They are skilled individuals who embrace their talents and enjoy pushing themselves to their limits. Eights are some of the most resilient people out there.
Eights are exceptionally self-disciplined, and when they know what they want, they go after it. People of this type are often found in leadership roles and positions of power.
The strong willpower of Enneagram Eights is partly driven by a need to be strong in order to protect themselves and others. For Eights, strength equates to control. They are highly independent and dislike the thought of having to rely on others.
Enneagram Eights are passionate about justice and fairness. They are the type of people who will fight for the underdog. Eights are tough, but they are also generous and loyal friends.
As a result of their determination and assertive nature, Eights can come across as intimidating to those who don’t know them well. Plus, they can be blunt and impatient with people who don’t meet their high standards. One of the things that Eights struggle with most is showing vulnerability.
If Eights feel like they aren’t in control, they can become confrontational and can have a temper. They are deeply loyal and honest but can also be opinionated and stubborn.
Ultimately, Eights have many admirable qualities. They are confident, strong-minded, and determined individuals who get things done. However, their fixation on needing to be in control can hold them back in life.
Enneagram 8 strengths
1. Confident: Enneagram Eights are assertive and confident. They go after what they want in life, and they often inspire others with their bravery.
2. Fair: People of the Enneagram Eight personality type are deeply concerned about justice, and they stand up for those who are weaker than themselves.
3. Resilient: Eights are determined and resilient. When they get knocked down, they have a unique ability to get back up again.
4. Protective: Enneagram Eights look out for people they care about, and they will go above and beyond to keep them safe from harm.
Enneagram 8 weaknesses
1. Control freaks: Enneagram Eights have a strong need to feel in control of everything that touches their life, and they can become angry when things don’t go their way.
2. Uncompromising: People of the Enneagram Eight personality type are headstrong, and they can be unwilling to compromise.
3. Very private: The concept of showing weakness is terrifying to Eights, and it can take them a long time to open up, which can make it difficult for them to form deep connections.
4. Ruthless: Eights can be dominating and ruthless. In some situations, they can let their determination to win get the better of them.
Enneagram wings
Most people lean towards one of the wings on either side of their Enneagram type, which determines their Enneagram subtype. In the case of Enneagram Eights, the subtypes are Enneagram Eight with a Seven wing (Enneagram 8w7) and Enneagram Eight with a Nine wing (Enneagram 8w9). These two subtypes share the key Enneagram Eight traits, but they also show subtle differences.
Enneagram 8w7 overview
Enneagram Eights with a Seven Wing largely have traits of Eights but also share several characteristics with Sevens. In short, Enneagram Eights with a Seven Wing tend to be more energetic and optimistic. They tend to have a powerful presence and are a force to be reckoned with.
Enneagram 8w9 overview
Enneagram Eights with an Eight Wing largely have traits of Eights but also share several characteristics with Nines. To summarize, Enneagram Eights with a Nine Wing tend to be calmer and more collaborative. They are more likely to come across as modest and supportive.
Enneagram 8 dating
Enneagram Eights don’t beat around the bush when it comes to dating. They are straight-talking, and this tends to be their style of flirting.
People of the Enneagram Eight personality type are often upfront with their romantic interests. They hate to waste time, and they aren’t ones to play games when it comes to love.
Eights often come across as intense from the very first date. People of the Enneagram Eight are curious people, and when they take an interest in someone, they want to know all about them.
In general, Eights tend not to date around because they see it as unproductive, and they are selective with whom they spend their time.
Enneagram 8 relationships
One of the unique qualities of Eights is that they are exceptionally protective of those they care about, and the safety of their partners is top of their list of priorities.
Eights need someone who can keep them on their toes because they enjoy a challenge and they are often intelligent, so a strong mental connection is important to people of this type.
Enneagram Eights may try to run the show in their relationships, and they can have a hard time admitting when they’re wrong.
People of the Enneagram Eight personality type have a hard time opening up and being vulnerable, so they need a partner who is willing to be patient when it comes to this.
Eights do have deep emotions; it can just take a while for them to share their feelings with others. They need to do it in their own time and don’t respond well to pressure.
Enneagram 8 compatibility
Enneagram Eights need a partner who gives them space and allows them the freedom to pursue their passions. They are attracted to people who know their own minds, and people-pleasers are an instant turn-off for Eights.
Eights are often attracted to partners who have their own passions and goals because personal growth is important to people of this type, so it’s important that their partner has a growth mindset.
At the same time, Eights work best with partners who are happy to follow their lead, and perhaps most importantly for people of this type, they look for partners who make them feel safe and accepted.
Loyalty, trust, and honesty are essential traits that Enneagram Eights look for in a partner. Plus, they appreciate it when their partner can help them introspect and get in touch with their emotions.
Enneagram 8 in the workplace
Eights are typically hard workers and are often able to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. They are exceptionally very focused and goal-oriented. Plus, they usually have a clear plan for what they want to achieve.
As a result of their decisiveness and confidence, Eights can be excellent team leaders, but they can also be dictatorial. They need to be careful not to steamroll over other people’s ideas and should be mindful of listening to others.
Enneagram Eights bring their strong sense of justice to the workplace and will want to ensure everything is fair. For example, they will want to make sure that everyone gets the recognition they deserve and aren’t afraid to speak up if they see something they deem unjust.
In the workplace, Enneagram Eights communicate in a clear and concise manner, and they expect the same in return from their colleagues. They’re not the type to make small talk on a regular basis. As in all areas of their lives, Eights need to feel respected in the workplace and that their opinion matters.
The best careers for Enneagram Eights are typically those that enable them to have autonomy. They may enjoy careers in finance, entrepreneurship, and law, where they can combine their ambition with their logical nature.
Enneagram 8 under stress
Under moderate stress, Enneagram Eights can become confrontational and they can end up doing everything they can to feel like they are in control. They will usually become angry, and they can flip out unexpectedly.
When under extreme stress, Eights become withdrawn, which is a far cry from their usual way of life, where they go after what they want. At times like this, they can get caught up in their own thoughts to an unhealthy extent and can come across as detached.
Extreme stress can cause Enneagram Eights to become obsessive about reading up on topics or gathering data points which they do to try and feel more in control again. In situations like this, they will want to analyze everything in great detail.
Advice for Enneagram 8s
1. Accept that you can’t control everything. One of the best things that you can do as an Eight is to accept that a lot of things are out of your control. It’s easier said than done but remind yourself that no good can come from worrying about things that you aren’t able to influence.
2. Know that there is strength in vulnerability. Yes, when you are vulnerable, you risk getting hurt. But the potential rewards are significant – such as deeper relationships or personal growth.
3. Take time to relax. Enneagram Eights can be hard on themselves, and you need to remember to slow down sometime, or you will eventually burn out. Taking time for yourself will help you recharge and be more productive in the long run.
4. Think before you respond emotionally. Eights are prone to making hasty decisions when angry. Next time you feel your blood boil, take a deep breath and give yourself time to cool down before responding.
Quotes for Enneagram 8s
Here are some of the best quotes that you’ll appreciate if you’re an Enneagram Eight.
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.” – Ernest Hemingway
“Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew.” – Cicely Tyson
“Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable.” –Brené Brown
“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” ― Elie Wiesel
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” ― Robert F. Kennedy
“It’s not about making the right choice. It’s about making a choice and making it right.” ― J.R. Rim
“Recognizing power in another does not diminish your own.” ― Joss Whedon
Enneagram 8 famous people
Here are some real-life examples of famous Enneagram Eights.
Donald Trump, 8w7 (45th President of the United States)
Donald Trump is an unhealthy Enneagram Eight with a Seven Wing. Eights are known for being domineering, self-confident, and assertive. When these traits are used in an unhealthy way, Eights can be manipulative, exploitative, and aggressive. This can definitely be said for Donald Trump. He always wants to be in control and will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. This can be seen in the way he runs his businesses, his personal life, and the way he ran the United States of America. He has been known to cheat on his wives, lie about his wealth, and use bankruptcy laws to his advantage. All of these things show that Donald Trump is an unhealthy Enneagram Eight. While Eights are usually very self-confident, Trump takes it to an extreme. He is always bragging about himself and his accomplishments. This can be seen in the way he talks about himself during speeches, interviews, and on social media.
Megan Thee Stallion, 8w7 (Rapper)
Megan Thee Stallion is an Enneagram Eight with a Seven Wing. She’s confident, assertive, and always up for a good time. She knows what she wants and goes after it with enthusiasm. Megan is outgoing and charming, making her the life and soul of any party. Her friends know they can always count on her. Enneagram Eights are also known for being passionate and motivated. Megan Thee Stallion embodies these qualities perfectly. She is a force to be reckoned with and is always striving to be the best. She is also warm and outgoing, and she loves to have fun, which is typical of Eights with a Seven Wing. Megan is a natural leader, and she’s often the one in charge. Megan’s Seven Wing helps her to stay optimistic and upbeat, even in the face of difficulties.
Steve Jobs, 8w7 (Entrepreneur)
Steve Jobs is an Enneagram Eight with a Seven Wing. Eights are known for their drive and ambition, always striving to be the top dog. They’re also known for being assertive and confident, which is probably why Jobs was such a successful CEO. However, Eights can also be domineering and aggressive, which may explain some of the conflicts he had with his employees. Enneagram Eights are also known for their generosity, and Jobs was certainly giving with his time and money. He was a strong supporter of education and the arts. Plus, he donated millions of dollars to worthy causes. Steve Jobs’ Seven Wing is evident in his creativity and spontaneity. Sevens are known for their desire for new experiences and love of adventure. They’re also known for being optimistic and upbeat, which is probably why Jobs was always so positive about the future of Apple.
Gordon Ramsay, 8w7 (Celebrity Chef)
Gordon Ramsay is an Enneagram Eight with a Seven Wing. There is no denying Gordan Ramsay’s assertiveness, aggressive nature, and drive to be successful. Enneagram Eights are sometimes known as “The Challenger.” They are natural leaders who can be impatient, and they have a need for control. Gordan Ramsay fits this description! He is notorious for his no-nonsense attitude, his explosive temper, and his perfectionism. But many of these personality traits are what make him successful. He has built an empire and has become one of the most well-known chefs in the world. His success is a testament to his drive and determination. Gordan Ramsay is a prime example of an Enneagram Eight who has used their power and influence to achieve great things.
Duchess of Cornwall, 8w9 (Royal Family)
The Duchess of Cornwall is an Enneagram Eight with a Nine Wing. Eights are known for their assertiveness, confidence, and strength. They are natural leaders and are often very successful in business. Camilla is no exception. She is a strong and confident woman who knows what she wants. Nines are known for their easy-going nature, their ability to see both sides of every issue, and their diplomatic skills. The Duchess of Cornwall is a perfect example of an Eight with a Nine Wing. She is assertive and confident, but also easy-going and able to see different perspectives. Her diplomatic skills make her a perfect ambassador for the British royal family.
Enneagram 8 characters
Here are some examples of Enneagram Eight characters.
Christian Grey, 8w7 (Fifty Shades of Grey)
Christian Grey is an Enneagram Eight with a Seven Wing. You can tell that he’s an Eight because of his take-charge attitude and his need for control, whether that’s in the bedroom or business. Christian Grey is also very ambitious and has a strong sense of justice. From his difficult childhood to becoming a billionaire, he’s always strived to be the best and to have the most. While Christian may seem like a tough guy, he actually has a soft side too. He’s a true romantic at heart, and that’s why he falls for Ana Steele. She represents everything that’s good and pure in the world, and he can’t help but be drawn to her. Enneagram Eights are known for being leaders and for their assertiveness. They are also very passionate people. We definitely see this with Christian Grey and his sex life!
Darth Vader, 8w9 (Star Wars)
Darth Vader is an unhealthy Enneagram Eight with a Nine Wing. Unhealthy Eights are known for their power-hungry tendencies, and Vader definitely fits that bill. He’s always striving to be the best and most powerful Sith Lord and he’s not afraid to use his strength to get what he wants. Enneagram Eights are also known for their stubbornness, and Vader is certainly no exception. He’s incredibly set in his ways and doesn’t like to be challenged. While Darth Vader may be an unhealthy Enneagram Eight, there are some redeeming qualities to his personality type, although they are used for bad causes! Eights are also known for their loyalty and commitment. It’s clear that Vader is definitely loyal to the Sith cause. He’s also a natural leader and he inspires those around him with his vision for the dark side.
Maeve Wiley, 8w9 (Sex Education)
Maeve Wiley is an Enneagram Eight with a Nine Wing. Maeve is the type of person who is always up for a good time. She loves to party and has a strong sense of self. Maeve is also confident and can be quite persuasive. She managed to convince Otis to set up the sex therapy sessions in the school bathrooms. Enneagram Eights are known for their ability to take control of situations and get things done. Maeve is no exception. She is a natural leader and is always looking for ways to make things happen. Maeve needed to make some money so she started working with Otis. She came up with the idea, got them the student clients, and made sure that everything ran smoothly. Maeve is a go-getter and always has been. When she was younger, she used to be a bit of a troublemaker. But, she has grown out of that phase as she had to look after herself.
Thomas Shelby, 8w9 (Peaky Blinders)
Thomas Shelby is an unhealthy Enneagram Eight with a Nine Wing. He likes to be in control and is always looking for ways to get ahead. Tommy is head of the Peaky Blinders and the patriarch of the Shelby family. He is a ruthless businessman and a violent gangster. Unhealthy Enneagram Eights are typically egocentric, manipulative, and exploitative. This sums up Tommy Shelby. He is someone who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Tommy does also have some redeeming qualities; he is incredibly intelligent and resourceful. While Eights are tough, they are also loyal to those close to them. Tommy is fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He protects his Peaky Blinders and he is a man of his word.
Bane, 8w7 (The Dark Knight)
Bane from The Dark Knight is an unhealthy Enneagram Eight with a Seven Wing. Unhealthy Enneagram Eights are known for being domineering and controlling. They are power-hungry, ruthless and violent. They can be insensitive and often do not care about the feelings of others. Bane from The Dark Knight is a perfect example of an unhealthy Enneagram Eight. He tries to take down Batman and Gotham City simply because he can. It’s clear that he doesn’t care about the destruction and chaos that he causes. All he cares about is himself and his own power. Bane creates a lawless city where people are afraid to live and he is a perfect example of an unhealthy Enneagram Eights villain.
