The Enneagram Types at work. Type 8

​​Enneagram
Type Eight at Work
The Challenger

Worldview
It's a dog-eat-dog world, you are either the victim or the victor
Core Fear
Being controlled or betrayed
Core Desire
Having autonomy and power
Core Weakness
Lust
Core Virtue
Innocence
Worldview
Type Eights, often referred to as "The Challenger," are known for their assertiveness, confidence, and strong leadership qualities. They are typically direct, decisive, and protective of the people they care about. Type Eights tend to view the world as a place full of challenges and opportunities. They are drawn to power, control, and making a difference. 
Core Fear
Type Eights have a deep-seated fear of being harmed or controlled by others. This fear manifests as a strong need for independence and autonomy in personal and professional growth. They often create a protective exterior to shield themselves from potential threats.
Core Desire
The core desire of Type Eights is to be in control of their own lives and to protect those they care about. They seek power and influence to create a secure environment. This desire drives their assertive and protective nature.
Core Weakness
The Type Eight weakness is lust. This doesn't refer solely to sexual desire, but a more general craving for intensity, power, and control. It's a desire for immediate gratification and a resistance to vulnerability.
Core Virtue
The Type Eight virtue is innocence. This doesn't mean naivete, but rather a capacity for openness, trust, and vulnerability. It's about responding to the world directly and honestly, without defensiveness.

Workplace Strengths and Weaknesses of the Type Eight

Enneagram Eight Strengths

Type Eights are ambitious natural leaders with a strong presence. Their assertiveness, decisiveness, natural confidence, and courage make them effective in driving projects forward. They possess a strong sense of justice and are fiercely protective of their team members. Type Eights are often seen as problem-solvers, capable of handling challenging situations with confidence, and possessing strong decision-making skills. Their direct communication style fosters efficiency and clarity.
Enneagram Eight Weaknesses

While Type Eights are strong leaders, their assertive nature can sometimes be perceived as domineering, or even intimidating. Difficulty accepting criticism and a tendency to be confrontational can strain relationships. Overconfidence can lead to underestimating challenges or overlooking alternative perspectives. Additionally, Type Eights may struggle with vulnerability, making it difficult to build deep connections with colleagues.
Type Eight

The Challenger
Strengths
Weaknesses
Decisive
Impatient
Assertive
Intimidating
Direct
Insensitive
Protective
Sensitive to Vulnerability
Strategic
Forceful
Control and independence
A strong desire for autonomy and self-determination.
Challenge and achievement
Overcoming obstacles and reaching goals.
Protection of loved ones
A deep commitment to safeguarding those they care about.
Justice and fairness
 A drive to create a more equitable world.
Impact and influence
The ability to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy.

What motivates Enneagram Eights
at work

Type Eights are driven by a strong desire for control, independence, and impact. They seek to be in charge of their own destiny and protect those they care about. A sense of justice and fairness is a powerful motivator, driving them to challenge injustice and create a more equitable world. They thrive on challenges and find satisfaction in overcoming obstacles.

Signs of burnout for the Enneagram Eight

Type Eights, with their strong and assertive nature, often push themselves to their limits. When overwhelmed, they may experience increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of isolation. Physical symptoms like fatigue and insomnia can also manifest. As burnout progresses, Type Eights may become disillusioned and question their ability to control their environment.
Type Eight

The Challenger
Signs of burnout
increased irritability
difficulty concentrating
sense of isolation
fatigue
insomnia
Remember, your direct and assertive nature can sometimes be perceived as intimidating.

Workplace advice for Enneagram Eight

Type Eights can harness their powerful energy by focusing on building strong, collaborative relationships with teammates. Developing emotional intelligence can help manage assertiveness and prevent misunderstandings in the work environment. Learning to delegate tasks and trust others can prevent burnout. Finding outlets for stress, such as physical activity or hobbies, can help maintain balance. Vulnerability is not a weakness, and showing empathy can deepen connections with colleagues.

Remember, your direct and assertive nature can sometimes be perceived as intimidating. While your confidence is a strength, be mindful of how your communication style impacts others. Not everyone shares your quick pace or decision-making style, so allow for different approaches and perspectives.

Create a supportive environment by:
Acknowledge their strengths
Recognize and appreciate their leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Offer support and encouragement
Help them manage stress and prevent burnout.
Encourage collaboration
Foster teamwork and open communication.
Set boundaries
Help them understand the impact of their assertive communication style.
Celebrate successes
Recognize their achievements and contributions to the team.

How to support Enneagram Eights
at work

To effectively support a Type Eight, create an environment that values their assertiveness and leadership while providing opportunities for collaboration. Acknowledge their strengths and contributions, while also offering constructive feedback when necessary. Encourage them to trust their instincts, but also to consider different perspectives.

Best careers & roles for Enneagram Type Eights

Type Eights thrive in roles that offer leadership opportunities, challenge, and a sense of purpose. Their assertiveness and decisiveness make them natural-born leaders.
Here are some potential career paths:
Business & Finance
Entrepreneurship, sales, and investment banking offer opportunities for control and impact.
Politics & Public Service
Positions of power and influence can appeal to Type Eights’ desire to make a difference.
Leadership Roles
Executive positions, management, or military leadership can suit Type Eights well.
Law Enforcement & Security
Roles in these fields align with Type Eights’ protective nature and desire to maintain order.
Non-profit Leadership
Advocating for a cause and leading a team to achieve a goal can be fulfilling.

Famous Enneagram Type Eight

Type Eights exemplify leadership, decisiveness, and a desire to make a positive and just impact on the world. Some well-known figures who are often considered Type Eights include:
  • Historical figures: Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King, Jr., Winston Churchill
  • Famous figures:  Serena Williams, Jack Nicholson, Pink, Denzel Washington
  • Fictional figures: Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada), Alastor Moody (Harry Potter), Roy Kent (Ted Lasso)

Remember, while Enneagram types offer a framework for self-awareness, each individual is unique.

Understanding your Enneagram type can provide valuable insights into your motivations, strengths, and challenges. By recognizing the specific characteristics of Type One, you can harness your potential and develop strategies to overcome obstacles.
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