Eights are the true ‘rugged individualists’ of the Enneagram. They enjoy taking on challenges as well giving others opportunities that challenge them to exceed themselves. They are charismatic and can persuade others to follow them almost anywhere. They feel most alive when they are exercising their enormous will–power and vitality in the world.

Eights use their abundant energy to effect change in their environment while also keeping it (and especially other people) from hurting them and those they care about. At an early age Eights understand that this requires strength, will, persistence and endurance, qualities they build in themselves and look for in others. Above all, Eights do not want to be controlled or allow others to have power over them – being in charge and making their mark are top priorities.

More than any other type, Eights stand alone. They want to be independent and free of indebtedness to others. They resist social convention and can defy fear, shame and concerns about the consequences of their actions. They refuse to be swayed by others’ opinions of them. Eights are tough, driven by the fear of being controlled or disempowered in some way, and can absorb enormous physical punishment without complaint. This results in them ignoring their physical health and well–being as well as that of others.

While Eights can be incredibly industrious, they are desperately afraid of being hurt emotionally and use their physical strength to protect their feelings and keep others at a distance. Beneath this facade is vulnerability protected by a layer of emotional armour. This means they can lose emotional contact with those close to them. When those others complain, they are mystified by the complaints (”I’m busting my bum to provide for them – what are they complaining about?”). An Eight can then distance themselves further. However, beneath the imposing exterior, they feel hurt and rejected, something they can’t admit to themselves let alone others.

Here is the trap for the Eight of average health – their fear of rejection drives them to reject others first, as a means of defence. The result is Eights can block themselves in their ability to connect with others or to love, as loving another gives the other power over them. The more an Eight builds up their ego to protect themselves, the more sensitive they become to any slight, perceived or imagined, to their authority, self-respect or preeminence. The more protection they build, the more like an emotionless hardened rock they become.

In contrast, a healthy Eight has a resourceful can–do attitude as well as steady inner drive, taking initiative to make things happen with a great passion for life. They are honourable and authoritative – natural leaders with a solid commanding presence. Grounded, decisive and with abundant common sense, Eights are willing to take the heat knowing not everyone will be happy with every decision. However, as much as possible they want to look after the interests of the people in their charge without playing favourites, using their talents and fortitude to construct a better life for everyone in their lives.

How to Recognise an Eight

Eights are one of the easiest of the personality types to identify and one of the hardest to deal with. Eights like to be top dog: they challenge others, stand up to others and unmask anything they see as unjust, unfair or hypocritical. In short, they burst into life when they can fight. Eights are devoted to those on their side, relentlessly hostile to those against them. Moods can shift dramatically though and anyone can be one minute an enemy, the next minute a protected friend. Eights love to test themselves and others. The edge of danger is their natural home. Many of their styles of dress are intended to shock. Eights have an unfailing instinct for knowing when others are behaving tyrannically, even though they do not see it in themselves.

To discover the Eights on your team, ask yourself: “Who always likes to get their own way?” “Who is fearless?” and “Who tends to fly by the seat of their pants?”

The Eight at Work

In many team situations, Eights will be the official or unofficial leaders by force of character. If official, and accepted by the rest of the team, the team will become energised by the Eight’s leadership. If the Eight is not in a position of official or unofficial leadership, there is the potential for serious conflict. This might arise if one of the team is unfairly treated. The Eight will immediately leap to their defence.

In an argument, Eights deny any point of view that doesn’t fit in with their own. Arguing is a power struggle which they are determined to win. An Eight tends to react loudly and excessively when little things go wrong in the team such as a faulty photocopier or a colleague who has missed an appointment. Big errors are, however, much more appealing as they offer the chance for an out-and-out confrontation.

Working with an Eight

They might say "OK. I'm here! Deal with me. I’m strong, assertive and in control”.

They get stressed by …

Being unable to correct perceived injustice, having to contain their confrontational style and having difficulty containing it, going full out and denying fatigue and pain.

They get angry because of …

Deceit, manipulation, people who don't stand up for themselves, others not responding to them or what has to be done, boundaries or rules that are unjust or too constraining, attempts to control them.

Get along with them by …

Be open and straight forward, don't avoid conflict – they respect people who stay and face the music, set clear boundaries, don't take their anger or challenging personally.