Torn between knowing whether you are an 8w7 or 8w9? This comparison focuses on the key differences in motivations, fears, and behaviors of the two Wings of Enneagram Type 8. Through our short quiz and real-life examples, you’ll gain clarity on which Wing best aligns with who you are.
6 mins read
As an Enneagram 8, you’re bold, confident, somewhat uptight, and ready to defend your autonomy.
However, a side of you is either filled with a wild sense of adventure—or diffused by the need to maintain harmony and stability. Perhaps you feel your personality has a bit of all these traits, leaving you confused as to where you fit in.
When your Enneagram test results reveal that you’re a Type 8, you can be influenced by one of the two potential Enneagram Wing combinations: the Enneagram 8 Wing 7 and Enneagram 8 Wing 9.
These two Enneagram Wings add a unique flair to your personality. But how do you differentiate between the Seven and Nine Wings? Do you feel torn between the two? How do you gain the confidence that you are one or the other?
This article will focus on the key differences in motivations, fears, and behaviors of Enneagram 8w7 vs 8w9. Through practical questions and behavioral clues, you’ll learn which Wing best aligns with who you are.
The Enneagram system is quite complex. Sometimes, it’s hard to know which Wing might be your dominant. So, we created a short quiz to help you figure it out.
Here are practical questions and behavioral clues that can help you definitively determine if you’re 8w7 or 8w9.
If you resonate more with the 8w7 side, you may identify with The Maverick, who thrives on excitement, freedom, and bold actions. You value autonomy, challenge the status quo, and lead passionately—though quick decisions can have consequences.
If the 8w9 side aligns with you, you may relate to The Bear, who prefers stability, peace, and control without conflict. You lead calmly, ensuring harmony, and while independent, you take a more methodical, diplomatic approach to avoid tension.
It’s natural to relate to both wings at different times. Reflect on whether you lean toward excitement and domination—or stability and diplomacy—to understand your true strength.
Now that you’ve answered these questions and learned your Wing combination, you have a clearer idea of whether you lean more toward the 8w7 or 8w9 personality. Let’s take a closer look at the key similarities and differences between these two types and explore what makes each unique.
8w7s and 8w9s prefer to dictate their environment, and they know how to achieve it. Both value their autonomy and will resist control by others—which is why Type 8’s ideal careers usually involve a lot of independence and leadership opportunities. Yet, in their quest to assert their freedom, they may be perceived as aggressive, stubborn, and unwilling to compromise.
Their pragmatic and effective problem-solving skills make them efficient decision-makers in critical situations. Both wings are confident and generally maintain a positive outlook on life.
One critical challenge they face is avoiding vulnerability, which they perceive would make them look weak.
The 8w7’s core motivation is to assert their independence while seeking new experiences. To avoid boredom and limitation, they engage in activities that affirm their autonomy and provide excitement and growth.
In contrast, an 8w9 personality will seek to maintain control of their environment but subtly and more diplomatically. They focus on activities that preserve harmony and portray their inclusive leadership.
Of course, these core drives can also vary depending on each individual’s dominant Enneagram subtype, adding another layer to how their motivation is expressed.
The primary fear of the 8w7 is getting trapped or deprived of their freedom. They prefer to keep their options open to escape boredom and negativity, which may fuel their need to resort to rebellious acts as they seek to protect their autonomy.
The 8w9 Wing’s primary fear is loss and separation. It is not uncommon for this type to exhibit an anxious attachment style. They will avoid situations that will sow discord or disrupt the status quo. Where confrontation occurs, they will work hard to restore calm and stability.
Their core fears may also be influenced by the movement along Enneagram Arrows—where 8s under stress tend to adopt traits of Type 5, withdrawing and becoming more guarded. In growth, they move toward the heart-centered openness of Type 2, potentially softening their defenses.
8w7 individuals offer charismatic and positive leadership, motivating individuals and groups to achieve common goals. They are also highly adaptable and take on challenges enthusiastically. Their readiness to think on their feet makes them a go-to person in high-stakes situations.
The 8w9s are highly sought after for sound and non-judgmental advice. They have an unmistakable sense of calm that provides stability and dependability to people in their professional and social circles. Unsurprisingly, their ability to navigate complex social dynamics makes them one of the Enneagram Wings’ most inclusive and peace-loving leaders.
These strengths are why many famous Type 8’s leave a lasting legacy.
As anticipated for FOMO-averse individuals, 8w7s struggle with impulsivity and will make decisions quickly without weighing the consequences. Their need to maintain independence and disregard for long-term commitments can often lead to conflicts in professional and social circles. However, a compatible partner will find a way into their hearts and lives.
Passivity and conflict avoidance often present significant challenges for the peace-loving 8w9s, allowing pertinent issues to fester. Their lack of assertiveness denies them opportunities for personal and professional growth. Their calm demeanor and comfort in the routine may make them appear rigid and less energetic, especially in spaces that require vibrancy and dynamism.
To wrap things up, the chart below offers a side-by-side comparison of 8w7 and 8w9 to help visualize how these two subtypes diverge—and where they align. It distills the core traits we’ve covered, highlighting how each Wing shapes the expression of Type 8.
Trait | 8w7 | 8w9 |
---|---|---|
Core Motivation | Assert independence and seek new experiences. | Maintain control with diplomacy, focus on harmony. |
Primary Fear | Being trapped or deprived of freedom. | Loss and separation, anxiety over disruption. |
Strengths | Bold, enthusiastic, adaptable, charismatic leader. | Grounded, sound advice, dependable, inclusive leader. |
Weaknesses | Impulsive, conflicts in social/professional circles. | Passive, conflict-avoidant, rigid, less dynamic. |
Response to Stress/ Growth | Moves toward Type 5 (withdraws, becomes guarded). | Moves toward Type 2 (heart-centered openness). |
While their approaches may differ—8w7 being more dynamic and assertive, and 8w9 more grounded and steady—both are rooted in the same core Enneagram type. This shared foundation reveals similar underlying fears, motivations, and patterns in decision-making, even as the Wings steer them in unique directions.
The influence of the Wings brings out differences between the 8w7 and 8w9 individuals. The 8w7s are enthusiastic, with a streak of adventure that drives them to seek excitement and live their life to the fullest. 8w9 individuals are more composed, offering a stabilizing and dependable presence.
Whether you are an 8w7 or 8w9, you have valuable strengths and weaknesses that provide room for growth.
In moments of stress, 8w7s may retreat into the introspection, while 8w9s may withdraw into the caution. By recognizing these patterns, you can channel stress and growth into your journey, transforming challenges into opportunities for personal development. Embrace your personality and make the best of every day.
Capitalize on all the opportunities for self-awareness and self-improvement BrainManager offers you. Learn more about yourself in areas such as careers, relationships, other personality frameworks and tests, and more.
Content Writer
Published 15 April 2025