Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger Personality Type with a Strong Sense of Justice

Enneagram Type 8 is one of the nine Enneagram personality types. Strength and fairness are essential to the Enneagram’s Challenger. People often view Enneagram 8 as protectors and natural leaders due to their:

• Resilience
• Self-confidence
• Generous spirit
• Take-charge nature
• Can-do attitude

When nurtured and well-understood, people with this Enneagram can steer society and humankind into realms of success with boldness and charisma.

On the downside, people with these personalities are often seen as radicals and complicated due to their goal-oriented and transformative approach to life. 

This article covers aspects of the Enneagram Type 8 to better understand how they perceive themselves and the world around them. We will explore Enneagram 8s in the workplace, dating scenes, and other social setups.

Not sure of your Enneagram type? Take an Enneagram test to find out!

Inside the Mind of an Enneagram Type 8: Traits That Define the Challenger

Enneagram Type 8 has earned the nickname the Challenger or Protector because they are unafraid to push boundaries, fight oppression, and stand up for justice. They are the most intense and influential of all the Enneagram types.

Eights are resilient, self-confident, self-reliant, and goal-oriented individuals. Due to their strong personality traits, Type 8's quest to assert power and control keeps them safe from experiencing their own fears of feeling weak or vulnerable.

If we were to look at personality traits assessed with the MBTI, many ENTJs (The Commander) would also fall into the Enneagram 8 classification. Since most Type 8s are extroverts, they are also likely to score high in the Big Five trait of extroversion. 

Another level of individual differences within the type can happen thanks to Enneagram Wings. The wings on the Enneagram are the neighboring types located on either side of your core type. In this case, the Eight's wings are Seven and Nine:

• Eights with a Seven Wing (8w7) are more enthusiastic and energetic.
• Eights with a Nine Wing (8w9) combine almost two complete opposites: they can act decisively when needed but with gentleness and patience.

Some of the key personality traits that stand out for an Enneagram 8 are:

Natural Leaders

These strong, natural-born leaders can make swift decisions and take responsibility for standing up for themselves and others. Eights tend to be in leadership roles since taking charge is their strong suit. To avoid coming across as too intimidating, they simply need to show their team a warmer side, and they will be the perfect bosses.

Protective and Justice-Oriented

People with Enneagram Type 8 focus on fighting for justice and combating oppression. They possess a strong sense of duty to protect the weak in society.

Bold and Independent

Type 8s take pride in their autonomy and dislike relying on others. They tackle difficulties head-on and are not easily influenced by divergent opinions. As such, they can easily thrive in freelancing or entrepreneurship.

Assertive and Confident

An Enneagram Type 8 is not shy in expressing their opinions bluntly. Boundaries and limits don't bother them. They are self-confident, ready to stand up for their views, and able to make tough decisions when it comes down to it.

Such traits mean Type 8s thrive in environments where they can show leadership and implement ideas. Ultimately, the best careers for anyone depend on a variety of factors, including personal interests and aptitudes. Therefore,  Enneagram traits also have a saying.

Bossy and Intimidating

The powerful and intense nature of Type 8 can potentially overpower others and even ruin their relationships as they seek to maintain control over their environment.

When dating, it's crucial to understand how your Enneagram type may affect the relationship. Although you are fiercely loyal in love, this intensity might cause a rift. Yes, a compatible partner will know you mean well, but trying to speak their love language will take you far in romantic relationships.

What Motivates Enneagram 8 Personality Types and What Makes Them Tick?

The Enneagram system offers a profound lens through which to view the diverse tapestry of human personality, highlighting the distinct motivations, desires, and fears that drive each of the nine types. Recognizing the unique set of factors that propel each personality type forward is central to understanding this intricate model.

For Enneagram Type Eights, known for their assertiveness, resilience, and protective nature, delving into what motivates them is vital to grasping their complex character. This segment aims to unpack the core motivations that make Enneagram Type Eights tick, shedding light on the powerful internal forces that influence their actions and decisions.

What Drives an Eight? Basic Desire Behind Their Power Moves

What motivates Enneagram 8s? What keeps them going when facing pain, challenges, or dissatisfaction? All personality types have basic desires that align with their goals, and type Eight is no different. 

These core desires can appear differently depending on the instinctual subtype. Self-Preservation Eights may focus on protecting their space and resources. Social Eights often champion a cause or group. At the same time, One-to-One Eights tend to express intensity in personal bonds and power dynamics.

Type 8's top motivations include:

• Commanding presence
• Taking charge and offering leadership
• Making decisions that impact other people
• Staying in control of their situation
• Maintaining their freedom and self-reliance
• Proving their strength and resisting weakness

What Keeps Type 8 Up at Night? Basic Fear and Hidden Vulnerabilities

In addition to identifying our core desires, the Enneagram identifies our core fears. Type Eight's basic fear is being controlled or suffering harm at the hands of others.

Here are more scenarios that the Enneagram Type 8 personality dread:

• Feeling powerless
• Feeling vulnerable
• Feeling underestimated
• Feeling incompetent
• Getting manipulated
• Suffering injustice

Leisure with a Punch: Hobbies That Suit the Challenger’s Spirit

Type 8s may be powerful and goal-oriented, with little leisure time to spare. Still, they need to unplug to achieve a wholesome life balance. That said, when they engage in hobbies, it doesn't come as a surprise that they prefer engaging in activities that utilize their abilities and elevate their status.

These are some of the hobbies Type Eights would find most thrilling:

• Hosting events
• Public speaking
• Debating
• Playing video games
• Blogging
• Volunteering
• Strength sports like boxing and weightlifting
• Thrill-seeking activities like mountain biking and rock climbing

Where Eights Shine: Unstoppable Strengths and Superpowers

The Enneagram 8's strengths largely lie in its leadership and decision-making skills. Loved ones and work colleagues can rely on them to make fair and timely decisions. Their ability to express their opinions and advocate for everyone they care about fosters trust, productivity, and harmony.

Some of the strengths typically associated with Enneagram personality type 8 include:

• Taking initiative
• Socially intelligent
• Effective leadership
• Defend and protect
• Unbiased and quick decision-making
• Bold and secure
• Ability to express their opinion clearly and directly
• Compassionate and warm
• Excellent conflict resolution
• Favors loyalty and trust

When Power Turns Pushy: Common Weaknesses of Type 8s

Their self-confidence and desire to control their environment can be perceived as overbearing and manipulative, causing others to feel uncomfortable. Considering their disregard for other people's opinions (especially when they are on their Disintegration Arrow), it's no surprise that they trigger frequent misunderstandings, mainly because they prefer rushing through a decision over taking counsel.

Enneagram Eights typically overvalue power and will find it through any means, including wealth, sheer will, or even by force to cement their control over an environment.

These are the weaknesses typically associated with Enneagram Type8:

• Appear controlling and intimidating
• Finds difficulty in submitting to authority
• Insensitive and combative
• Fear of vulnerability
• Outbursts of anger
• Impatience

Famous Enneagram Type 8 Celebrities

To better understand the characteristics of Type 8, it can be helpful to look at famous people with the same personality type. Because they are in the public eye, their traits are up front and center for everyone to see.

While we don't have their actual Enneagram test results, based upon their outward behaviors, some famous Enneagram 8 celebrities include:

• Alec Baldwin
• Aretha Franklin
• Barbara Walters
• Chelsea Handler
• Courtney Love
• Donald Trump
• Winston Churchill
• Mark Cuban
• Elon Musk

How Do Enneagram Type Eights Handle Stress?

Enneagram 8s encounter stress just like everyone else, they are the type who are the least likely to connect stress to negative emotions. Instead, Type Eights feel energized when under stress; it challenges them. You might say they even relish being under pressure (until it gets to be too much). 

In a way, stress and growth paths may overlap for Enneagram 8.

The first reaction to stress for Type Eight is to go into overdrive. This reaction may take the form of overworking and excessive Type A behaviors.

Left unchecked, they may fall into unhealthy habits like cynicism, extreme withdrawal, being secretive, and being overly critical. Eights only spiral down into these unhealthy stress-relief habits because they learned from an early age to be strong and to stay on guard; only strong and resilient people make it in life.

Enneagram 8s tend to be stressed by:

• Feeling helpless
• Feeling insignificant
• Freedom infringement
• Dishonest and manipulative people
• Facing injustice
• Failure

Quick Tips to Help Type 8 Handle Stress

• Take stock of the progress you've made for each of your goals
• Loosen your guard and embrace vulnerability (it does not make you weak
• Talk to someone you trust about your issues
• Find and apply logical solutions to your problems
• Practice mindfulness
• Engage in moderate physical exercise
• Embrace positive affirmations like " It hurts right now, but I'll get through it" instead of "Suck it up" or "Get over it."

Levels of Development for Type 8 Enneagram

Levels of personal development in the Enneagram are categories that describe the best to the worst version of their core types. The Type 8 Enneagram levels of development are as follows:

Healthy Eights

When self-aware and emotionally healthy, the Protectors epitomize justice and fairness. They fight for the weak in society and champion causes that bring lasting change to society. Close friends and family can rely on their logical advice, genuine love, and unwavering support. 

Above all, healthy Eights acknowledge that they wield true power and strength by showing their kind and gentle side and becoming vulnerable to the people they trust.

Average Eights

Average Eights are highly ambitious and see every business opportunity or relationship as a battleground where the goal is nothing short of a win. They are assertive and confrontational and will typically only respect the people who meet them eye to eye. Yet, when they recognize oppression in society, their rage turns to compassion, which fuels their pursuit of justice. 

Average Eights have trouble admitting failure and view vulnerability as a threat.

Unhealthy Eights

Unhealthy Eights are quick-tempered and aggressive towards anything standing in their path to attaining power. Their gentle side turns into a blind spot, and they may entirely disregard other people's feelings and emotions. 

When their pursuits hit a roadblock, the Challengers lash out or issue threats in an attempt to regain power and protect themselves.

When Power Meets Purpose: The Best Version of Enneagram 8

At their best, Type 8s utilize their power and strength to champion change, build a better world, and inspire others. They no longer play as the prototype of "getting big" through any means possible. Instead, they portray qualities of strength, kindness, and generosity that put them on the same pedestal as superheroes.

For Type 8s, the path to becoming their best selves involves continuous self-reflection and embracing vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. 

This process allows them to forge deeper connections with others, moving beyond the surface level to truly understand and support the people in their lives. It's about learning to balance their inherent assertiveness with empathy, showing that authentic leadership is not just about leading the charge but also about lifting others along the way.

To embark on this journey toward being their best selves, Type 8s might consider practices encouraging emotional openness and self-awareness. Activities like mindfulness meditation, journaling, or engaging in open and honest conversations can be transformative. These practices help in recognizing the value of showing one's softer side and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for themselves and those around them.

Additionally, seeking feedback from trusted friends or colleagues can provide invaluable insights into how their actions affect others, guiding Type 8s towards a more empathetic and understanding approach. The goal is not to diminish their strength but to channel it in ways that inspire, motivate, and champion causes with compassion and integrity.

5 Growth Opportunities for Enneagram Eight

Enneagram Eights have numerous growth opportunities they can embrace to enhance their careers, mental health, physical health, emotional intelligence, and personal relationships. To get you started in the right direction, here are five steps you can take for personal growth.

1. Understand the Value of Vulnerability

Learning that you can be vulnerable with those you trust helps you to build emotional intelligence. You find it easier to ask for help when you need it. Learning to take care of yourself is just as important as your need to protect others.

2. Embrace People's Perspectives and Opinions

Use the Golden Rule of communication. Listen to other people's opinions before giving your own. It can be as simple as learning to listen before you speak. That way, you grow your capacity to incorporate their contributions over time.

3. Acknowledge Your Limits

Type Eights are always looking for a challenge that pushes their mental limits. They also set extremely high expectations for themselves. However, this trajectory can lead to poor physical health, burnout, and emotional fatigue without a sense of balance. It's prudent that you make time for hobbies and rest as needed, as well as adding a few productivity hacks.

4. Think and Feel Before Taking Action

When you feel the need to act impulsively, check in with your thoughts and feelings before taking action. You can try grounding techniques during moments of anxiety or intense situations.

5. Allow Others to Lead

There is no doubt you're a good leader. But sometimes, you need to step back and let others take charge. It also helps to take the time to understand that people differ in how they show leadership. And that's okay!

Be the Best You that You Can Be!

By embracing these steps, Enneagram Type 8s can become the superheroes they are meant to be, not just in their actions but in their impact on the world around them.

Here are some recommended readings to help you on your journey. They can all be found in the Brain Manager's free members’ library. 

• Self-Reflection – How to Be Introspective and Better Understand Yourself
• Mindfulness 101 - Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
• Art of Calm – Science-Based Ways to Feel Calmer