In This Chapter

Director/Powerhouses can light up a city with a drive for doing and taking action. Short on patience, what you see is what you get. The most body-instinctive type, 8s tend not to take no for an answer. If there’s an obstacle in the way, slowing down progress, call an 8 for guaranteed action.

Preferring action to inaction and driven by impulse, Director/Powerhouses have energy to burn and can’t stand to wait. No brakes, please. 8s feel easily controlled and are on the alert for that possibility. It’s all about the green light and taking charge, so as not to be taken charge of by others. If you test people the way you’d test a new car and push your agenda hard, welcome to your type. You’re an 8!

Strength is power. You do whatever it takes to be strong or at least project a strength you may not feel. You hide any weakness, for fear you’ll be taken advantage of if you don’t. If you’re tough with others and yourself, you can manage. Charles Darwin was right—life’s a struggle for survival and only the fittest prevail. You have to constantly prove, challenge, and confront.

Who’s afraid of a little conflict? Certainly not the 8! You even like conflict, if it brings out the truth. You want everything brought to the surface. Unlike the 6, who mentally challenges, you physically challenge, if needed. You live in your body and are ready to leap, pounce, jump, push, shove—whatever it takes to protect yourself and anyone important to you. You live by your instincts and are the most purely physical of all the types.

You shoot from the hip and lip and only think later, unaware of your power to affect others. You’re simply trying to get to the truth and are surprised when others are hurt by your directness. You are being more playful and excited than some people can handle. Bear cubs play rough!

You pull your own weight—so should everyone else! You don’t like insecurity, doubt, fear, and weakness of any kind. Open on one hand, guarded on another, you usually are generous when people are straight with you and particularly need help, but dismissive and confrontational if people are shirking or taking advantage of you.

Delayed gratification? No way! You work hard at what needs to be done and don’t want to wait for your pleasure or reward. Your energy knows no limits—neither do your plans, dreams, and schemes. You deserve all the good things in life. After all, your hard work makes them happen. Subtlety is not a game you play. There’s nothing hidden. With 8s, what you see is what you get.

Why put things off? You inspire others. You’re not a talker, but a doer. Action makes it happen. Geared for action and focused on results, you don’t let anything get in your way.

You are generous. When someone is down and out, you’ll give anything to help. You protect the vulnerable and fight for justice and freedom. You watch out for bullies and face them. You’re the one who speaks up in the boardroom or office meeting, and your honesty is either a breath of fresh air or a hurricane flattening everyone in its path. With you, there’s no middle ground. Hurricanes can create urban renewal!

You are independent, trusting your decisions. You don’t need approval before acting. Self-motivated, you accept that life is tough and you’re ready, either alone or on a team, to withstand an enemy, troubles, or storms.

Your humor tends toward the bawdy and you appreciate the rawness of life. A good stout ale, a long and full-out walk in the snow-filled woods, raising a houseful of kids, or raising cane. You’re okay with the basics of life and not afraid to talk about them—food, sex, elimination, going for what you want. Euphemisms are affectations. You call a spade a spade (or maybe a shovel).

In a nutshell, positive traits of the type 8 include …

Your spirituality is appreciating that which gives life. You don’t back off from life and you appreciate and use what you’ve been given. Some people ask God for guidance.

You do too, but you also realize it’s up to you to do the work. You can surrender to a higher force, but barring a bad connection, you realize that higher force is within you. Most 8s do too much alone. Developed 8s work with others to accomplish their goals.

8s’ spiritual growth is to feel part of the whole, instead of controlling the whole. You tend not to trust the flow of events and rather push the timing of things. More allowance, more tolerance, and awareness of limitations will greatly help in your evolutionary process. When developed you are a model to guide the world to what is good. You protect those who would be misled or hurt by others.

When you are sad or afraid or stressed or guilty, it’s likely to come out as anger. Anger is easy for you to feel and put across, an expression of not getting what you want, feeling held back, or being misunderstood. Anger is relieved when you express it or get what you want.

Instead of trusting to a natural unfolding of events and believing people will support you and accept you, you tend to overprotect and control—just in case! You tend to feel it’s better to take charge and make the first move than to be on the receiving end. You sometimes think the worst in regard to people’s motivations, yet you’re open to the good when you see it.

Your recklessness can get you into trouble, and you may need to apologize when the consequences of your rapid actions don’t pan out the way you’d intended. You tend to leap instead of treading lightly. It’s best to wait until the time is right or take things in stages. Float some ideas first, get some feedback, and think about the future before acting.

You tend to rebel. You are the bad boy/bad girl of the Enneagram and don’t like to follow rules, though you can demand that others follow yours. You want fairness but can treat others unfairly if you’re upset. You can stick a firecracker in the mud and light it, just to see how big a hole it will make!

Excess is an interesting trait of 8s. You may drive too fast, drink too much, overeat, or party till dawn when you want no stops and fast action. You have a hard time with limits and see no need for them, unless you develop enough to value them. Should others try to set limits for you, look out!

Worst traits of the type include these foibles:

The Stress type of 8 is 5, the Observer/Thinker. When things go bad, you hurt and go into retreat to lick your wounds. It’s hard for you to talk about your pain. You become more private and struggle to share what is happening and what you want, including your vulnerability. Your physical energy lessens and you read, brood, or stay hurt. Typically, you wait for the feelings to subside and then reemerge. Notice if you are retreating too much and get help.

The positive side of 5 can be developed, too—be more objective, study the situation more thoroughly, wait till the timing is right, and be less outspoken. Keep developing the 5 to be detached, more thorough in your thinking, and less impulsive. Objectivity and seeing others’ positions puts a stop on heavy on the pedal action.

You are decisive, often to the extreme. You trust your first impulse, partially to avoid any wavering thoughts or feelings. You don’t like the slightest edge of ambivalence. You thrive on black or white, strong or weak, right or wrong. Any decision is better than no decision! Watching time pass without a decision is a real stressor. Inaction would suit you well, at times, so that decisions are thought through.

8s often decide for others, which obviously can cause conflict. Waiting or being inconvenienced by others is not in your game plan, so you’ll speed things along, running over the slower or indecisive types in the process. You don’t know what is best for others, and you’ll either get resistance or anger projected toward you if you control or dominate. Try the velvet glove approach. Give decision-making support or nudge others in your direction.

8s are one of the easier types to spot. 8s are strong, opinionated, sometimes jovial, and can use language that tends to startle or bypass the norms. You don’t mind some reactions. Your energy is bigger than most people’s and you easily slip into take-charge mode. Some 8s, however, have a softer tone, are more introverted, and only speak when it’s necessary.

8s can show their independence in dress, actions, or beliefs. 8s are not hiding or trying to create an image to impress. It’s more of a take-it-or-leave-it attitude. 8s can speak bluntly and might not realize how others will be affected. Practical jokes are fine with 8s, particularly if the 8 is the initiator! Other nonverbal cues:

8s love to talk about subjects most people don’t touch—sex, politics, and religion—and are willing to disagree with others. Sometimes you challenge just to test. Not much is forbidden, if it gets a rise or the truth out of people. You like language that affects.

A developed 8 is inspirational. Martin Luther King, Jr., a natural leader, led by example—sharing and encouraging the leadership and bravery of others. Not everything had to be his way. He kept a higher and more mature vision for others to follow. A developed 8 is direct, yet compassionate; self-aware, yet generous; strong, yet open to the comments of others. Inclusive, kind, and grounded on solid principles, 8s are the top of the line, when developed.

Most 8s are strong, but if this is your type, you may overprotect your weaknesses. Needing at times to dominate others and feel a sense of ego, you might not realize you’re making some enemies along the way. You may miss out on the beauty and value of your own sensitivities and seeing your own subtler strengths and those of others. Still seeing the world from power plays and stand-offs, instead of cooperation and power-sharing, most 8s miss out on support, on bonding through vulnerability, and having a good blend of strength and openness.

Undeveloped 8s are bullies. They have to win at all costs and are insensitive to the hurts and needs of others. Protecting their insecurities is their main focus. They’re always on guard, projecting that others are trying to dominate them. If someone invades their turf, or they think someone is challenging them, revenge is swift.

8 children fight back if they are bullied or controlled. Whether parents, teachers, or peers are the source of their distress, 8 kids are on guard to protect themselves and others. 8s lead and are the rallying point for friends, protecting them. They expect allegiance and are hurt or angry if one of their people pulls away from them. Leadership gives them a role and they like it. 8 children don’t like adults telling them what to do when it makes no sense. They can’t wait to grow up and be on their own. 8s decide what they want to do, do it, and steel their defenses if their parents resist or punish them. If there’s strife, running away is an option. Otherwise, they can enjoy childhood and have opportunities to develop their interests. If 8 children are supported, childhood is a blast with fun and challenges to absorb their energy.

8 kids are a challenge for others, as they can be loud and overly independent. They go after what they want, or think they want, and don’t look for feedback. Others may admire their strength and spirit. Sometimes 8s will be oppositional just to prove a point. If they trust others’ intentions, there is less to rebel against.

As an 8 parent, you can be too strong and definite. You sound out your commands and lack patience. Be less dictatorial and controlling, and your children will both trust you more and be more responsive to you. Be careful not to instill fear in your children by cutting off options, barking, or being too demanding. Make sure your children have opportunities to speak their opinions and wants and try not to decide for them, unless necessary. Support their independence.

You are a protective parent and will do anything for your children. You are protective of others’ kids, too, and watch out for danger. You teach your children to be strong and independent, as well as generous, particularly with people who genuinely need help. When you are happy, you model laughter, that the world is your showboat, and that you can do anything you want.

You are an inspiring model for living a self-directed life without fear, but you don’t always know what is right. Be patient, process before any quick actions, and let your children have their own pace. Your own is so quick, it can overwhelm children, even more than it does adults. Remind yourself to constantly slow it down if necessary. Develop yourself and you’ll find the right balance between being yourself and growing as a parent. Be open to feedback from your children and be willing to apologize.

You think a lot about protection, control, who has the power, who’s a jerk, who’s trustworthy, and what actions need to be taken. You think about what you want and how to get there. Occasionally you feel guilty for overstepping your bounds. You look at scenarios on how to influence and effect the changes you want. You think about your fears and go right back to solutions. You think about how to be strong.

What else your type thinks about:

What 8 adults wish they could say:

Relationships are important to you and also a bit scary. You like people and can be loyal, but you hate that relationships bring up fears and insecurities and you struggle with differences between people. You wish people could see things your way and don’t understand why they can’t. You wonder why others are being stubborn and don’t see that the stubborn one is you!

You think there is a right way to end this conflict and you convince and convince, yet don’t see your need to compromise. Recognizing the validity of different approaches is essential for your relationship health and protecting against others withdrawing from your one-sided views. Best to take a course of negotiation and communication. Yet, when you feel good, and if someone has a good position or desire, and it makes sense, you go for it immediately. Why waste time thinking about it?

You really struggle when others are withdrawn, indirect, or manipulative, and you’ll hound them until they speak straight. Realize there are many forces that encourage indirectness, hinting, and roundabout ways of communication that may cause challenge and conflict. There are valid reasons why others choose a less direct route than you do.

You are wonderful in relationship, as you are full of life, create all manner of positive things in the world, and don’t accept excuses for why things can’t happen or change. You challenge your partners to act, be courageous, and don’t take no for an answer. You support a can-do spirit and don’t like whining, helplessness, or depression.

You are powerful, yet hide your feelings of powerlessness even from yourself. You don’t realize that insecurity and doubt and mixed feelings are natural and have a place. Too-quick action can cause blunders and corrections and bad relationships, actually slowing down positive change. You make things happen too much from pushing and pure effort and daunting relentlessness, yet don’t know the power of letting go, creating alliances, and that things sometimes need to build from a natural pace.

People give into you, sometimes, because they are afraid or overwhelmed by your demand or drive or it’s just too much effort to fight you. You bank on that, but why have a fighting stance in the first place? Why not focus on cooperation as much as contention?

Sometimes you don’t know what you want. What really is your deeper desire or truth? Are you doing and fulfilling what you need? You may fight the good fight, but make sure it’s a fight you want good outcomes from. Fighting adrenalizes the system and gives a boost, but is it the energy you are looking for or the result? Don’t stop at your first impulse; keep exploring what you personally want!

You are as insecure and afraid as the next person. Why spend so much time hiding it? It takes more effort. Sure, some people will reject your feelings, but it’s more likely people will see your softer side and like it. They will trust you more and you can relax and not have to be so much in control.

Be open to different ways and options that others may reveal to you. Go with what works more than having to win, control, or be right. Who cares who’s right, when everyone can win? A little compromise can go a long way.

The Growth type of 8 is 2, the Giver/Cheerleader. You are already giving, but this move to the high side of 2 deepens your caring and sensitivity to all people. You see that others are vulnerable and searching, and your heart reaches out to more people. You see past the defenses of manipulation, indirectness, and surface explanations and see that all humanity is suffering. Your heart stretches and connects and your gifts are generous and personal and touch those in need. You are nothing short of magnanimous when you are open and connected. You become personal, let go of the need for power, and are safe to be with.

Your power supports your giving. You see the crooks and the greedy forces that limit giving to those in real need and so you do what you can to oil the conduits and speak the truth, so that the wheels move in the right direction. You understand that even the greedy ones are needy, deep down.

You fight injustice and the bad in the world, as you develop and use your power wisely. First you lock up the takers and the criminals and then do your best to help them, misguided as they are.

You create from pure will. You make things happen and generally accomplish whatever you set out to do. In your own growth balance, you network to create a better world, help others, right wrongs, and serve as an inspiration. Develop your creative side for relaxation, aesthetic pleasure, and for your nurturing. Make sure you have time to draw, paint, sing, or whatever pleases your fancy. 8s can be great at sports, trusting their bodies to guide them. Martial arts, challenging sports such as racing, football, hockey, and basketball are filled with 8s, driven to excel and use their bodies as creative works of expression.

8s are movers and shakers at work. Often in charge of others, you prefer jobs with quick turnarounds and quick results. You hate ambivalence. Long-range outcomes, detailed strategic plans, endless meetings, and fruitless conversations are difficult. Let’s be honest, they are torture! You hate being the follower and don’t like micro-management one iota, unless you are the manager. You’ll leave people alone, if they get the job done, unless you are a major control 8 and then you can’t lay off telling people how to do it right. You value independence, yet struggle with supporting it in others if your beliefs and theirs cross in ways that interfere with business.

You do well in outdoor ventures and tend to own, manage, or work in companies related to this—construction, landscaping, firefighting, sports, logging, coaching football, running a moving company, or commercial fishing. You’re drawn to danger and may put yourself in harm’s way in your profession. You like the intensity of facing life head on.

You are a natural leader. Slowpokes, stalling, and underhanded tactics directed against you have no place in your world. Rules are meant to be broken, unless they are your rules. You like clear definitions, to-the-point conversations, and clarity around differences. You are known for rash actions, many of which work, at least in the short run! You might create enemies along the way though, which could slow down your projects. Best to balance, by teaming up with other power players. You’re honest, yet can deceive (tell only your side of the truth and exaggerate it) to win, particularly if confronted with perceived enemies.

Often CEOs or managers, you build conglomerates and have a bit of the tycoon in you. You are found in the military, police, and other establishments, directing traffic and giving the orders. You quit jobs that irritate you too much or are happy to tell off the boss. If you are the boss, you don’t mind some confrontation, as long as your authority is respected. You prefer to know what’s up! Donald Trump is an excellent 8 example. Winning is fun and firing those who don’t produce is fun, too! No slackers here.

8s can show up in many versions. The 8 with the 7 wing is more stereotypical of how many people imagine 8s—strong, loud, and direct. The 8 with the 9 wing is softer and usually more introverted, though with strong reserved energy. Maturity levels in 8s create major differences in this type. 8s often get feedback that causes them to hold back their directness and be more other-centered. You could easily mistype those quieter 8s for other types. Let’s look at the variations.

There are two wings for 8: the 8 with a 7 wing (8/7) and the 8 with a 9 wing (8/9):

Downside? You can go back and forth between strength and ease. This might be hard for some people to read.

There are three Instinctual subtypes for the 8:

The Least You Need to Know