Typical Comments

"I've always been very responsible."

"I have a hard time asking for help-- I'll just charge ahead and do it myself."

"I can't think of a time when I was afraid."

"I had to grow up fast."

Description

Eights who have paid attention to their own development are able to shoulder huge responsibility without having to control everything. Right beneath the surface they're soft-hearted; when this is tempered with their typical self-confidence, they can truly move mountains.

Unfortunately, Eights have the reputation of power mongers and tyrants because it's difficult for them to acknowledge any vulnerability. Their driving force is lust/excess. Often, Eights feel it's their responsibility to intervene in and direct situations, and they pursue power and control aggressively. They hold a value for justice--as self-defined! Eights can have a "bull-in-the-china-shop" approach because they speak in imperatives.

Development options include enhancing their ability to put themselves in others' shoes, collaborative negotiation and active listening skills, and respecting and mentoring others. A key development need is innocence, a shift to more altruistic and benign modes of operating, a focus on service to the world.

Case Description of an Eight     Poems That Speak to Eights  

Essay: Charismatic Leader

Gathering Courage: Eights in Transformation 

Distinctions Among Enneagram Styles       All Nine Styles      

Much more in Out of the Box Coaching Book
(Click here for free preview of Eight chapter)
 

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