Understanding Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger (8w7 and 8w9)
The Enneagram is a personality system that defines nine different personality types, each with a core motivation, fear, and desire. Type 8 in the Enneagram is known as the "Challenger" or "Protector." This type is defined by a core desire to be in control of their own destiny and avoid being controlled or harmed by others. Individuals with this personality type are strong-willed, confident, and determined, often seen as natural leaders who protect those they care about.
Some well-known individuals believed to embody the Type 8 personality include Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, and Oprah Winfrey. In fiction, characters like Tony Soprano, Darth Vader, and Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind showcase this type's complex blend of power, control, and underlying vulnerability.
Enneagram Type 8 and MBTI Correlation
While Enneagram and MBTI are separate systems (one focused on core motivation, the other on cognitive processing), strong correlations exist. Type 8s are almost always Thinking (T) types with a strong preference for Extraversion, though Introverted 8s are also possible.
- ENTJ: Often considered the archetypal Type 8, their drive for efficiency, strategic leadership, and control aligns perfectly with the Challenger's motivations.
- ESTJ: This type's assertive, take-charge nature and focus on practical implementation make them a common fit for Type 8, especially the 8w9.
- ESTP: Particularly common for the 8w7 wing, the ESTP's bold, action-oriented, and risk-taking behavior maps directly to the "Maverick" subtype.
- ENTP: Another strong candidate for the 8w7, the ENTP's love for debate, challenging systems, and energetic pursuit of ideas aligns well.
- INTJ & ISTP: While less common, Introverted types can be Type 8, especially with the 8w9 wing. The INTJ's strategic and independent nature or the ISTP's self-reliant and pragmatic approach can manifest as a quieter, more self-contained Type 8.
The Enneagram Type 8w7: The Maverick
The 8w7, also known as the “Maverick,” combines the core assertiveness of the Type 8 with the high-energy, adventurous spirit of the Type 7 (The Enthusiast). This wing adds a desire for new experiences, variety, and the avoidance of pain. The result is a personality that is not just strong-willed, but also expansive, energetic, and opportunistic.
Individuals who identify with the 8w7 type are driven, goal-oriented, and passionate, but they pursue their goals with a more extroverted and playful flair. They are not afraid of taking risks and thrive in high-pressure situations, using their quick thinking and resilience to overcome challenges. However, the 7 wing can make them more impulsive, less grounded, and more prone to acting on instinct rather than carefully considering all outcomes. They want to experience everything life has to offer, and they want to do it on their own terms. As mentioned, this type is highly correlated with MBTI types like the ESTP and ENTP.
In the database of famous people, figures like Winston Churchill and Elvis Presley are often cited as 8w7s, embodying the blend of charismatic leadership and a larger-than-life, unapologetic attitude.
The Enneagram Type 8w9: The Bear
The Enneagram Type 8w9, often called "The Bear," is a deeply fascinating blend of strength and peace. This type combines the core power of the Type 8 with the steady, accommodating nature of the Type 9 (The Peacemaker). This wing softens the 8's sharp edges, creating a person who is still immensely strong-willed and protective, but in a quieter, more patient, and more grounded way.
Unlike the reactive 8w7, the 8w9's anger is a slow burn. They prefer to maintain a sense of internal and external peace and will not assert their will unless a significant boundary is crossed. They are the "strong, silent" type of leader. Underneath their powerful exterior, they possess a deep sense of vulnerability but are even more inclined than the 8w7 to keep it private. This can make them appear tough and emotionally distant, but when they feel safe, they can reveal a profound capacity for compassion and tenderness.
The 8w9's passion is for protecting their loved ones and standing up for what they believe in, but they do so with a steady, unshakeable conviction rather than explosive force. This type is common among ENTJ, ESTJ, and even some introverted types like the INTJ.
Conclusion: The Two Sides of the Challenger
Understanding the Enneagram Type 8 is about recognizing the drive for autonomy and the deep-seated fear of being controlled. The 8w7 "Maverick" expresses this through expansive, energetic action, while the 8w9 "Bear" expresses it through steady, grounded protection. Both are powerful, necessary forces who challenge the world to be better, fairer, and more just.
To learn more about how different personality frameworks intersect, the MBTI Guide book provides a comprehensive foundation. For deeper insights into leveraging your own type for personal and professional growth, explore The MBTI Advantage book series.
