Enneagram 8
Core Fear: Being controlled
Core Desire: To be in control of their own life & destiny
Overview
Body Triad
Enneagram 8s are in the Body Triad, which means they value effectiveness, functionality, implementation, & pragmatism. Body triad numbers (8, 9, 1) are concerned with their autonomy, or their ability to make their decisions uninfluenced by others and on their own time. 8s usually struggle with overextending their influence and pushing their decisions onto others, exhibiting an overreaction to this problem of autonomy.
Honesty
8s value honesty above almost anything else. 8s trust maybe five people in a lifetime, and lying to an 8 will swiftly get you taken off of that list. 8s are often misunderstood because they never beat around the bush or attempt to hide truth behind flattery or groveling. 8s will tell you exactly how it is because that's what they expect from you, too. Attempting to hide the full truth from an 8 is a surefire way to lose their respect.
Independent Stance
8s are in the independent stance, which means that they have an independent reference point. This makes them not feel obligated to respond to people or environments that they don't want to be involved with. Their independent reference point also gives them the ability to choose where to put their focus, which for an 8 is typically whatever task they're focused on.
Enneagram 8
Enneagram 8s are big people. They know this because they've usually been told their entire life that they're aggressive or too direct. They often find themselves referred to as the "tough one" because they value direct and honest communication. The thing that people get wrong about 8s, though, is that they're not trying to control anyone's life other than their own. 8s feel big to the rest of the world because they aren't afraid to step into and use their full power. This often makes other people shrink away from the 8, when in reality the 8 would love nothing more than for you to stand up as tall as they do.​
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At their best, Enneagram 8s are strong and powerful leaders. They value all parts of other people and have learned to meet them in the softer, more emotional parts of life that the 8 isn't typically drawn to. Healthy 8s invite the rest of us to live into our full potential and are more than happy to help us get there (as long as we can handle a little tough love).
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As an 8 approaches the lower levels of health, they can become quite angry and controlling. They wish to control their environment and are incredibly sensitive to any attempt by others to minimize them. They typically start to have problems with their tempers; unhealthy 8s are terrified of vulnerability, and may lash out at anyone trying to pull out their softer side.
In stress, Enneagram 8s move to 5. This usually shows up as the 8 withdrawing even deeper into themselves, becoming more and more afraid of vulnerability. On the high side, 5s provide 8s with the ability to withdraw instead of constantly pushing forward. This time away from what is stressing the 8 out gives them a place to formulate a plan before stepping back into the arena.
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In security, 8s move to 2. They become softer and are more willing to show their vulnerabilities to others. 2s also provides 8s with the tools to reach out towards others and meet them where they are instead of demanding they meet the 8 at the finish line.