Enneagram Misidentifications - Type 8

In this article, I will try to clear up some of the differences between Enneagram Type Eight and the rest of the Enneagram types respectively. The comparison tables will be subject to modifications and additions as more information reveals itself.

I hope it will be a useful tool for people who have trouble mistyping or aren't sure of their type - I'm one of them too.

8 and 1

Mistyping frequency: often (generally 1s mistype as 8s)

Eight
"My way"
Impose
Focus on power
Visceral
Subjective
Concern for “their people”
Proud of their anger
Revenge
Physical
Openly aggressive
Expansive
Crude
Informal
One
The right way
Convince
Focus on morality
Abstract
Objective
Concern for humanity
Ashamed of their anger
Moral justice
Cerebral
Moderated
Reserved
Refined
Formal



8 and 2

Mistyping frequency: sometimes (usually 2 men mistype as 8s)

Eight
Dominate for power
Open conflict
Show anger
Direct speaking
Intimidate
Tough
Self-focused
Want authority
Two
Dominate to help
Manipulation
Hide anger
Indirect hints
Dramatize
Vulnerable
Others-focused
Want appreciation


8 and 3

Mistyping frequency: sometimes (usually 3s mistype as 8s).

Eight
Material & sexual dominance
Seek power
Control
Stirred by failure
Forceful
Become intimidating
Combative
Unconcerned with image
Crude
Defiant
Three
Social status
Seek validation
Prestige
Scared of failure
Adaptable
Become devious
Competitive
Concerned with image
Smooth
Well-mannered


8 and 4

Mistyping frequency: rarely (sx 4s can resemble 8s).

Eight
Tough
Pragmatic
Strong
Take action
Self-confident
Repress emotions
Practical
Rather coarse
Four
Soft
Melancholic
Vulnerable
Indulge in fantasy
Self-loathing
Express emotions
Impractical
Refined


8 and 5

Mistyping frequency: rarely (between self-confident 5s and intellectual 8s)

Eight
Confrontational
Instinctual
Act
Pragmatic
Demand of life
Feel powerful
Grounded
Expansive
Poweful presence
Insensitive
Overwhelming
Aggressive
Five
Withdrawn
Cerebral
Prepare
Impractical
Retreat from life
Feel powerless
Abstract
Restrained
Somewhat absent
Sensitive
Overwhelmed
Reserved


8 and 6

Mistyping frequency: sometimes (usually couterphobic 6s think they are 8s)

Eight
Strategic
Powerful
Willful
Certain
Self-assured
Offer protection
Pressure others
Lucid anger
Consistent
Resist
Grounded
Forceful
Six
Reactive
Anxious
Unsure
Ambivalent
Self-doubting
Need protection
Feel pressured
Irrational outbreaks
Contradictory
Give in
Volatile
Hesitant


8 and 7

Mistyping frequency: sometimes (usually 7w8 mistype as 8s)

Eight
Seek intensity
Want control
Physical energy
Hard-working
Focused
Conscientious
Realist
Gain power
Authoritarian
Vengeful
Seven
Seek variety
Want freedom
Nervous energy
Playful
Scattered
Irresponsible
Optimist
Have fun
Egalitarian
Tolerant


8 and 9

Mistyping frequency: rarely (8w9 can resemble 9w8 ).

Eight
Assertive
Aggressive
Impose
Start conflict
Engaged
Controlling
Direct
Show anger
Want intensity
Powerful
Nine
Self-effacing
Peaceful
Compromise
Avoid conflict
Disengaged
Easy-going
Mediate
Deny anger
Want routine
Soft

Comments

Unknown said…
I remember Claudio Naranjo telling us in a SAT (10 days Enneagram Seminar) that BEFORE typing yourself (or anyone else) as an Eight you should have discarded all the ¨Eight-like¨Options, and they were, in order of ¨Eigthtishness¨:
-Sexual 6
-Sexual 4 (He says that they are Eighter than 8s!)
-Sexual 1
-Self-Pres 7
-Sexual 2

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