210. Enneagram Type 8: Striving to Feel Powerful - How It Shows Up at Work

In this episode of Enneagram at Work, we are continuing with the 9 Types Overview Series with a closer look at Enneagram Type 8: Striving to Feel Powerful.

Type 8s are often labeled as controlling or aggressive, but what I see in real teams and leadership rooms is something very different. At their best, Type 8s are decisive, protective, and deeply committed to fairness and truth. In this episode, we'll unpack how their drive to feel powerful shows up at work in areas such as communication, leadership, and decision-making.

What You’ll Learn:

• What it really means to strive to feel powerful
• Why Type 8s value autonomy, honesty, and impact
• How their intensity can be a strength, and when it cause issues
• The Commander leadership style and how it creates clarity and momentum
• A few potential workplace friction points for Type 8s
• How instinctual biases influence different expressions of Type 8 energy
• Growth insights through Type 8’s arrows to Type 2 and Type 5
• How to give feedback to Type 8s in a way that builds respect, not resistance

Try This at Work:

• If you’re a Type 8: Practice pausing before reacting. Ask for input, even when you already have a strong opinion.
• If you work with a Type 8: Be direct and honest. Don’t read intensity as anger, ask clarifying questions and name what you’re experiencing.

For Teams & Leaders:

Type 8s bring courage, clarity, and protection to teams, especially in high-pressure situations. They are often the ones willing to say what others won’t and take responsibility when things get hard.

Teams work best with Type 8s when there’s mutual trust, direct communication, and space for vulnerability. When Type 8s feel respected and included, their leadership becomes a powerful force for good.

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✏️ Get an overview of all nine types inside the Understanding People at Work Cheat Sheet
https://www.enneagrammba.com/cheatsheet