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.

Have a request for a future episode? Drop a text here!

🗓️ Book an Enneagram Workshop for your team retreat at work:
https://www.enneagrammba.com/enneagram-team-workshops

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

In this episode of Enneagram at Work, we are continuing the 9 Types Overview Series with a deep dive into Enneagram Type 7: Striving to Feel Excited. This is a type I know well, and one I see bringing incredible energy, creativity, and forward momentum into teams and organizations.

Type 7s are often described as optimistic, fun, and high-energy, but there’s much more going on beneath the surface. In this episode, we'll explore how the drive to stay excited and avoid feeling trapped influences how Type 7s communicate, lead, and make decisions at work, especially during change or uncertainty.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Type 7s bring creativity, optimism, and possibility into the workplace
• Where overusing these strengths can lead to overcommitment or avoidance
• How the Enthusiast leadership style inspires momentum and innovation
• Common friction points for Type 7s at work, and how to navigate them
• How instinctual biases shape different expressions of Type 7 energy
• Growth insights through Type 7’s arrows to Type 5 and Type 1

Try This at Work:

• If you’re a Type 7: Notice when you’re jumping to the next idea to avoid discomfort. Practice staying present long enough to finish what you start.
• If you work with a Type 7: Help channel their ideas into clear priorities and timelines. Their optimism isn’t avoidance — it’s often a way of protecting morale.

For Teams & Leaders:

Type 7s bring vision, adaptability, and enthusiasm to teams, especially in fast-moving or uncertain environments. They help others see what’s possible and keep energy high when things feel heavy.

Teams work best with Type 7s when there’s a balance between freedom and structure — allowing space for creativity while also supporting follow-through and accountability.

Have a request for a future episode? Drop a text here!

🗓️ Book an Enneagram Workshop for your team retreat at work:
https://www.enneagrammba.com/enneagram-team-workshops

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

Listen to this fun conversation with Demetrius "D" Parker, founder at Trust Leadership Collective and Enneagram MBA Leadership Coach as we each share key insights or ways we've used what we've learned about the Enneagram in our own lives!

Learn more about working with D: https://trustleadershipcollective.odoo.com/

Or hire him to lead your executive team through the Enneagram: https://www.enneagrammba.com/enneagram-team-workshops

Have a request for a future episode? Drop a text here!

🗓️ Book an Enneagram Workshop for your team retreat at work:
https://www.enneagrammba.com/enneagram-team-workshops

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