Type Eights are known as the Challenger or the Boss
Type 8’s are intense humans who can be very justice-minded. They are rooting and fighting for those who are most vulnerable because they fear showing that they too are vulnerable. Their passion can sometimes come off as anger, but in reality, they are just really, really passionate about the thing and they can’t understand why you aren’t too. They are the Boss because they are natural leaders who will fill in any leadership gaps if none exist. Type 8s can sometimes get a bad rap because of this intensity, but if you are a healthy 8, you have discovered how to let down your defenses and find serenity by allowing others in to see your softer and gentler side.
Listen:
The Art of Growth podcast by Joel Hubbard and Jim Zartmann converse with three type 8s in a panel format. These podcasts are so powerful because you get to hear different viewpoints of what it is like to be an 8. If you have an 8 in your life, you will want to listen to this to gain a better understanding of where they are coming from and hopefully, give you empathy for them. Let it be an encouragement to you.
In this episode of Typology, Ian Morgan Cron welcomes young adult pastor, Chris Cruz, into a conversation about letting go of the pressure to be strong, choosing mercy over vengeance, and embracing the awkwardness of being vulnerable. I personally, learned so much about Type 8’s by listening to this. Chris is so real and authentic here, I know you will enjoy it too.
Watch:
The Devil Wears Prada ($3.99 now on Amazon) is a great movie for so many reasons. I love Meryl Streep in everything she does, but she is exceptionally good here in her role as the Boss. Yes, they call her the dragon lady, but that does not mean all 8’s behave this way (only the most unhealthy ones). Watch it to the end so as not to miss the moment she allows us to see her softer side.
This short Abbey Howell video is all about Enneagram 8. She helps you discover the annoying things that 8’s do and say but in a light-hearted way.
Read:
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. Alright, I know you have heard of her. You know – she is the really smart Ph.D. who broke the TED talks by having the most views on the topic of vulnerability. I know that word is not your favorite, which is the very reason you should read it! I will warn you though, do not read this book until you are ready to learn honest things about the myths of vulnerability and the role shame plays in our lives. She does not mess around!
Carrie Carey from Intervarsity ministry wrote about her own journey as a type 8 and how being self-aware has helped her to become more Christ-like.
Grow:
If you are ready to become more self-aware, and you have the courage to hear the truth, do this exercise:
Find someone you trust and who also has permission to tell you what you need to hear about yourself.
They need to have permission to tell you what everyone else knows about you, but that you don’t know, and you need to know.
Someone you trust who has the courage to be honest with you and knows it won’t hurt your relationship.
Remember, once you do this, you must listen and receive the information with humility and openness.
Bonus:
If you want to hear more from Brene’ Brown, here is the 20-minute TED talk I referenced above called The Power of Vulnerability. In it, she shares deep insights from her research and her personal quest to know herself better as well as to understand humanity as a whole. Be sure to watch it with an open mind.