Curious About Enneagram Type 8? Here's What To Know About The Challenger

The Enneagram is a popular personality system that categorizes people into one of nine types based on how you answer a series of questions. And if you or someone you know is an Enneagram 8, they're known as the "Challenger" of the bunch.

Enneagram 8's, also known as "The Challenger," are assertive, goal-oriented and hardworking. They are natural-born leaders with a tenacity and endurance to take on the largest endeavors. Most notably they're here to leave a legacy.

However, they do have a tendency to take it too far and don't know how to surrender control when needed or be vulnerable and open up to others' emotional landscapes. It also makes it difficult for them to form intimate bonds, and they may need to feel assured in their ability to show up for you before they can open up.

The Enneagram wings are the two numbers associated with your Enneagram type; they're the extensions that explore your deeper nuances and characteristics.

An 8w7 is going to be the most outgoing of the 8's, using their assertiveness to jump into new things and their charisma to create opportunity.

An 8w9 may keep to themselves more than the wing 7, using their energy to ground and build. As Nguyen explains, these folks come across as independent, confident, and peaceful.

At an average level of development, an 8 is still able to be productive within their domineering energy, even if it isn't fully evolved. As Nguyen explains, "They're decisive, hardworking, and resourceful—they're able to get a lot of things done, but some of their emotionality is lost and the ego has surfaced."

Enneagram 8's are always up for a challenge, including in their relationships—so expect them to be the alphas within the dynamic.

As Nguyen previously wrote for mindbodygreen, "They're natural, strong leaders who fight for the underdog and aren't afraid of confrontation. If they're close to you, an unexpected softness and childlike playfulness can emerge in intimacy."

Enneagram 8's are receptive to partners who can communicate directly and create a safe space for them to open up and show them that it's worth being vulnerable to form the deeper intimacy they're naturally craving. 

In terms of compatibility, any two Enneagram types can make it work, but some may have an easier time than others.

When it comes to 8's, Nguyen says they pair well with 9's, aka the Peacemaker. With 8's need to be assertive, take control, and fight for justice; the 9's can help be in support of this mission.

The biggest misconception about Enneagram 8's is that they're too angry or intense. While they can come with a bullheaded mentality, wanting to win at any cost, that doesn't mean they fight without a cause.

As Nguyen explains, "Since 8's share a 2 line, they can be extremely gentle, nurturing, and sensitive to their loved ones. They also have a soft spot for the underdog."

Type 8's are natural-born leaders due to their assertiveness, entrepreneurial spirit, and risk-taking mentality. As such, Nguyen tells mindbodygreen that type 8's will thrive in high-visibility leadership positions where they can make "a tangible impact on their environment with others who trust and respect their way of being."

And because type 8's are prone to conflict, they do well with those who can hold their own. "It's good for them to be around people who don't mind holding strong opinions and standing up for their beliefs and values," Nguyen says, adding, "They really respect people who are direct with how they communicate [without] a lot of hidden subtext."

Additionally, she says, it's important for 8's to foster their ability to be open and vulnerable, and Martynov echoes this point: "Finding strength in becoming vulnerable is a slow process, but it will pay off in all areas of this type's life," he says.