People with an Enneagram type Two personality tend to be generous, altruistic, and empathetic in their behavior. They are hardworking and motivated people with a drive to connect with the world. They love attending to other people and feeling helpful.
What is Enneagram Type 8
(The Protector)?
People with an Enneagram type Eight personality tend to be self-confident, powerful, and assertive in their behavior. They love engaging in debates and are skilled at making difficult decisions. They are fiercely independent and dislike being reliant on others.
Communication
How can Twos and Eights communicate effectively with each other?
Twos and Eights are both protective, social, and energetic. However, Twos tend to be more empathetic and attentive, motivated by the desire for acceptance from other people. Eights tend to be more direct and autonomous, driven by the need to be in control of their own lives.
Twos should be direct and clear when addressing Eights.
Eights should be encouraging and gentle when communicating with Twos.
Resolving Conflict
How can Twos and Eights resolve conflict?
Twos and Eights should remain attentive and empathetic to one another when addressing personal issues. Twos should directly address problems with Eights; they should stand their ground and defend their perspective, while also considering Eights’. Eights should avoid unnecessarily continuing arguments; instead, they should work to find a solution that benefits them both.
Building Trust
How can Twos and Eights build trust?
Twos tend to trust Eights who can connect on a deeper, emotional level. Eights should avoid being overly guarded around Twos.
Eights usually trust Twos who allow them to make their own decisions and avoid limiting or restricting their actions. Twos should engage in occasional discussion or debate with Eights to help build a deeper understanding of their ideas and beliefs.
Twos are usually warm, friendly, and conscientious, while Eights tend to be assertive, logical, and motivated. Twos tend to bring a positive attitude and altruistic actions to a work environment. Eights offer practical thinking and leadership skills. Twos can help Eights back down from unnecessary arguments, while Eights can help Twos express themselves more directly.
Dealing with Change
How can Twos and Eights deal with change?
Many Twos tend to prefer stability, specifically in their relationships but are likely to adapt to a new situation after a short amount of time. Eights usually dislike change that restricts or controls their actions but may respond positively to other types of change.
Managing Stress
Twos and Eights need to seek to understand what brings stress to the other type and should try to avoid causing it when possible.
Twos are easily stressed by...
Disregarding their own personal needs
Facing criticism or neglect from others
Feeling overwhelmed by everyone else’s needs
Rejection from job opportunities
Eights are easily stressed by...
Being controlled by or subordinate to others
Feeling unimportant or insignificant
Facing vulnerable or emotional situations
Others’ dishonesty or misdirected blame
Twos should avoid restricting Eights’ actions, while Eights should avoid criticizing Twos.
Encouraging and Motivating
Twos and Eights can encourage and motivate each other in their personal and professional lives.
Twos are motivated by...
Remembering to attend to their own needs
Being helpful and accomplishing goals
Meeting and befriending new people
Serving others who are in need
Eights are motivated by...
Taking charge and leading others
Feeling free, understood, and respected
Making decisions that help other people
Logical and practical ideas and solutions
Twos can motivate Eights by sharing appreciation for their contributed ideas.
Eights can encourage Twos by showing gratitude for their attention and acts of service.
Enneagram Test
Complete the Enneagram test below to find your Enneagram type.
