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 hate being reliant on others.
What is Enneagram Type 9
(The Peacekeeper)?
People with an Enneagram type Nine personality tend to be accepting, optimistic, and adaptive in their behavior. They like peace and tend to avoid conflict. They tend to enjoy time alone or with smaller groups of people.
Communication
How can Eights and Nines communicate effectively with each other?
Enneagram Eights are driven by a desire to be in control of their own lives, while Nines are motivated by a need for peace.
Eights should be patient and sensitive when communicating with Nines.
Nines should be transparent and straightforward when addressing Eights.
Resolving Conflict
How can Eights and Nines resolve conflict?
Nines tend to have a difficult time addressing personal issues. Eights should, therefore, be patient and calm while working through tense situations with Nines. Nines should try to express their concerns directly while remaining level-headed. The two parties need to work together to find a mutually beneficial solution.
Building Trust
How can Eights and Nines build trust?
Eights tend to trust Nines who can openly address concerns and share in constructive dialogue. Nines should avoid being too agreeable around Eights.
Nines tend to trust Eights who are supportive and encouraging. Eights should try to be more peaceful and easy-going around Nines.
Eights tend to be assertive, confident, and outgoing. They bring fair, logical decision-making to a work environment. Eights can help Nines feel more confident expressing their own opinions.
Nines are usually more laid-back, patient, and idealistic. They offer mindfulness and mediation skills to a workplace. Nines can help Eights understand different perspectives.
Dealing with Change
How can Eights and Nines deal with change?
Eights tend to adapt well to most situations, given that their personal freedom is not impacted. They are likely to express any issues they have with a change.
Nines may have a slightly more difficult time, as they tend to find comfort in their routines. However, they are likely to adjust easily after a short amount of time.
Managing Stress
Eights and Nines need to seek to understand what brings stress to the other type and should try to avoid causing it when possible.
Eights are easily stressed by...
Feeling unimportant or insignificant
Facing vulnerable or emotional situations
Others’ dishonesty or misdirected blame
Feeling out of control or helpless
Nines are easily stressed by...
Disappointing those they love
Needing to make difficult decisions
Being interrupted or ignored
Pent-up and unexpressed emotion
Eights should avoid pushing Nines into uncomfortable arguments, while Nines should avoid shutting down in times of conflict.
Encouraging and Motivating
Eights and Nines can encourage and motivate each other in their personal and professional lives.
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
Nines are motivated by...
Stability and consistency in their personal life
Helping to bring two groups together
Resolving others’ personal tensions
Feeling safe, accepted, and heard
Eights can encourage Nines by providing a safe space for them to share their personal opinions without fear of conflict.
Nines can motivate Eights by sharing appreciation for their helpful advice.
Enneagram Test
Complete the Enneagram test below to find your Enneagram type.
