1w2 vs 9w8 (A 7 Point Guide):

This blog will compare two Enneagram personality types: 1w2 and 9w8. We will start by doing a general comparison of these two types and then elaborate on their strengths, weaknesses and functioning in different areas of their lives.

1w2 vs 9w8:

1w2 and 9w8 are two personality types in the Enneagram classification system. 1w2s have a core type 1 with a type 2 wing, meaning that they primarily have traits of type 1 with a few characteristics of type 2. On the other hand, 9w8s have a type 9 core with a type 8 wing; they primarily have traits of type 9 with a few traits of type 1. 

1w2s are given the title of ‘The Activist’ because of their emphasis on morality and justice and efforts to advocate for the same. 9w8s ‘The Advisor’ due to their emphasis on supporting and leading other people. 

1w2s and 9w8s differ in some respects, although they do share some important similarities. The basic fear of 1w2s is of doing something that goes against their morals or ethics. On the other hand, the basic fear of 9w8s is feeling different from others or separated from the rest of the world. The basic desire of 1w2s is to work towards social justice and equality and advocate for the downtrodden. In contrast, the basic desire of 9w8s is to achieve harmony both within themselves and in their relationships with others. Thus, in a bid to preserve peace they often avoid conflicts and suppress their own needs and feelings. 

9w8s are a lot more stable and carefree than 1w2s. They are seldom aggressive or confrontational. Additionally, they focus more on physical rather than intellectual experiences. While 9w8s are usually grounded in the present, 1w2s tend to have their eyes set on the ideal future they strive to create.

1w2s are principled individuals and tend to have a rigid set of beliefs and values that they use to guide their lives. They can be highly critical and judgemental towards those who don’t follow their standards. In contrast, 9w8s are more tolerant and open to multiple perspectives. They are flexible in the face of new ideas and situations and are more tolerant of other people. Compared to 1w2s, 9w8s are relatively laidback and carefree. 9w8s are sometimes perceived as lazy whereas 1w2s are usually highly motivated and action-oriented people. 

There are arrows leading to and from the nine personality types on the Enneagram that signify whether an individual with a specific type is moving in the direction of integration or disintegration. Arrows that move away from a certain personality type indicate disintegration or stress points for that type. Conversely, arrows that move towards a type signify integration or personal growth. 

When moving in the direction of disintegration, 1w2s are moving towards unhealthy type 4 and become irrational and temperamental. When moving in the direction of integration (healthy type 7) they become a lot more spontaneous and cheerful than other type 1s. On the other hand, in disintegration, 9w8s become like unhealthy 6s; anxious and tense. And when moving towards integration (healthy type 3), 9w8s become energetic and emphasizes personal growth.

Despite these differences, 1w2s and 9w8s have some things in common. Both personality types are good at supporting and leading people. Because of their 8 wing, 9w8s are a lot more assertive than other type 9s. In this respect, they are similar to 1w2s who don’t shy away from standing up for what they believe in. 

Strengths:

1w2: 

• Action-oriented
• Sensitive and understanding 
• Involved in their community life
• Creative 
• Altruistic 
• Advocates for justice and equality 
• Not afraid to stand up for what they believe is right 

9w8:

• Supportive and understanding 
• Assertive when required 
• Adaptable 
• Good at engaging with people and leading them 
• Open-minded in the face of differing perspectives 

Weaknesses:

1w2:

• Pompous and controlling 
• Image-conscious 
• Critical of self and others
• Perfectionistic 
• Obsessive about certain principles and values 

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

9w8:

• Balance need to be assertive with their desire for peace
• Avoid conflicts 
• Triviliase own problems and needs 
• Appear rude or stubborn 
• Tendency to appear lazy and unmotivated 

Sources of Stress:

1w2:

• Being unable to help someone in need
• Criticism or negative feedback
• Others failing to meet their standards 

9w8:

• Conflicts 
• Important life decisions 
• Being controlled or curtailed by external factors
• Feeling ignored or undervalued by others 

Sources of Motivation:

1w2:

• Advocate for social change 
• Volunteering for the underprivileged
• Resolving societal problems 
• Direct engagement with people 

9w8:

• Routine and structure in daily life
• Opportunities to help others
• Leading people 
• Feeling understood by those around them 

Work:

1w2:

In the workplace, 1w2s have to weigh their desire for control and influence with forming personal connections with their colleagues. They have a preference for jobs that allow them to spend time with people and have a lasting and positive impact on society. They prefer to have things be specific and clear rather than general when it comes to their work. 1w2s are usually well suited for positions of leadership. 

Jobs that are suitable for 1w2s include: lawyer, judge, politician, social worker, religious worker, doctor, nurse, real estate agent etc.

9w8:

9w8s have the contradictory desires of assertiveness as well as adaptability. While they are headstrong and like to get their way, they are also open to other people’s perspectives. They are willing to adjust to new ideas or situations. Work environments that provide autonomy while also allowing opportunities for engagement with others are ideal for 9w8s.

Jobs that 9w8s would be well-suited for include: athlete, manager, counsellor, social worker, diplomat, judge, religious worker, salesperson, editor etc.

Relationships:

1w2:

1w2s are sensitive to others and willing to make sacrifices on their behalf. This holds them in good stead in their interpersonal life. They are warm and emotionally expressive and enjoy spending time with others. 

However, the interpersonal challenges of 1w2s arise from their tendency to be highly critical and their difficulty dealing with negative feedback from others. 1w2s hold themselves to high standards and thus have similar expectations from others. These factors can act as barriers to their interpersonal functioning. 

9w8:

This personality type follows a ‘live and let live’ philosophy. Thus, they are not very demanding or controlling in their relationships. However, if their partners or friends have a tendency to worry and focus on the future, this laidback attitude can be aggravating. The 8 wing makes 9w8s vengeful and they have a tendency to hold grudges. Ultimately, 9w8s are committed and loyal in their interpersonal relationships.

Compatibility: 

1w2s and 9w8s have a lot of traits in common which makes them quite compatible with each other. Both seek to reform society and are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. 1w2s are clear headed and rational but can also be very demanding of the people around them. 9w8s on the other hand are easygoing and prefer having a non-turbulent relationship over having the final say about something. 

Thus, in a relationship 9w8s can temper some of the criticality of the 1w2s, while 1w2s can give 9w8s some much needed focus and direction. 1w2s and 9w8s share mutual interests such as their love for nature and desire to spend time with their loved ones. 9w8s are less desirous of control in their relationships, which suits the 1w2s who are adamant about having power in their interpersonal ties. 

The problems that arise in the relationship between these two Enneagram types is attributed to the slightly different manner in which they approach conflict and stress. 1w2s react to conflict by becoming even more intolerant and self-righteous than usual. They play the blame game and try to make their partners accept responsibility for causing the conflict. 9w8s on the other hand withdraw in the face of conflict and avoid disclosing their feelings. However, due to their 8 wing, there may be times when 9w8s become aggressive and stand up for themselves in a fight. If this is the case, conflicts can be extremely acrimonious. 

Conclusion:

In this guide we compared 1w2 and 9w8 personality types. After comparing them, we also looked at specific aspects such as the respective strengths, weaknesses, compatibility and work and relationship functioning of these two personality types.

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.

FAQ on ‘1w2 vs 9w8 (A 7 Point Guide)’:

References:

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-1-wing-2

Enneagram 1w2: The One with a Two-Wing

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/relationship-type-1-with-type-9

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-9-wing-8

Enneagram 9w8: The Nine with an Eight-Wing