7w8 Vs 9w8 Enneagram Types (+3 Point Guide)

This article will highlight the differences between the 7w8 and 9w8 enneagram types by discussing their fears and desires, workplace behaviours, relationship traits and strengths. Furthermore, the article will also introduce the two enneagram types to the audience.

7w8 Vs 9w8: The Enneagram Types & Differences

One of the main differences between the 7w8 and 9w8 enneagrams is how they behave when it comes to their feelings and showing affection. The 7w8 enneagram is not very open with regards to their emotions and does not like to be vulnerable. The 9w8 enneagram, on the other hand, will be vocal about how they feel. Even when it comes to affection, the 9w8 is higher on this scale. 

It is obvious that the 9w8 is more easy flowing when it comes to emotions and this is why they show their anger and frustration more easily and quicker than the 7w8 enneagrams.

The main differences between the 7w8 and 9w8 enneagrams are in the following areas:

• The Workplace
• Relationships
• Strengths
• Desires & Fears

We will explain how they differ from each other in the above highlighted areas. However, before we do that, we will introduce both of them to the readers.

The 7w8 Enneagram: The Opportunist

The 7w8 enneagram that is also known as the ‘Opportunist’ is one that is mostly made up of traits from the type 7 enneagram but shares some traits with the type 8 enneagram too. Compared to most type 7 enneagrams, these individuals are more committed and hard working in their work going the extra mile. They like to put work first and ensure they have completed their tasks or assignments. This is powered by the innate determination they have to get done with whatever they have promised to get done. The 7w8 enneagram is also more tough in their behavior and a bit protective – they like to remain composed.

At the same time they are very enthusiastic individuals. They like to be energetic in whatever they do rather than take a sluggish or half hearted approach in what they do. They are keen to get things done and take an interest in whatever is on their schedule that needs attention.

Like other enneagrams, these ones also like to seek new opportunities and make the best out of them. They are gratification seekers and don’t want to miss out any experiences that they come across. At the same time, they have a very optimistic attitude about life and like to be happy! 

They have an extroverted trait to them as well. The type 7w8 enneagram is fond of being around other people and loves to interact, socialize and have fun. They like to attend public events or gatherings where they can meet new people, relax and just enjoy the moment and live in it. Hence, these people are great to call to parties or gatherings because they keep things alive and going and don’t let anyone feel left out or bored – they are the life of the party!

It is obvious that one fear these enneagrams have is missing out on the fun going around them. Hence they may fall into a dilemma when it comes to commitments or letting go and just having fun. However, their personality tends to pull them more towards their commitments and hence they are able to pull through and show how reliable they are – making the right choices at the right time matters.

What Is The Enneagram Type 9w8?

The enneagram type 9w8 associates with the type 9 mostly but also shares traits from the type 8 enneagram. Compared to other type 9 enneagrams, these types are more outspoken and like to take more risks! 

These individuals like to remain out of harm’s way but they have this innate urge to be assertive hence they have conflicting traits due to the fact that they share traits from two different enneagrams. So they tend to avoid conflict but if pushed a lot they will speak up and won’t back down at all! So be careful when you deal with them. They may seem harmless and easy to take advantage of but they will fight back if you exceed the boundaries they have set up!

These individuals like to simplify issues they are facing. If something is very stressful they will like to avoid it completely but in other cases they will try to minimize the magnitude of problems they experience. This may be very soothing in the initial term but as things go along, the problem will start becoming bigger and bigger and eventually the enneagram will have to face the music. They can’t run away from problems forever.

All in all, this enneagram is creative and optimistic. They are supportive and engage well with people because they are sociable. They are comfortable talking to people and enjoy the experience because they get to learn new things, can figure out what is going on around them and what things, if any, they need to be aware of.

Now that we have a general idea of this enneagram, we will take a deeper look at its personality by looking at its fears and desires!

7w8 Vs 9w8 Enneagrams: How Are They Different?

The 7w8 and 9w8 enneagram behave differently in the following areas:

• The Workplace
• Relationships
• Strengths
• Desires & Fears

In this article, we will comment on the differences between the 7w8 and 9w8 enneagram with regards to the following areas:

Strengths

The 9w8 is great at adapting to new situations and environments and can also assert their stance without any hesitation! They also support others and their opinions as well as speak up for people who have been wronged. This enneagram is a great leader that knows how to garner support and ensure people are being inspired and taken care of while working towards a goal.

As this enneagram has more control over their emotions, the 7w8 type can remain calm in tense situations. They are better at asserting themselves and have a natural charisma and confidence about them! This personality type is more likely to stay positive and has high energy levels that help it get things done!

Workplace Practices

The 9w8 enneagram does a great job at work when they can fulfill their interpersonal needs such as helping others, understanding their issues and spending time with coworkers. Furthermore, this enneagram likes to lead others in projects and can do this when they do not face any sort of personal conflict – if they do then their performance is affected adversely.

This enneagram likes to be at the center of things hence they do not want to miss out on anything happening at the workplace. Accomplishing goals is very rewarding and they like to have fun or celebrate by throwing a party at the office! For the 7w8 enneagram type, relationships with coworkers matter a lot because they derive their energy and motivation from here. 

Relationships

Although they can be supportive of their significant other, they may sometimes avoid personal conflict and run at the show of emotions. They simplify things and tend to be blunt or stubborn which can hamper their efforts in a relationship.

When it comes to handling tough situations in a relationship, the 7w8 can handle it but they lack some traits which make things easier in relationships – especially the intimate ones. They do not let their emotions flow so easily and may become distant. Also, they are heavily focused on their career and may not be able to give too much time to their special one!

Desires & Fears

Although they want to be committed and come out as reliable people others can depend on because they ensure they meet tasks, the 7w8 enneagram is scared of missing out on new experiences. They do not want to be deprived of what life has to offer them and this puts them in a difficult spot. Why? They have a number of commitments and work tasks to meet so it is not always possible to let go of things and do what they want when they want to.

This fear is accompanied by the one that they may miss out because of their work schedules. They do not want to be controlled by what they are doing and wish to have flexible schedules that allow them to organize things from time to time so they can incorporate new things into their schedule and hence not miss out on anything they want to pursue.

These guys just want to be happy and content. They want to be assured that they have not missed out on anything that they wanted to try. Being happy is an integral part of their peace and they do usually attain this by surrounding themselves with people that they get along with, like or are new and can thus get to learn more about them. They like to travel around the world and be part of new cultural or social experiences and see how things are different in other parts of the world.

The type 7w8 enneagram also likes to attend parties. It gives them a chance to relax and meet new people and just socialize and hence get lost in the moment. 

You will see people with the 9w8 enneagram type backing down from their long held stances just to avoid getting into a fight. Even if they believe in something wholeheartedly or have done much research to easily prove the other person wrong, they will refrain from doing so. They are afraid they will be left alone because of following their own whims and desires or beliefs.

The one thing this enneagram desires is peace – internally and externally. They want to feel content and happy within and they also want to be at peace with those around them. They do not want to face any sort of conflict that will become a source of stress for them and force them to choose one thing over the other.

What happens is that this enneagram tries to attain peace at quite some costs which may work in the short term but will adversely affect this enneagram type in the long run! They often numb their negative feelings so as to avoid erupting into a conflict with others and feeling happy ‘artificially’. They also engage in hectic or repetitive routines to avoid thinking about the problems that bother them.

Conclusion

This article took a deep dive into the differences that exist between the 9w8 and 7w8 enneagram in a number of areas such as strengths, traits, work, relationships and their fears and desires.

If you’ve enjoyed the ”7w8 Vs 9w8 Enneagram Types” you should take a look at ”7w6 Vs 3w4: The Enneagrams” too.

References

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

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-7/wing-8