8w9 Vs 8w7 Enneagrams (A 4 Point Guide)

This article will not only introduce the 8w7 and 8w9 enneagram types but also comment on how they behave in different areas of life such as the workplace and in relationships as well as their traits and basic fears and desires.

The 8w9 Vs 8w7 Enneagrams: How Are They Different?

The 8w7 enneagram is more of a big dreamer who is bent on attaining the goals they have set whereas the 8w9 enneagram type is more laid back and wants to go about things their own way. The 8w7 is quite independent and will not compromise on their goals or beliefs whereas the 8w9 will try to find a middle ground hence they are known as ‘Diplomats’ too!

In this article, we will analyze the differences between the two 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.

Enneagram 8w9: The Diplomat

This enneagram type is confident and patient but at the same time protective and will strike if required. However, compared to type 8 enneagrams, they are more gentle and easy going. They prefer to remain calm and stress free when it comes to tasks that are due or responsibilities that they have – it is better to remain calm rather than fret about what one needs to do!

At the same time, these enneagrams enjoy the independence they have and dislike taking orders from other people, especially authority figures. They want to do things their own way in a manner that is easy and comfortable for them. It’s my way or the highway for them! Whether its work, school or any program they are enrolled in, they want to be able to have the liberty of engaging in self paced courses that allow them a great deal of flexibility; they appreciate programs or systems where they are given the end goal and given the freedom to pursue it in a manner that is acceptable to them.

However, this type of enneagram also has issues related to their emotions – especially the regulation of emotions. They do not feel very comfortable expressing their emotions to others possibly because of the fear they have – they do not want to be controlled or manipulated by others. Hence, they will not always express how they feel about someone or something and keep this to themself.

8w7 Enneagrams – Nonconformists

The 8w7 enneagram type shares most of its traits with the 8 type enneagram but also has some traits from the wing 7 too. This enneagram is generally comfortable with conflicts that they may face and this is because they are confident, independent and quite ambitious! They persevere in their path and do not let others get in the way. Furthermore, they may be quiet but when the time comes they will speak up and defend their own stance or those of others. 

Although they wander much around in their mind, these enneagram types are also great at handling people and taking practical steps. They make the right decisions and prefer to do so on their own without much interference. Apart from thinking clearly and logically, they are creative and like to test innovative ideas! They go the extra mile when it comes to establishing goals or milestones that they want to achieve. They are big dreamers and quite idealistic in their vision. They want to create a world or society where people can go big or go home. They want to help others achieve their own dreams by ensuring no one creates hurdles for them.

This enneagram type, however, is afraid of losing their own autonomy and maybe this is why they are so independent because they want to assure themselves that they can handle most matters on their own. At the same time, these individuals also struggle when it comes to being emotionally honest or vulnerable. They will try to ignore their own emotions or what they feel because they are either too afraid of facing them or just want to focus on what is going on in the external world. They won’t even let anyone too close as they do not want to become emotionally or mentally vulnerable.

This enneagram type has however developed great people skills and can become effective and inspirational leaders. They are open when it comes to sharing their thoughts and opinions about certain matters with others – they do not care about what others will think. They are comfortable creating connections with others and can easily do so.

However, this enneagram does have some weaknesses. They will have difficulty in following instructions from authority figures and they are impatient at times. They may overindulge in themselves or their work and may become insensitive to the feelings of others. 

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.

8w7 Vs 8w9 Enneagrams: How Are They Different?

The 8w7 and 8w9 enneagram behave differently in the following areas:

• The Workplace
• Relationships
• Strengths
• Desires & Fears

In this article, we will comment on the differences between the 8w7 and 8w9 enneagram with regards to the following areas:

Strengths

The 8w7 enneagram is one that likes to dream big and in an idealistic manner where they can create the perfect world for themselves and others. They are in the habit of advocating for the rights of others hence they are quite brave and caring as well although they may not really show it. They are good leaders who are optimistic and make great plans – they also connect well with others. Furthermore, the 8w7 enneagram has no issue opening up about what they think or feel.

On the other hand, the 8w9 enneagram is naturally energetic and has the ability to see one thing or story from different angles. It helps them develop a deeper understanding about things and hence be more acceptable and sensitive towards people of all backgrounds. They give attention to the needs of others and are also great leaders.

Workplace Practices

When it comes to work, the 8w7 enneagram is happy when they can work in teams and get the chance to actually take a break from work at their own ease. This enneagram type also likes to be involved in important things and at the front too! They also like to exercise or engage in activities when they feel overburdened due to work.

The 8w9 enneagram type feels motivated when they can lead others and make their own decisions. Also, they greatly appreciate it when they can take time off work after attaining certain goals and spend it with loved ones. They also love to help out coworkers in the office!

Relationships

This enneagram type is more clear in their thinking and can look at things for what they are. They do not give too much weightage to their emotions and this allows them to have a neutral and objective stance which matches that of their partner. They can easily express their thoughts and hence quickly get to the root cause of the issue and communicate it to their partner.

Furthermore, another trait that helps them settle down with their partner is forming connections. Their partner appreciates it when others take time out to get to know them!

These enneagram types are very protective of their partners. They do not want them to be hurt in any way and hence try to not only fulfill their needs but ensure no one or anything harms them. The type 8w9 enneagram is one that understands the differences. They wont go on a rant on how stupid a particular culture or belief system is nor will they throw much questions at a person who chooses a certain profession, degree or any type of choice for that case just because they don’t agree with it. Rather they will try to understand why things are that way and how they can be more accepting of it.

Desires & Fears

The basic fear of the type 8w9 enneagram – which extends to women as well – is to be hurt by others. Hence, they like to avoid situations where they are not in control and are at more risk of being let down by others, manipulated or deceived or emotionally damaged. They like to occupy leadership positions that not only gives them the leverage they need but it sends a message to others to not mess with them!

Their basic desire is often expressed when they assert independence from a very young age! They want to be in control of their own future and make decisions that satisfy their needs and wants. This enneagram desires to be independent and resourceful enough to guard themself against threats or any sort of harm!

The 8w7 enneagram type fears being controlled and manipulated by others. They are scared they will become helpless or weak to the extent that others will tell them what to do and how to do it – something which is against their wishes or desires. They want to be able to control how they do things.

The Non-conformist desires to remain in control of their own life. They realize that this can only be achieved if they work hard and become independent. This desire is so strong and deep that they desire it for others too hence they are oftentimes advocates for others too. They want to be able to be free and not under the influence of others.

Conclusion

This article took a deep dive into the differences that exist between the 8w7 and 8w9 enneagram in a number of areas such as strengths, traits, work, relationships and their fears and desires.

References

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

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