Knowing your Enneagram type can help you understand yourself better, but what about your Enneagram wing type? Some wing types can make you seem different from others with the same personality type due to the unique features resulting from the influence of each wing type. For example, a type nine can have an eight wing or one wing. In this article, we will be focusing on the Enneagram type 9 wing 8.
As a type nine with an eight wing, your personality can experience a striking influence from the Enneagram eight’s characteristics. On average, an Enneagram 9w8 is more self-acting, aggressive, and stubborn in thought and behavior. In addition, the eight wing can influence a nine to be more impatient than other peacemakers.
Keep reading to learn more about the traits, behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses of an Enneagram 9w8. You can also conclude how you can benefit from your wing type’s influence and see a list of professions that would be the most fitting for an Enneagram type nine with an eight wing.
9w8 F.A.Q.’s
Table of Contents
What Does 9w8 Mean?
‘9w8’ means ‘Nine with an Eight wing,’ or ‘Nine wing Eight.’ This title shows your Enneagram personality type’s number, a ‘w,’ which stands for ‘with a,’ or ‘wing,’ and your Enneagram wing type’s number. When displaying your dominant Enneagram personality and wing types, you can use an initialism rather than saying the whole phrase.
Source: Enneagram Texas
Enneagram 9w8 Description
Influenced by the eighth wing type, an Enneagram type nine can have attributes that compare and contrast one another. Nines are usually known to mediate arguments and agree with others even if they don’t feel that way on the inside to avoid conflict. However, a nine can be more aggressive with the eight’s guidance because of their aggression and stubbornness.
For some, your wing type can have such a strong influence on your dominant Enneagram type that you might begin to question if it is genuinely your Enneagram number because of the contrast between your dominant and wing type. Reading a description of your personality type paired with your wing type can help you determine whether you’re a type 9 wing 8.
9w8 Traits
Type nine with the eighth wing are a part of the Gut Triad, so they are motivated by their instinct when making decisions and, if lacking self-control, can react out of anger. A nine with an eight wing desires to be stable and at peace and fears losing those they care about. Also known as ‘the Advisor,’ they are direct and don’t mind advising others to help them in the workplace.
9w8 Behaviors
9w8’s can be calm on the nine’s side but energetic and aggressive from the eight’s side. Type nines tend to sit back instead of going forward with their ideas because they are afraid of conflict, but they are more confident and assertive with an eight’s influence. They spend less time planning because they believe everything will work in their favor.
9w8 Strengths
As an Enneagram 9w8, you can work diligently even in a new space because you are quick at adjusting to your surroundings. You are good at getting yourself and a team going by implementing new ideas in the workplace. Your wing’s guidance enables you to encourage others, especially the underdogs who don’t receive enough praise for their work.
9w8 Weaknesses
Nines with an eight wing tend to avoid getting themselves into a situation they know will be hard for them. They ignore their emotions because they would rather stay focused. This type is more complex because their ideals clash with one another. Despite wanting to be at peace, an Enneagram 9w8 often contradicts their actions by causing conflict without meaning to.
Sources: Medium, Optimist Minds, Psychologia, Crystal
How To Benefit From An 8 Wing As An Enneagram 9
As an Enneagram 9w8, you can be self-created and successful in business. An Enneagram type nine can benefit from an eight wing by gaining an ability to uplift their workers while remaining assertive, making you the perfect boss. It would help if you remembered that you could use your clear intentions to end conflict instead of avoiding it and having it build up.
Source: Intuitive Enneagram
9w8 vs. 9w1
As a nine wing eight, you can be energetic and do not like feeling controlled by others. However, a type nine with a one wing is more focused on their work and will follow orders from a higher-up. Nines with an eight wing act on their behalf or as underdogs, while nines with a one wing tend to put others above themselves and help the needy.
Enneagram nines both desire to be at peace, but a 9w8 reacts to this desire by avoiding conflict, and a 9w1 by implementing them into reality. Nines with an eight wing are good at taking charge with their assertive attitude, while nines with a one wing make great leaders because they are modest and not power-hungry.
Those with the same Enneagram personality types can be completely different if they have different wing types. Wing types can either strengthen your personality type or contradict it if their qualities go against the typical ones of your dominant personality type. For example, an eight wing’s influence is very different from a one’s.
What Enneagram Wing Is Your Dominant Type?
Ordinarily, your personality type’s Enneagram wings have distinct enough characteristics that you can easily find your dominant wing type. However, some people can relate to both wings or only one wing. Therefore, you can find your dominant Enneagram wing type by seeing the motivations of each wing type and determining which one suits you most.
Sources: Ian Morgan Cron, Enneagram Paths
The Best Enneagram Wings Test
We have chosen five of the best Enneagram tests based on accuracy, depth, and helpfulness so you can discover your dominant wing type and begin your Enneagram journey. This list includes the Truity, Your Enneagram Coach, Cloverleaf, Crystal, and Integrative 9 online Enneagram tests. Each test has its similarities and differences that make them excellent options.
Truity
The Truity online Enneagram personality test has 19 pages with 105 questions, so you will be sure to determine your Enneagram profile, including your dominant personality type, dominant wing type, and how much you relate to the other Enneagram types. The test takes about ten minutes to complete, is completely free, and has an impressive 4.8-star rating.
To take the Free Enneagram Test offered by Truity, click HERE!
Your Enneagram Coach
The Your Enneagram Coach online Enneagram assessment can lead you to find your Enneagram type. It has 12 pages with quick questions about how you’d describe yourself, which you rate from one through five on how much you agree or disagree. The assessment comes up to an accuracy of about 80% but can be more exact after completing their Enneagram courses.
To take the Free Enneagram Test offered by Your Enneagram Coach, click HERE!
Cloverleaf
The Cloverleaf online Enneagram personality assessment has 22 pages of easy questions for determining your Enneagram profile, including your dominant personality type, wing type, Enneagram triad, and an overview of your traits. The test takes about ten to 15 minutes to complete, requires no purchase, and you can get Enneagram advice by signing up via email.
To take the Free Enneagram Test offered by Cloverleaf, click HERE!
Crystal
The Crystal online Enneagram personality test is a quick, free quiz where you rate the on-screen questions from one to five on how much you agree. This test can determine which dominant Enneagram personality type suits you most and shows you where to find a summarization of your Enneagram paired with your wing on their page.
To take the Free Enneagram Test offered by Crystal Knows, click HERE!
Integrative 9
The Integrative 9 online Enneagram assessment has two different choices for different circumstances. The standard package is $60 and has 22 pages for helping people from home understand their Enneagram profiles. The professional package is $120 and has 44 pages. It shows you how to use your Enneagram profile to improve your work.
For more information about the iEQ9 assessment or to purchase,CLICK HERE.
Enneagram 9w8 Career & Job Possibilities
Possible career paths for people who are Enneagram 9w8:
- Veterinarian: Since 9w8’s like caring for those unable to care for themselves, working with animals as a veterinarian would be the perfect match for them.
- Social Worker: 9w8’s don’t waver when they need to say something important, so serving others as social workers would be an excellent job choice.
- Diplomat: Since 9w8’s are stubborn to get what they want and desire peace, being a diplomat who negotiates on behalf of human rights would be suitable for them.
- Publicity Writer: 9w8’s are confident in their image, so a publicity writer who manages how a business looks to the public eye fits them.
Source: Crystal
Here, you can find more career options for 9w8’s: .
An excellent guide for all job-hunting Enneagram types is the Enneagram Career Guide.
9w8 Summary
An Enneagram type nine wing eight has all the qualities of a nine with varying levels of influence from a type eight. As a 9w8, you are the peacemaker but can also be more aggressive. Nines stay silent when faced with opposing ideas to prevent conflict, and with the eight wing’s guidance, they are more stubborn and forward with their beliefs.
The core desire of an Enneagram 9w8 is to be balanced and peaceful. A healthy 9w8 will be more humble and kind to others. This improvement can help them calm their fears. The message they want to hear from others is that “You won’t lose me; I’m right here.”
Learning your dominant Enneagram wing type can be beneficial because you can learn how and why your mind works the way it does. Uncovering why you make certain choices and how your thoughts might confront or relate to your personality will help you understand your strengths and lead you to use them to their fullest potential.
FAQs
9w8 | A Helpful Explanation For Enneagram Type 9 Wing 8? ›
9w8: The Nine wing Eight type is a Nine who shares many of the Type Eight characteristics. This type is independent, social, adaptable, and generally more assertive and direct than other Nines. Common careers include counselor, writer/editor, diplomat and social worker.
What is a 9w8 with a strong 8 wing? ›Enneagram 9w8 Jobs
Nines with an eight wing are strong and supportive. They find a way to be both assertive and adaptable, allowing them to see things from other points of view. They thrive in environments that offer them independence and allow them to work closely with others.
Nines are like a safe harbor, a respite, a person with whom Eights can let down their guard and relax. They tend therefore to teach each other what the other lacks: Eights bring Nines self-confidence and self-assertion, while Nines teach Eights which battles are worth fighting for and how not to push so hard.
What is a healthy 9 Wing 8? ›An Enneagram Type 9 wing 8, while conflict averse, are much more resilient in combating any dissonance that they may wish to resolve. Healthy 9w8s are social, peaceable, and highly sociable with a tendency to resolve conflict.
What is the difference between 8 wing 9 and 9 wing 8? ›Type 8s (the 8w9) motivation is in self protection, (not being harmed and controlled), and having power. Type 9s ( the 9w8) motivation is in having comfort, peace/peace of mind and connections with others.
What is the rarest Enneagram wing? ›So what is the rarest Enneagram type? Among Truity readers, the rarest Enneagram type is Type 7, “The Enthusiast,” with Type 5 “The Investigator” following close behind. In Truity's survey of over 54,000 people, Type 7 represented 9 percent of the population, making it the least common of the nine types.
What qualities does a 9w8 have? ›9w8: The Nine wing Eight type is a Nine who shares many of the Type Eight characteristics. This type is independent, social, adaptable, and generally more assertive and direct than other Nines. Common careers include counselor, writer/editor, diplomat and social worker.
Who should Enneagram 9 marry? ›Nine: A Six and Nine pairing is one of the most common couples. Both types are reliable and crave stability. Nines can also help Sixes be more optimistic and trusting of other people.
What do Enneagram nines secretly want in relationships? ›Nines spend most of their time supporting other people to achieve their goals and desires. However, in friendships and relationships, Nines are secretly seeking people who will put them first, who will make them feel important and who will respect the fact that it takes them time to figure out what they want.
What is the best spouse for Enneagram 9? ›Type Nines commonly pair well with Ones, Twos.
In a Nine-One partnership, Ones hugely benefit from the easygoing nature of the Nine. Ones suffer from an intense inner critic, and the gentle, agreeable Nine can reduce their anxiety about always having to be right.
What is a 9 wing 8 called? ›
Enneagram 9w8 -The Comfort Seeker- Enneagram type 9 wing 8: The Comfort Seeker is a subtype that results from the encounter of types 8 and 9, which means that Nine's natural chill easygoing style meets a little of the intense and reactive traits of the Eights.
What is the temperament of an 8w9 person? ›Enneagram 8w9
People with an Enneagram type eight wing nine personality tend to identify more with the type eight, but share several traits with the nine type as well. They are confident, patient, and protective in their behavior. They are generally more gentle and subdued than other eight types.
The biggest difference between the 9w8 vs 9w1 is the 9w8 fulfills their core desire of inner peace by challenging themselves and being more aggressive whereas, if you are a 9w1, you fulfill your core desire by cultivating an organized and peaceful environment.
What does wing 8 mean? ›What is an Enneagram type 7 wing 8 (The Opportunist)? People with an enneagram type seven wing eight personality tend to identify most with the seven type, but share many attributes with the eight type, as well. They tend to be enthusiastic, determined, and protective in their behavior.
What wing can a 9 have? ›Discover the Wings of Type 9
Every personality type of the Enneagram can have either one of the two types next to them as their wing. For Nines this means that they can have a wing Eight (also known as Enneagram 9w8) or a wing One (Enneagram 9w1). Below you find descriptions for each wing.
Enneagram 8 Wings
An eight can have a seven or a nine wing. An eight with a seven wing tends to be assertive. This wing can influence them to take risks and be more social and ambitious. It may also make them impulsive, reactive, addictive, or materialistic during stressful situations.
Which Enneagram Styles Are Narcissistic? Relying on Theodore Millon's description of the narcissistic personality, Claudio Naranjo (1994) refers to Enneastyle Seven as the narcissist.
What is the unhealthiest Enneagram? ›The Unhealthy Enneagram One – The Criticizer
They will become punitive and condemning to anything or anyone that disagrees with their position. At their worst extreme, Ones do the very things they publicly condemn.
Enneagram Fours at Their Worst:
At their unhealthiest level, Fours are filled with self-hatred and self-pity. They are often self-destructive, turning to drugs, alcohol, or suicide attempts as a way to cope with their increasing feelings of shame.
The basic fear of the Type 9 is that they may lose or be separated from others. They may attempt to prevent this by remaining peaceful and avoiding conflict, potentially adapting to others preferences, rather than stating their own.
Why are Enneagram 9 so angry? ›
Recognize anger
As part of the Body/Instinctive triad in the Enneagram, Type 9s have a sensitive issue around anger. They subconsciously deny and under-express it, and it often comes as a surprise to Type 9s that they have unprocessed anger. They often don't recognize this.
Enneagram Nine – Powerlessness
The anger of Nines is often simmering under the surface rather than out in the open. They try to hold it down and avoid it for as long as possible, but eventually it may lead to an outburst that surprises everyone around them.
First, it can be hard for them to get a partner. Type 9s tend to be wallflowers, and potential romantic prospects may be drawn to flashier, more gregarious types initially. However, once people get to know Type 9s, they're attracted to their calm, caring personalities.
What is Enneagram 9 best friend? ›Enneagram Nine Friendship Needs
Easy-going and accepting, Nines are peace-loving friends who give others the space to be themselves without judgment. At the same time, it's vital for Nines to have friends who see them for who they are rather than using them for their gentleness and compassion.
Type 9: Peacemaker: You like harmony, and you hate conflict so your triggers center around disturbances to a smooth, accommodating work environment. Inconsiderate, brash, insensitive communication is something you feel intensely. You are also sensitive to feeling unseen and overlooked.
What do Enneagram 9s struggle with? ›Type Nine in Brief
They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness.
Anger is an emotionally draining experience for Nines, who often take a while to notice that they are upset. They, therefore, don't allow themselves to experience anger too often or too intensely. Nines "tune in" to the feelings and emotions of the people around them.
What is the hardest Enneagram to get along with? ›Enneagram Type 9s might be the hardest to type in the Enneagram personality type system, but they're valuable personalities who sacrifice their own needs to help others feel comfortable.
What is Enneagram Type 9 love language? ›Easygoing, agreeable Nines crave a meaningful, harmonious connection with their partners. And the best way for them to build that is through quality time.
Which Enneagram is most feminine? ›The Enneagram 2 — Feminine The Type 2 is a very feminine type. The Type 2 of all the types most represents the energy of the heart and loving connection. Enneagram 2s are deeply attuned to the needs of others and love supporting and nurturing other people. The Type 2 is often known as the Archetypal Mother.
Can Enneagram 9 have anxiety? ›
However, when complacent Nines are under stress (also known as their “direction of disintegration”), they act more like an anxious and worried Enneagram type Six. This is a Nine no longer self-possessed, but fraught with anxiety and insecurity.
What MBTI is 9w8? ›Enneagram 9w8 Subtype
Riso and Hudson refer to the Eight as “The Leader.” In Myers-Briggs parlance, the Eight is characterized by a strength of extraverted Judgment (think CEO), as exemplified, for instance, in the ENFJ and ENTJ types. We might therefore expect to see more IFJs than IFPs typing as 9w8s.
Healthy Nines let go of a forced peace. They are patient, humble, honest, optimistic, and uncomplicated. Their quiet strength is reassuring to others. They can easily see and relate to other points of view because they are not attached to any one of them.
Who are the famous Type 9 Enneagram? ›Famous Type Nine leaders include: Queen Elizabeth II, Claude Monet, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Princess Grace of Monaco, Ronald Reagan, Audrey Hepburn, James Taylor, and Mister Rogers. Enneagram Type Nines are natural-born mediators, striving to bring others together in the purpose of unifying peace.
Which Enneagram has most anxiety? ›Sixes are one of the most anxiety-prone types of the Enneagram and tend to overreact when under stress. Identifying what triggers an overreaction as well as finding space to process their thoughts in the aftermath of a crisis is crucial for their mental health and general well-being.
Which Enneagram has anger issues? ›Type 1. Now, the core emotion of type 1 is anger and resentment. Their core belief is that they know the right way to do things, and feel it's their duty to fix things that are not being done correctly.
What is Enneagram 8 worst fear? ›Deepest Fear: Eights fear being vulnerable and powerless more than anything, and cope with this fear by always being strong and in control. Core Motivations: Eights are motivated by their desire to be independent and in control.
Which Enneagram is the dreamer? ›Enneagram 9w1 -The Dreamer- Enneagram type 9 wing 1: The Dreamer is a subtype that results from the encounter of types 9 and 1, which means that the natural easygoing and serene style of Nines meets a little of the principled and idealist concerns of the Ones.
What does wing number mean? ›Wings are the numbers that reside directly on the two sides of your Enneagram Type. For example, if you are an Enneagram One, you will either have a Nine-wing or a Two-wing. Or, if you are an Enneagram Two, you will have a One-wing or a Three-wing.
Does 9w5 exist? ›There is no such thing in the Enneagram a 9 with a 5 wing (or vice versa). The only two possible wings a 9 can have are 8 and 1 and the only two wings a 5 can have are 4 and 6.
What is the most intimidating Enneagram? ›
The Enneagram 8
Known as “The Challenger,” Eights are the type most likely to be called intimidating by others. Assertive and hard-working, they are determined to be in charge of their own fate.
People with an Enneagram Type 8 personality tend to be self-confident, powerful, and assertive in their behavior.
What Enneagram type is afraid of rejection? ›Specific to the Enneagram Type 4's fear of being flawed is their fear of rejection. Rejection tends to make Type 4s feel utterly worthless. If someone rejects them, it can make them hurt for the longest time.
What is the Enneagram 9 childhood trauma? ›The Enneagram Nine Child – The Rejection of Their Voice
In a family where there was frequent conflict or turmoil, they learned to “tune out” the problems and try to numb themselves to the conflict inside.
Unhealthy Enneagram 9
Unhealthy Enneagram 9s often seem to be emotionally blunt. They do not react as much as a normal person should, in social situations. They always seem aloof, as if their mind is not in the right place. They turn a blind eye to their own problems and ignore them.
Jesus is an Enneagram One personality type with a Two wing. Enneagram Ones belong to the body center, along with Eights and Nines, and they naturally make decisions based on gut instinct. Jesus likes to feel in control, particularly of his physical environment.
Is Type 8 Enneagram rare? ›According to this table, Enneagrams type 2, 8 and 5 are the least usual within the population. Enneagrams 2 only form the 8.5% of the population, enneagrams 8 take the 6.3% of it and enneagram type 5 only form the 4.8% of the population, which makes them the rarest enneagram type of all.
Who should Enneagram 8 marry? ›So, what type is the Enneagram Eight the most compatible with? The truth is that any type can be compatible with an Eight — as long as both partners are devoted to deeply caring, understanding and working toward shared goals together.
What is the sin of the Enneagram 8? ›Lust (non-sexual) is the deadly sin of the Enneagram Type Eight. While the idea of “lust” has certain connotations in modern society, however that is not the case with the Eight. Rather, it's a lust for excitement and being involved in the parts of situations that matter. Challengers lust after intensity.
What is the personality of an 8w9 Enneagram? ›Enneagram 8w9
People with an Enneagram type eight wing nine personality tend to identify more with the type eight, but share several traits with the nine type as well. They are confident, patient, and protective in their behavior. They are generally more gentle and subdued than other eight types.
What does Enneagram 8 wing mean? ›
8w9: The Eight wing Nine type is an Eight who has similar features as the Type Nine Peacemaker. They are confident, calm, and generally more patient than other Eights. Popular jobs for the 8w9 include activist, professor, counselor, and judge.
What wings can an Enneagram 9 have? ›Every personality type of the Enneagram can have either one of the two types next to them as their wing. For Nines this means that they can have a wing Eight (also known as Enneagram 9w8) or a wing One (Enneagram 9w1). Below you find descriptions for each wing.
What is the hardest Enneagram type to be? ›Enneagram Type 9s might be the hardest to type in the Enneagram personality type system, but they're valuable personalities who sacrifice their own needs to help others feel comfortable.
What Enneagram is the hardest working? ›Enneagram Ones are known as hard workers. They carry around a belief that they must be responsible and that requires putting work before play.
Is 8 the rarest Enneagram type? ›Enneagrams 2 only form the 8.5% of the population, enneagrams 8 take the 6.3% of it and enneagram type 5 only form the 4.8% of the population, which makes them the rarest enneagram type of all. Besides, according to gender classification, 7% of them are males while 3% of them are women.
What is the Enneagram 8 childhood trauma? ›The Enneagram Eight Child – Rejection of Childhood
They became little protectors and showed an exterior of toughness and invulnerability. They became the one that others turned to for strength and guidance. They felt that if they lost this role in the family that they might be rejected.
Eights are most angered by injustice or oppression. They despise people who oppress underdogs or manipulate others for their own means. They will go to any lengths to protect the ones they love and welcome the opportunity to fight for what is right.
Who do Enneagram 8 not get along with? ›Our research also suggests that Type Twos, Sevens and Nines are the least compatible with Type Eights. This is because Type Eights and Type Twos / Sevens / nines mutually rate each other as undesirable, suggesting a low degree of compatibility.
What do Enneagram 8s struggle with? ›Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable.
Why do Enneagram 8s push people away? ›Type 8 (The Challenger)
Powerful and bold Type 8's have an everyday affair with anger, which may scare people away or make them feel uncomfortable. They can be extremely intimidating, and if they display their range at all times, this may destroy the relationships they have.
Which Enneagram is the saddest? ›
While Fours are stereotypically known for being sad, and complaining about life a lot, Fours are quite a mixed bag. Some Fours appear to be very happy as they hide their sadness very well. Other Fours find it easier to hide their hurt with anger, and lash out at people.
What makes Enneagram 9 mad? ›In general, 8s, 9s, and 1s — the body type — tend to get angry when they see injustice, and when they feel like people are trying to control them, but this is expressed in different ways.