Strength & Justice: Enneagram Type 8 - The Protector
The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Today, we’re venturing into the dynamic and powerful landscape of the Enneagram Type 8, affectionately known as "The Protector”. If you've ever met someone who embodies strength, assertiveness, and a strong sense of justice, you might've come across a Protector.
As leaders, Protectors exude a big energy and a confidence that inspires confidence in others. They are capable of rallying people and leading them towards a common goal. Protectors tend to make decisions quickly, and this decisiveness often makes them effective leaders during crises. They are honest and direct and rarely beat around the bush. They value transparency and will often speak their mind, even if the truth is uncomfortable.
Any gift, when overused, can become a liability. The Protector’s desire to be strong and in control can quickly devolve into command-and-control leadership, and a need to power over others to get their way. And while they are passionate defenders of those they see as vulnerable, they themselves have a very hard time putting down their armor and being vulnerable as they tend to equate vulnerability with weakness.
Protectors are a force of nature, bringing a powerful presence into every interaction and situation. They don’t have to say a word, you always know they’re there. They never hesitate to express themselves and standing up for what they believe is right.
Type 8 Protector’s Foundational Framework
The Enneagram framework for understanding personality dives deep into the interconnectedness of an individual's Basic Proposition, Worldview, and Core Motivation. Let's break down how these elements connect for the Type 8 Protector:
Type 8 Basic Proposition: "I must be strong and protect myself and others from harm. Vulnerability is a sign of weakness."This proposition forms the fundamental belief or assumption about how the world works and how they must operate within it. The basic proposition establishes a "rule" or "truth" that Type 8s believe they need to live by.
Worldview: "The world is a tough and unjust place, where only the strong survive and the weak get dominated. Good things happen to those who take control."The Worldview is an outward extension of the Basic Proposition and gives it context. While the Basic Proposition provides a directive for personal behavior ("I must be strong..."), the Worldview generalizes this belief to encompass the nature of the world at large. It's the lens through which Protectors interpret their experiences and the actions of others.
Core Motivation: "I must protect myself and others from injustice and vulnerability, and maintain control over my world."This is the driving force that propels a Protectors into action. Stemming from their Basic Proposition and Worldview, their Core Motivation gives direction to their behaviors, desires, and fears. The actions they take, rooted in this motivation, emerge as asserting control, displaying strength, and avoiding vulnerability.
The Protector’s Basic Proposition, Worldview and Core Motivation work together in a self-reinforcing feedback loop. Here’s how that works for The Protector:
The Basic Proposition sets the foundational belief: "To be safe and to be 'me', I need to be strong and avoid vulnerability at all costs."
The Worldview offers the context for this belief, painting a picture of the environment: "This world is full of power dynamics, and if I'm not strong, I'll be dominated."
The Core Motivation is the actionable component that guides their behavior: "I'll protect myself and others from control, injustice, and vulnerability. I can't let anyone have power over me."
In summary, The Basic Proposition lays down a belief system, the Worldview provides the context in which this belief operates, and the Core Motivation propels the Protector into action. With this foundational framework in mind, we can more clearly explore how Protectors occur “in the wild”!
What Draws The Protector’s Attention
Protectors often direct their attention outward, constantly scanning the environment for potential threats or challenges. What tends to draw their attention includes:
Power Dynamics: Protectors are keenly aware of power plays and imbalances in situations. They notice who's in control, who's being dominated, and any potential threats to their autonomy.
Injustice: Linked to their sensitivity to power dynamics, they're often attuned to situations where someone is being taken advantage of or treated unjustly.
Challenges: Whether it's a problem to solve, a barrier to overcome, or a person challenging their stance, Protectors are drawn to confrontations.
Vulnerability: Despite their desire to avoid being vulnerable, Protectors can be highly attentive to the vulnerabilities in others, whether to protect or, in less healthy states, to exploit them.
Opportunities for Control: Protectors are on the lookout for situations where they can take the lead, establish control, or assert their influence.
Given that “energy follows attention”, Type 8 Protectors put their energy into:
Taking Charge: They put energy into leading, making decisions, and setting directions to ensure they, and those they care about), are not at the mercy of others.
Defending and Protecting: Protectors vigorously defend their territory, principles, and loved ones. They may step in as the protector when they perceive someone as being bullied or oppressed.
Testing Boundaries: To gauge where they stand, they might push against limits or challenge the status quo, seeking to understand the nature of their environment and the people in it.
Suppressing Vulnerability: A significant portion of their energy might be spent on maintaining their strong facade and ensuring they don't appear weak or vulnerable.
Engaging in Conflict: Rather than shying away, they're more likely to confront conflicts head-on, believing that it's better to address issues directly than to let them simmer.
Physical Activities: Many Protectors channel their intense energy into physical activities or exercise, using it as an outlet for their natural drive and intensity.
In essence, the Type 8 Protector's attention is magnetically drawn to anything related to power, control, and challenges. They direct their formidable energy towards establishing and maintaining control, defending against perceived threats, and standing up against injustices. Their intense focus and energy come from their deep-seated need to protect themselves and others from a world they view as inherently challenging and, at times, unjust.
Relating With Type 8 - The Protector
Each of us brings our own values, beliefs, and gifts into our relationships. Protectors bring strength, directness, courage, truthfulness, generosity, and protectiveness. Though they may seem impenetrable at times, it’s important to know that Protectors are sensitive and highly caring on the inside. It’s sort of like they have a hard candy coating with a marshmallow center. Here are some things to keep in mind when relating with a Protector:
Be Direct and Honest. Because Protectors value strength and justice, it is important to be direct and honest with them, standing your ground when you need to. Protectors appreciate honesty, even if it's uncomfortable, over evasion or sugar-coating.
Model Vulnerability: While Eights can seem tough on the outside, they often have a soft interior (remember the marshmallow analogy?). Being vulnerable with Protectors can invite them to do the same, deepening the bond.
Stand Your Ground: While it's essential to avoid unnecessary confrontations, it's equally crucial not to get steamrolled. Eights respect individuals who can assert themselves and stand by their beliefs.
Provide Genuine Feedback: While Eights can be forceful, they also value growth. Provide them with constructive feedback when necessary, but ensure it's genuine and comes from a place of care.
Acknowledge Their Strength: Recognize and appreciate their protective and assertive nature. Valuing their contributions and strengths can create mutual respect.
Interacting with Protectors can be an intense but rewarding experience. Their dynamic energy and assertiveness can sometimes be overwhelming, but with the right approach, one can cultivate a fulfilling relationship with them.
Pathways for Personal Growth
For our powerful Protectors, the pathways for growth offer unique challenges and opportunities. Here are a few ways Protectors can develop themselves to move more consciously and intentionally towards their best self:
Practice Being Vulnerable: Embracing vulnerability can be a game-changer for Protectors. It helps them build deeper connections, understand themselves better, and balance their assertive nature with openness and tenderness. This transformation can positively impact their personal and professional relationships and their overall mental well-being.
Get Mindful and Present: Given Protector's tendency to always be on the move and in control, taking a step back and introspecting can provide them with valuable insights into their motivations, fears, and desires. Taking time to be mindful and practicing meditation can help Protectors manage their energy and reactions, leading to healthier interactions with others and the world around them.
Listening to Hear: For a type that is often action-oriented and likes to take charge, learning the art of active listening can significantly improve their interpersonal relationships. By truly hearing others out, Protectors can make better-informed decisions, reduce conflicts, and foster more harmonious relationships.
Seek Feedback: Remember, feedback isn't an attack; it's a tool for growth. Encourage your close friends, family, or colleagues to provide constructive feedback. It's a window to see how others perceive you and where you might improve.
Learn to Let Go: Not every battle is worth fighting. Sometimes, it's essential to choose which issues truly matter and which ones you can let slide. This not only conserves your energy but also reduces unnecessary conflicts.
When practiced diligently, these ideas can lead to profound growth and transformation for Protectors, allowing them to harness their strengths while also cultivating a more balanced and harmonious way of interacting with the world.
Conclusion
Enneagram Type 8 Protectors are powerhouses of strength, resilience, and passion. While they're often recognized for their assertiveness, beneath that robust exterior lies a heart fiercely committed to justice and protection. Their innate desire to shield both themselves and others from injustice showcases their deep sense of loyalty and integrity. When channeled positively, their energy can be transformative, leading teams, inspiring communities, and standing as pillars of support for those in need. Embracing and understanding the rich depth of the Type 8 Protector can unveil a world of compassion, dedication, and unwavering determination.
