Wings of Enneagram Type 7 Differences: 7w6 vs 7w8 | Cautious Adventurer or Bold Risk-Taker?

Are you a 7w6 Entertainer or a 7w8 Realist? In other words, which Enneagram Wing adds nuance to your personality type?

If you are still unsure about your core type, take our Enneagram test to find out.

While both wings have the core Type 7 traits, figuring out which Wing drives your enthusiastic energy can be surprisingly tricky. The differences can be very subtle!

How can you tell these two fun-loving personalities apart? Although both types are optimistic and adventurous, they go after fulfillment in unique ways. The 7w6s approach adventure cautiously, keeping one foot on solid ground thanks to their Loyalist influence. Meanwhile, the 7w8s approach life with assertiveness and love for independence, embracing challenges and risk with the confidence of Challengers.

This article breaks down the differences between these Wings, making it easier to see which resonates more with you. We’ll also provide practical questions to help you pinpoint your Type 7 Wing.

Let’s get started and check out the differences at a glance!

Enneagram 7w6 vs 7w8 Comparison Chart: Two Sides of the Enthusiastic Type 7

To better understand the distinctions between Type 7 with a 6 Wing and Type 7 with an 8 Wing, let’s start by visualizing their unique traits side by side. The chart below highlights the primary characteristics of each variant, illustrating how the Wings shape the core Type 7 personality in distinct ways.

Despite their differences, 7w6 and 7w8 also have a lot in common. Since both Wings branch out from the same Type 7 core, they naturally share some key traits and patterns. Exploring these overlapping aspects helps us appreciate how each Wing influences the adventurous and energetic spirit of Type 7.

Similarities Between Enneagram 7w6 and 7w8: What Traits Do These Types Share?

As a 7w6 or 7w8, you share many traits with the other Wing type due to your Type 7 core because Wings don’t change your core motivations, fears, and desires. Both Wings seek to avoid pain and boredom, embracing fun, freedom, and new experiences to keep life exciting and fulfilling.

Both Enneagram Type 7 with a 6-Wing and 8-Wing share a natural optimism and quick thinking. Their adaptability shines in dynamic situations, making them resourceful in social and practical settings.

Their common strengths include social charm, resourcefulness, curiosity, innovative thinking, energy, and drive.

Their shared weaknesses include restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty facing emotions, fear of boredom, short attention span, and commitment issues.

Enneagram 7w6 vs 7w8: Are There Differences in Their Core Motivation?

While both types share Type 7’s desire for freedom and enjoyment, the 7w6 is guided by security and connection. In contrast, the 7w8 is driven by independence and assertiveness.

7w6s need support and reassurance, often seeking fun within familiar circles. A typical Enneagram 7 Wing 6 will avoid isolation by building a strong social network and making thoughtful choices that reduce risks.

In contrast, 7w8s are motivated by independence and self-empowerment, prioritizing control and autonomy. They seek fulfillment through bold decisions and spontaneous experiences that affirm their confidence and resilience.

A further variation between motivation differences between 7w6 vs 7w8 may also come from differences in an individual’s Enneagram subtype. Not to speak about Enneagram Arrows and the direction every one of us might take under different circumstances in life. Yes, the Enneagram system is quite complex, rewarding us with a profound self-awareness.

Fear Through Different Lenses: Enneagram 7w6 vs 7w8

Although 7w6 and 7w8 share the core Type 7 fear of being trapped in negative thoughts, their wings influence this fear in distinct ways.

7w6s fear feeling unsupported or abandoned, so they avoid situations leading to isolation or destabilizing their sense of security. For Enneagram 7 with Wing 6, a compatible partner is usually a go-to person whenever they feel stressed or insecure.

7w8s fear being vulnerable or losing control. Therefore, they avoid situations that limit their freedom or make them feel powerless.

Two Paths to Strength: How 7w6 vs 7w8 Excel

7w6s are known for their warmth, adaptability, resourcefulness, and collaboration. Their 6-wing makes them socially aware and supportive as they form genuine connections with others. As cautious optimists, 7w6s are practical thinkers who balance excitement with a sense of responsibility.

7w8s are famous for their confidence, boldness, and independence. Their Challenger wing introduces natural assertiveness, making them decisive and proactive in pursuing their goals. 7w8s bring an empowering presence to any environment, encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones.

Iconic Type 7s—from visionary entrepreneurs to celebrated creative icons—exemplify how a blend of heartfelt warmth and fearless independence can chart diverse paths to success.

Different Struggles: Where 7w6 vs 7w8 Falter

7w6s struggle with anxiety, over-dependence, and people-pleasing tendencies. Their fear of uncertainty makes them overly cautious, while their indecisiveness keeps them from fully enjoying new experiences.

7w8 are prone to impulsiveness, resistance to vulnerability, and a need for control. They sometimes dismiss others’ perspectives and prioritize independence to the point of isolation.

When confronted with these vulnerabilities, each type has the potential to harness stress as a stepping stone toward greater self-awareness and transformative growth.

Are You a 7w6 or a 7w8? 8 Practical Questions to Ask Yourself

Figuring out whether you’re a 7w6 vs 7w8 can be tricky, especially since both types share the thrill-seeking, optimistic spirit of Type 7. Asking yourself the right questions can help you accurately determine which Wing aligns with your personality.

The following short quiz can help you decide if you lean more toward a 7w6 or a 7w8.

1. How Do You Face Challenges?

• 7w6: I approach challenges with caution and a backup plan, often seeking advice or support to feel more secure.
• 7w8: I tackle challenges head-on, relying on confidence and resilience to push through independently.

2. How Do You Feel About Unpredictability?

• 7w6: I feel uneasy when faced with unpredictability. My cautious nature favors having a fallback plan, even if it is flexible.
• 7w8: I thrive on change, seeing unpredictable moments as opportunities for growth and excitement.

3. How Do You Handle Criticism?

• 7w6: I value others’ opinions and will likely take criticism to heart.
• 7w8: I am largely unbothered about external criticism. I usually shrug it off and stick to my own path anyway.

4. How Do You Express Anger?

• 7w6: I may internalize anger or express it cautiously to avoid causing conflict.
• 7w8: I am assertive when showing conflict, unafraid of airing my frustrations or standing my ground.

5. When Stressed, Do You Reach Out for Support or Go Solo?

• 7w6: I lean on my close connections for support and reassurance during stressful situations.
• 7w8: I tackle things independently, believing that handling things solo shows strength.

6. In Conflicts, Do You Try to Keep The Peace or Assert Your Stance?

• 7w6: I generally seek harmony and might avoid confrontation to maintain peace.
• 7w8: I face issues head-on and aren’t afraid to speak my mind, even if it stirs things up.

7. Do You Love Taking Risks?

• 7w6: I take calculated risks, often weighing pros and cons to minimize potential downsides.
• 7w8: I enjoy taking risks, confidently diving in, and trusting I can handle whatever comes up.

8. Which Do You Value More: Independence or Community?

• 7w6: I love the feeling of safety, support, reliability, and loyalty that comes with being in a community.
• 7w8: I thrive on independence, personal freedom, and self-reliance, as I feel most empowered when in control of my decisions and outcomes.

Scoring: What Do Your Answers Say?

There’s no formal point system—just reflect on which option felt more like you. Did you find yourself consistently choosing the 7w6 responses, or did the 7w8 descriptions feel more accurate?

If most of your answers matched the 7w6 side, you likely lean toward the Entertainer: warm, loyal, and connection-focused. If the 7w8 side resonated more, you're probably the Realist: bold, assertive, and driven by independence. Some people may see themselves in both—this is totally normal, especially if you're close to the middle!

Regardless of Whether You Are 7w6 vs 7w8—Grow to Your Best Self!

Understanding whether you’re a 7w6 or a 7w8 not only helps you recognize your strengths and challenges but also guides you in making choices that align with your core values. Knowing your Wing can enhance self-awareness, helping you thrive personally and professionally.

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding and explore how personality insights can shape your career and relationships, consider exploring emotions, mindfulness, and communication skills—to become the best version of your Enneagram Type 7 Wing!