As an Enneagram 8, you want to live on your terms and work hard to achieve your dreams. But is there a part of you filled with wonder and unexplainable enthusiasm towards life? You can’t help but want to try out new experiences and take on spontaneous challenges that will bring extra zest to life.
Enneagram Wings can explain your two seemingly diverse personality traits. While you often identify with the key characteristics of Type 8, your dominant wing (in this case, 7-Wing) adds some fun and adventure to your overall personality.
Put simply, you’re an Enneagram 8w7—a blend of the Challenger and Enthusiast. You complement the strength, resilience, and compassion of Type 8 with the adventurous and optimistic nature of Type 7.
In this article, we explore the world of Enneagram 8 wing 7 personality type, examining how these traits combine to shape your personality.
Still not certain what your Enneagram personality type is? Find out with our Enneagram Test!
What Is Enneagram Eight with Seven Wing Personality Type Like?
In the Enneagram system, each personality type can be influenced by either of the two types (Wings) surrounding it. The Wings add nuance to your personality, creating more or less prominent differences between the two possible combinations. In the case of a core Type 8, you could have a dominant Seven or Nine Wing (8w9).
Enneagram 8w7, commonly known as ‘The Maverick,’ is a blend of Type 8's assertive, powerful traits and Type 7's energetic, adventurous qualities.
Type 8, or “The Challenger,” is known for its leadership qualities, confidence, and desire for control so they can protect themselves and others. They are typically direct, decisive, and action-oriented individuals who dislike vulnerability.
The impact of Type 7, “The Enthusiast,” adds a love for new experiences, spontaneity, and playfulness, making 8w7s powerful, assertive, curious, engaging, and eager to enjoy life fully.
People with an 8w7 personality often come across as dynamic, energetic leaders who are unafraid to take risks and push boundaries. They tend to be entrepreneurial, ambitious, and fiercely independent, often using their charisma and boldness to influence and inspire others.
Overall, 8w7s are unstoppable forces who seek to take charge of their environment and are always looking for new challenges and adventures to conquer.
Some famous Type 8s include those with a dominant Seven Wing: Steve Jobs, Gordon Ramsay, Joan Crawford, Aretha Franklin, Tupac Shakur, Socrates, the Greek philosopher, and the great historical figure and conqueror Alexander the Great.
What Enneagram 8 Wing 7 Nicknames Reveal to Us
The Enneagram 8w7 personalities are referred to as The Maverick, The Independent, The Nonconformist, The Risk-Taker, and The Adventurer, each revealing different aspects of this personality type:
- The Maverick speaks of the Enneagram 8w7’s strong will and desire for control, combined with the adventurous and spontaneous qualities of Type 7s.
- “The Independent” and “Nonconformist” describe a charismatic personality ready to achieve their goals their way and a confident leader who can motivate people to achieve common goals.
- “The Risk Taker” and “The Adventurer” speak about how these individuals are not afraid to explore opportunities others would shy away from and are constantly seeking excitement and stimulation from life.
What Drives and Grounds the 8w7 Personality: Enneagram 8 Wing 7’s Basic Fears and Desires
Fears and desires are integral to shaping a personality. Desires motivate you to move forward, while fears keep you grounded as you decide to pursue your dreams. Everyone has a core fear and a basic desire that shape how they navigate life—often influenced by their Enneagram type’s growth and stress arrows.
Basic Fears: Dread of Losing Control
The basic concern for Enneagram Type 8w7 would lean more towards what Type Eights fear: losing control. They fear being susceptible to or hurt by others. The Enneagram Type 8 Wing 7s will assert their authority and independence rather than show weakness or vulnerability.
The idea of losing a fight or their power to someone else, including loved ones, is unimaginable. Unsurprisingly, they struggle with being emotionally honest and may have problems settling down in relationships. Therefore, finding a compatible partner could prove a challenging quest.
Conversely, they may not be too concerned by Type Sevens’ basic fears, such as deprivation or boredom.
8w7 Enneagram Desires: Longing for Autonomy and Respect
The basic desire for these personality types is to maintain self-reliance and control over their environment. Ultimately, they want to display power and feel respected.
At the same time, they want other people to experience freedom and autonomy. They will fight for the vulnerable in society.
Since the Enneagram framework is quite complex, 8w7s may express their desire for autonomy and respect differently depending on their instinctual subtype.
Enneagram 8 Wing 7 Strengths and Weaknesses: The Best and Worst of the Enthusiasts
We all have strengths and weaknesses, and Maverick is no different.
Like all Enneagram types, the 8w7 experiences growth and stress differently. Under stress, they may adopt the negative traits of Type 8 and its Seven Wing, becoming dominating, while in growth, they can take on the type’s positive qualities, becoming inspiring and supportive.
8w7 Enneagram’s Strengths
When in the healthy state, 8w7 Enneagram individuals:
- Are optimistic and charismatic
- Are driven and passionate
- Can inspire and lead effectively, acting as natural leaders
- Are fun-loving, energetic, and engaging
- Are conflict-averse
- Are determined to support and protect their own
Enneagram Type 8 Wing 7’s Chief Weaknesses
The weaknesses or blind spots you may notice with unhealthy 8w7s are:
- Can be impatient, impulsive, and restless
- Can be bossy, manipulative, and controlling
- Can be aggressive when confronted
- They struggle to express their own emotions and accommodate the feelings of others
What Motivates Enneagram 8w7?
Life is not a smooth sailing journey for anyone. When people experience challenges, dissatisfaction, stress, or even burnout, it can be traced back to the activities that motivate or demotivate them.
So, what sparks energy into the Enneagram 8w7s?
The Maverick is motivated by the desire for respect and independence. While they may seek to assert their authority, they are also open to new experiences.
8w7s prefer a work environment where they are involved in making decisions, are allowed to implement innovative solutions, and can grow to reach their full potential. Starting their own business may give them the space to exercise their leadership. Business owners are free to execute ideas that they believe can change the world, especially if they are also an ENTJ-A personality type.
Enneagram 8w7s also draw energy from interactions with optimistic people and colleagues who encourage them to achieve goals.
8w7 Enneagram Careers: Bold Paths for Dynamic Leaders
The Enneagram 8 career paths may have a massive impact on the 8w7, but there are seven-wing fun touches, too.
As we already know, Enneagram Eight gets a high score on their level-headed and intense approach to life. Yet, Enneagram 8w7s are more energetic and impulsive, especially when trying new things or making decisions.
Secondly, Eights tend to focus more on maintaining control and asserting their will. A person with the Seven Wing will also seek fun experiences. The motto, “work hard and play harder,” would be befitting for the Enneagram 8w7.
Moreover, there are stark differences between the seven-wing and nine-wing. The 8w7s are more spontaneous and adventurous, while the 8w9s tend to dread risks. So, what are the best and worst career choices for this Enneagram Wing combination?
The Best Career Choices for 8w7
For a career to contribute to our work well-being, it must align with our personality and values. Roles that require leadership skills and innovation excite the Enneagram 8w7s, such as:
- Entrepreneur
- Director
- Lawyer
- Athletics coach
- Financial advisor
- Sales director
The Worst Career Choices for Enneagram 8w7
8w7 Enneagram will certainly frown on routine and detail-oriented careers, like:
- Accounting
- Administration
- Restaurant waiting
- Librarian
- Research assistant
Enneagram Type 8w7 Growth Tips: Becoming Your Best Self
Despite being assertive, confident, and seemingly in control of their lives, Enneagram 8w7s can also become vulnerable to overambition and detachment from others who perceive them as distant and cold.
With this in mind, there’s always room for growth, even for The Maverick. Here are some of the growth tips that can help Enneagram Type 8 with a 7-wing become the best version of themselves:
Embrace Vulnerability
We get it. Showing your emotions is not your forte. However, embracing and communicating vulnerability will help you recognize the strength in openness and allow you to forge deeper and meaningful connections with people, whether as friends, co-workers, or romantic partners.
Reflect on Motivations
Take time to reflect on the impact of your actions on yourself and others. Mindfulness or meditation practices help you gain clarity and reach accurate self-awareness.
Cultivate Patience
A calm approach to decision-making and ideas that need marinating can help you discover innovative solutions and reduce impulsivity.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Healthy boundaries for yourself and others will help you feel safe and maintain healthy work and personal relationships.
Communicate Your Preferences
Be open about your need for direct and honest communication. Let others know you’re willing to put in the effort to achieve that goal.
Thrive as an Enneagram Type 8 with 7 Wing
The 8w7 Enneagram’s core values are autonomy, power, resilience, and adventure. They thrive in areas where they can exercise their freedom and take risks.
Embracing your unique blend of strength and spontaneity opens up a world of endless opportunities. As a Maverick, you’re driven to push boundaries and carve your own path. However, personal growth lies in balancing that drive with vulnerability, reflection, and connection.
If you’re ready to explore the full potential of your Enneagram 8w7 personality and embark on your next growth journey, start by diving deeper into the tools and practices that will help you thrive—whether that’s through reflection, goal-setting, or connecting with others who share your vision.
