TYPE
EIGHT: THE ASSERTER
The Eight
is a personally powerful type who believes that one must be in control
to avoid being dominated by or otherwise vulnerable to others.
Consequently, self-reliance, independence, and assertiveness are
primary themes. In the workplace, an Eight also believes that :
- the leader is the prime mover of an organization
- an organization is as strong as its leader, or as
strong as its leader appears to be
These beliefs reflect an underlying set of values
that focus on power, control, inner strength and self-assertion.
Eights thrive on challenges, competition, and asserting a leadership
role. At high functioning levels, they are powerful advocates for the
underdog, who will champion and protect weaker members of society.
They are resourceful, confident, and fearless, and will often lead
people to achieve more than they perhaps thought possible. Their bold,
courageous style is one that can be highly charismatic and
motivational to others.
However, when the need to dominate the environment
and assert their power becomes an overriding concern, their focus can
shift to imposing their will on everything and everyone. While
establishing protective boundaries around themselves, they do not
hesitate to cross the boundaries of other people. They can be very
impatient with people who are unable to keep up with them or whom they
perceive as not supporting their approach or agenda. Direct and even
blunt in their communication style, they often intimidate others. They
value strength in themselves and others and are stimulated by
confrontation from a "worthy" opponent. However, this
aggressive style can be off-putting to others, thereby undermining
their strength and reducing the support they seek. Because they often
equate compromise with weakness, Eights will personally avoid showing
any signs of it; at the same time, they will seek to identify and
exploit weak spots in others to gain an advantage. While this may
reinforce their need for control and domination, these gains are
usually short-lived, and often fuel resentment.
Eights grow when they learn to develop
relationships without any need to establish control. Learning to be
more sensitive in their communications with others engenders the
support they seek. Further, when they can acknowledge and feel
comfortable presenting the soft, caring side of their personality,
they become very attractive to others.
At their best, Eights exercise their gift of
leadership in a benevolent and magnanimous manner. They display
extraordinary courage, protecting all those around them who need their
help, and do so in a way that is encouraging rather than dictatorial;
others trust them and want them to lead. They work hard for the
benefit of others, and can exert a positive and lasting influence that
is visionary in its scope.
