What is the Difference Between a 7w8 and an 8w7? (3+ Key Dissimilarities)
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In this blog post, we will talk about the 7w8 vs 8w7 Enneagram type.
If you are not sure whether you are a 7w8 vs 8w7 Enneagram type, keep reading to understand the differences between the two types.
The Main Differences between 7w8 & 8w7
The main distinction between 7w8 vs 8w7 is that while 8w7 are more protective of their loved ones because of the 8 wing, the 7w8 might be more concerned with themselves. 7w8 is more likely to hold the opinion that others can take care of themselves because they are able to as well. 7w8 vs 8w7 is also evident in how 8w7 focuses on power and control, but 7w8 focuses on planning and play.
7w8 – The realist
Famous examples: Jack Nicholson, Lucille Ball, Joan Rivers, Howard Stern, Leonard Bernstein, Lauren Bacall, Bette Midler, Malcolm Forbes, John F. Kennedy, “Scarlett O’Hara.”
Healthy subtype: Generalists in this subtype are “materialists” in the broadest sense of the word: they truly enjoy the world around them.
I know how to combine the speed of action with determination, which often leads to material success and a high position in society.
They are determined to get what they want in life; they think strategically and can quickly organize their internal and external resources as they pursue their goals. They are earthly and practical.
They have a strong mind, a sharp tongue, and a special pleasure in shocking things.
Common subtype: Those who are part of this subtype invest their strength in many directions, keeping quiet about things at once or having multiple careers at the same time.
They can be aggressive and have enough willpower and determination to take care of their own needs.
They tend to be more dependent on work than people in the other subtype, which is due to their strong desire to accumulate possessions and experiences.
(“I deserve it!”) They are focused on activities rather than relationships with others.
Thus, they tend to be pragmatic when it comes to relationships – looking for a partner, not a person in a romantic fantasy.
They are not afraid to be alone and they know very well what their expectations are and how much they can tolerate.
They can be painfully direct and push others out of their way to get what they want.
They can be cynical and sharp, which contrasts with the childish hyper-enthusiasm of those in Wing Six.
Type 7 The generalist
Always busy, fun-loving typology: Spontaneous, Unsteady, Collector and scattered
The author called the seventh typology the Generalist because the people who are part of it are enthusiastic when it comes to anything that comes into their view.
I look at life full of curiosity, optimism and a sense of adventure.
They’re like children in a toy store. They look at the world in astonishment and absorbed, realizing what a treasure is at their feet.
Generalists are bold and lively, pursuing what they want from life with a cheerful determination.
They have a quality best described by the Hebrew word chutzpah – a kind of naughty audacity.
Although they are part of the Triad of Thinkers, this is not obvious from the first moment, as they tend to be very practical and get involved in a lot of projects at any time.
8w7 – The Independent
Famous examples: Franklin Roosevelt, Mihail Gorbachev, Donald Trump, Barbara Walters, Don Imus, Frank Sinatra, Courtney Love, Susan Sarandon, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford.
Healthy subtype: People in this subtype have quick thinking and talent for practical problems.
They are often charismatic and have the power to attract the support of others to achieve their vision.
They like to act and want to have an impact on the world around them. I know how to challenge others to develop their skills and exceed their expectations for their lives to improve in a practical way.
This subtype is the most independent, those who represent it are often business people interested in starting projects to ensure their independence.
Medium subtype: People in this subtype are adventurous and do not hesitate when it comes to taking risks.
They tend to have “great plans,” and to persuade others to join them, they make great promises and exaggerate the potential of their speculations.
The subtype is one of the most sociable, talkative and extroverted, radiating self-confidence.
These Leaders are also pragmatic, practical and competitive.
They are not particularly keen to please others or to endure what they consider to be weakness or inefficiency.
They may become impatient, impulsive, and more susceptible to feelings than the other subtype.
They are also aggressive and confrontational and are unlikely to withdraw from a fight.
Type 8 The driver
Strong, dominant typology: self-confident, determined, ready to confront.
More than any other typology, it wants to lead itself and lead others to self-transcendence, even if it means going from challenge to challenge.
They are charismatic and have the physical and psychological capacity to persuade others to follow them in all sorts of activities – from setting up a company, rebuilding a city, to running a household, to starting a war, to making peace.
Leaders have an extremely strong will and great vitality and feel best when they use these qualities.
From an early age, they understand that in order to do these things, they need strength, willpower, persistence, and endurance — qualities they develop and seek in others.
Leaders do not want to be controlled or allow others to have power over them, whether it is psychological, sexual, social, or financial power (this is their Basic Fear).
Much of their behaviour is directed toward maintaining and amplifying the control they have.
A Leader can be a general or a gardener, a small businessman or a mogul, a father in a family or the head of a religious community, but regardless of his occupation, he will always try to be in power and make his mark on those around him.
Although to some extent Leaders are afraid of physical pain, they are much more frightened by the helplessness and control of others over them.
They are extremely tough and can go through a lot of difficulties to complain – quality with a double edge because they often neglect the limits of health and endurance of both themselves and those around them.
Instead, they are frightened by emotional pain and will use their physical strength to protect their feelings and keep others at a sufficient emotional distance to feel safe.
They hide in thick and imposing armour, but behind their strong façade, they are very vulnerable.
Thus, Leaders are extremely hardworking and productive, but because of this, they lose emotional contact with many people in their lives.
Loved ones can become more and more dissatisfied with the state of affairs, which makes those of the Eighth typology feel confused. (“I don’t understand why my family is complaining. I do everything I can to give them the things they need. Why are they disappointed?”)
When this happens, Leaders feel misunderstood and may distance themselves even more.
In fact, behind their imposing exterior, they often feel hurt and rejected, although this is something they rarely talk about.
It is difficult for them to admit to themselves that they are vulnerable, let alone to others.
The more they strengthen their ego to protect themselves, the more sensitive they become to any real or imaginary gesture directed against their authority, superiority, or self-respect.
The more they try to become immune to pain or suffering (whether physical or emotional), the more they close emotionally and become as hard as rocks.
Conclusions
In this blog post, we talked about the 7w8 vs 8w7 Enneagram type.
7w8 are determined to get what they want in life; they think strategically and can quickly organize their internal and external resources as they pursue their goals.
They are earthly and practical. They have a strong mind, a sharp tongue, and a special pleasure in shocking things.
8w7 like to act and want to have an impact on the world around them. I know how to challenge others to develop their skills and exceed their expectations for their lives to improve in a practical way.
This subtype is the most independent, those who represent it are often business people interested in starting projects to ensure their independence.
7w8 vs 8w7 – which type do you relate to most? Do not hesitate to let us know in the comments section!
FAQ about 7w8 vs 8w7 Enneagram type
What is a 7w8?
7w8 Enneagram type uses abundant energy to make changes and make his mark on those around him, but also to protect his loved ones from difficulties or, especially, from other people.
From an early age, they understand that in order to do these things, they need strength, willpower, persistence, and endurance — qualities they develop and seek in others.
What’s an Enneagram 7?
Enneagram 7 people are always busy, fun-loving typology: Spontaneous, Unsteady, Collector and scattered.
The author called the seventh typology the Generalist because the people who are part of it are enthusiastic when it comes to anything that comes into their view.
I look at life full of curiosity, optimism and a sense of adventure.
Which is the rarest Enneagram type?
The rarest Enneagram type is type 4 (the Individualist).
What does an unhealthy Enneagram 7 look like?
An unhealthy Enneagram 7 can be painfully direct and push others out of their way to get what they want.
They can be cynical and sharp, which contrasts with the childish hyper-enthusiasm of those in Wing Six.
How do I find my Enneagram wing?
EachEnneagram type has two wings and three instinctual variants.
These two “lenses” help us focus on our personality traits with greater precision and specificity.
The enneagram is also unique in that it shows us the ways to develop, to evolve.
It accurately traces the paths of our growth and evolution, but also those that lead us to involution.
Which Enneagram type is most stubborn?
The most stubborn Enneagram type is type 9.
They do not want their pleasant states to be disturbed by others and often resist through passivity, remain silent, stubborn.
At the lower, unhealthy level, they fall into a deep apathy about their lives and can become sluggish, erased and unproductive.
References
The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types, by Don Richard Riso
Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery, by Don Richard Riso, Russ Hudson
Understanding the Enneagram: The Practical Guide to Personality Types, by Don Richard Riso, Russ Hudson
Enneagrampaths.com