8 Signs of an Introverted Enneagram Type 8

What does an introverted Enneagram type 8 look like? Hey, I’d know—after being mistyped as an Enneagram type 5 for the longest time, I figured out I was a quieter-than-usual Type 8 with too much on her plate. 

Under stress, 8s can appear like 5s—highly investigative, research-intensive and cooped up in their own minds. 

It took me a long time to understand that I was an Enneagram Type 8 because, fundamentally, Eights are driven, assertive, independent and strong-willed. They don't shy away from confrontation or back down in the face of arguments. Donald Trump, Kamala Harris and Serena Williams are Type Eights. They are also extraverts, which I definitely am not.

But these qualities are not inherently tied to extraversion. The Enneagram system itself only loosely correlates with the extraversion-introversion spectrum as defined by other personality frameworks like Myers and Briggs. The Enneagram focuses on core motivations, fears and desires, not where you get your energy from.

So, while Type Eights are all about busyness, power and bold expression, introverted Type 8 folks may exhibit these characteristics in a somewhat different manner. They’re still a true Enneagram 8!

Here are some ways to spot an introverted Enneagram type 8 in the wild, with a side-by-side comparison of their extraverted counterpart.

1. They take charge, but fly under the radar

Introverted 8s prefer to work solo or with a tight-knit team. You often find them leading their own businesses, hustling on a side project and leading smaller groups or teams. That’s the work hard, play hard mentality in action. 

Extraverted 8s are far more comfortable leading larger groups. They can be found all over C-suites, higher-level management firms and in middle management. Someone’s gotta take charge, and the extraverted 8 is almost always up to lead.

2. They’re active, but prefer to work out by themselves

Introverted 8s enjoy solo (and often competitive) sports like golf, swimming and skating. As part of the Enneagram body triad, they’re acutely in tune with their physicality and spend time cultivating both internal and external strength. 

Extraverted 8s instead prefer to captain team sports as well as coach or lead sports teams. They push people to bring their best effort and easily strategize on behalf of the team. With their people skills and naturally ambitious attitude, they’re happy to call the shots. 

3. They easily voice their opinions but will only speak when necessary

Introverted 8s are big on brevity. In emails and meetings, they will keep things short and to the point. Like most introverts, they avoid chatter and focus on what matters. 

Extraverted 8s value concision as well. But as extraverts, they are more willing to discuss with the team for additional input. They easily direct conversations with a view to accomplishing the group’s goals with conviction. 

Introverted Eights are not as outspoken and confrontational. They still assert themselves, but do so more quietly and selectively. They may choose their battles, preferring to keep a low profile until a situation arises that they feel strongly about. 

4. They move quickly, work on many projects at once, and get stuff done

Introverted 8s set a rapid personal productivity system that works for them and they recalibrate their plans alone. When they have to decide what task or project to complete next, they refer to their own running list of strategies and act on them as necessary.

Extraverted 8s do this as well, but become more motivated and productive with a passionate team behind them. They gain energy from motivating others to become the best version of themselves and take charge of their own paths. 

5. They know their value, but are subtle about their work accomplishments

Introverted 8s are often humble about their work accomplishments and may only reveal them when explicitly asked. They still have the Eight’s drive to set ambitious goals for themselves, but it’s unlikely you’ll find out about their intense backlog of successful (and work-in-progress) projects unless you ask about them.

Extraverted 8s are happier to show off their work to the world. They may even have an open portfolio that everyone can access. When asked about their work and career, they’ll talk your ears off on what they’ve accomplished and have planned.

6. They’re put together, but understated

Introverted 8s may follow Steve Jobs’ approach to dressing—a capsule closet of similar items with just a splash of color to pop out. They value efficiency and one less decision to make with what they wear fits right in with this. 

Extraverted 8s are more likely to show off their flashy (yet classy) pieces. In a room full of strangers, they naturally draw attention to themselves. 

7. They keep their emotions private, revealing their true feelings to only a select few

Introverted 8s hold their friends and their feelings close but tend to get along with most people (especially if they’re an 8w9). They're protective of their closest friends and will defend them should they ever get wrapped up in trouble. While confident of their feelings, they can be a closed book, opening their hearts to only a select few. Still waters run deep.

Extraverted 8s are more outwardly bold and confrontational. Their friends know that their outspokenness is a sign of loyalty and protection, but others may see it as aggressive. Extraverted Eights are also more open with their emotions, willing to share them with a larger group of close friends. For extraverted 8s, what you see is usually what you get.

8. They will fight tooth and nail for their independence, quietly and assertively

The Enneagram 8’s core fear is losing control and worse, having their life be dictated by someone else. When backed into a corner, Eights do what they know best—fight. 

In conflict situations, Extraverted Eights may come out all guns blazing. But Introverted Eights will fight in a more controlled and low-drama way. They’ll often be the first to confront a problem, stand their ground, and set aside their emotions to solve any issues as soon as possible.

There you have it—the key differences between extraverted and introverted Enneagram 8s. Both types are confident, ambitious 'doers' and they look alike in many ways. The key difference is introverted Eights are more quietly controlling and prefer to stay out of the public eye.