The Assertive Types

The three Assertive Types of the Enneagram are the Three, Seven and Eight. All three Types are active and direct in going after what they want, or believe they need, in life. They feel that they are the centre of what is going on and that everything meaningful in life happens in relation to them. We could say that they demand they get what they want. They go about it in different ways however. Eights tend to dominate their environments and are very upfront about their feelings. If they don't like something they express it. Their attitude can be summed up as 'I'm here. Deal with me'. Sevens tend to liven things up with their presence, their attitude is 'I've arrived now so let's get things happening!' Threes feel a little less sure of being the centre because they are dependent on the approval of others so they will go about it by achieving. Their attitude is 'look at what I've achieved'. All three Types, when faced with disappointment or difficulties, will reinforce or inflate their ego rather than backing down or deferring to others. This can be admirable and sometimes achieve great things. It can, however, also be counterproductive and lead them straight into conflict.