The Fear and Behaviour of the Eight

The primary fear of the Eight is of being controlled, powerless, weak and vulnerable. As a result the Eight works hard to be strong and to take control so that they will not be dominated or put in a position where they might feel any of these things. This means Eights are people of action who take the initiative to direct events rather than having events direct them. As a result they can often be found in leadership positions because they are decisive, direct and, of all the Types, are the ones least bothered by conflict - in fact they find it energising and can thrive on it. Healthy Eights , conscious of the power dynamic, are protective and will stand up and defend people who are being threatened or who are unable to defend themselves. However, when they are less healthy and present to themselves, their forthright directness and energy becomes dominating and dictatorial. They throw their weight around, demanding that others do as they say and bullying them to do so with tyrannical behaviour. In other words they make others feel controlled, powerless, weak and vulnerable.