The Opportunist
Enneagram 7w8
An Enneagram Type 7 with an 8 wing combines the enthusiastic, adventure-seeking nature of Type 7 with the powerful, assertive qualities of Type 8. These individuals are bold and ambitious, generally more independent, direct, and driven than other Type Sevens.
500K+ people have discovered their 7w8 wing
At a Glance
Key 7w8 attributes
Core Drive
Freedom & Power
Approach
Bold Pursuit
Goal
Maximum Experience
Fear
Being Limited
Understanding Enneagram 7w8
The 7w8 personality type combines the enthusiastic optimism of Type 7 with the powerful, commanding presence of Type 8. This creates individuals who pursue their desires with intensity and aren't afraid to push boundaries to get what they want.
Unlike the more cautious 7w6, the Opportunist charges ahead with confidence and doesn't hesitate to take control of situations. They combine visionary thinking with the force of will to make things happen on their terms.
At their best, 7w8s are dynamic leaders and entrepreneurs who can inspire others with their vision while having the drive and determination to turn ambitious ideas into reality.
How the 8 Wing Influences Type 7
The Type 8 wing adds power and assertiveness to the typical Type 7 enthusiasm, creating a more dominant and independent approach to pursuing experiences.
Core Type 7 Traits
The enthusiastic foundation
- Optimistic and enthusiastic outlook
- Desire for new experiences
- Quick-thinking and versatile
- Focus on possibilities and options
8 Wing Influence
The powerful modifier
- More assertive and commanding
- Greater independence and self-reliance
- Comfortable with power and control
- Willing to confront obstacles directly
Core Motivations of 7w8
Understanding what drives the Opportunist helps explain their bold pursuit of experiences and resistance to limitations.
Basic Desire
What 7w8s deeply want
To experience life to the fullest with complete freedom and autonomy. They want to pursue their ambitions without restrictions while having the power to shape their own destiny.
Basic Fear
What 7w8s try to avoid
Being limited, controlled, or deprived of experiences. They deeply fear having their freedom curtailed or being in positions of weakness and vulnerability.
7w8 Strengths
The Opportunist brings a unique combination of visionary thinking and powerful execution that makes them natural entrepreneurs and leaders.
7w8 Blind Spots
The same qualities that make 7w8s powerful can also create challenges, particularly when their intensity overwhelms others or themselves.
Best Careers for 7w8
7w8s thrive in careers that offer autonomy, challenge, and opportunities for advancement. They excel in roles requiring bold decision-making, leadership, and the ability to drive results.
The Opportunist is most satisfied in environments that reward initiative and allow them to take charge of their own destiny without excessive constraints.
Works well with others who...
- Keep up with their pace
- Appreciate directness
- Share their ambition
May hit obstacles when they...
- Steamroll over others
- Ignore important details
- Push too hard too fast
Feel energized when...
- Closing big deals
- Leading major initiatives
- Conquering new challenges
Feel drained when...
- Micromanaged closely
- Stuck in bureaucracy
- Forced to slow down
Best Jobs for Type 7 Personalities
Type 7s thrive in careers that offer variety, adventure, and opportunities for innovation and exploration. Select a role below to learn more.
Entrepreneur
7w8s excel at identifying opportunities and building businesses from the ground up with vision and determination.
The combination of enthusiasm and assertiveness makes 7w8s natural business builders who can inspire teams while driving toward ambitious goals.
Key Activities
How to Communicate with 7w8s
Effective communication with 7w8s involves being direct, confident, and respecting their need for autonomy while keeping up with their fast pace.
Meetings
Get to the point quickly and focus on big-picture outcomes. Respect their time, welcome their bold ideas, and avoid getting bogged down in excessive details.
Be direct and action-orientedKeep messages concise and lead with the key takeaway. Highlight opportunities and next steps clearly. Avoid lengthy preambles or excessive qualifications.
Lead with the bottom lineFeedback
Be straightforward and honest—they respect directness. Focus on results and impact rather than process. Challenge them constructively if needed.
Be honest and confidentResolving Conflict
Address issues directly without being passive-aggressive. Stand your ground respectfully but avoid power struggles. Focus on solutions and moving forward.
Address directly, focus on solutions7w8 Motivations & Stressors
What Energizes 7w8s
- Winning and achieving big goals
- Being in charge and leading others
- Launching new ventures
- Exploring new territories
- Taking calculated risks
- Fast-paced, high-energy environments
- Overcoming significant challenges
- Turning ideas into reality
What Drains 7w8s
- Being controlled or micromanaged
- Slow bureaucratic processes
- Weak or indecisive leadership
- Hitting ceilings on growth
- Being told "no" or "you can't"
- Missing out on opportunities
- Passive-aggressive behavior
- Situations requiring vulnerability
7w8 vs 7w6: Key Differences
While both wings share the core Type 7 enthusiasm for life, they express it in distinctly different ways.
The Opportunist
Bold and independent
- Blazes own trail independently
- More assertive and confident
- Drives toward goals aggressively
- Comfortable with power and control
- Prioritizes freedom over security
The Pathfinder
Loyal and grounded
- Adventures with trusted companions
- More cautious and security-aware
- Team-oriented and collaborative
- Seeks stability in relationships
- Balances fun with responsibility
Growth Opportunities for 7w8
Personal growth for 7w8s involves learning to balance their drive with patience and vulnerability, recognizing that true strength sometimes requires slowing down and connecting deeply.
Cultivate Patience
Not everything worth having comes quickly. Practice the discipline of long-term thinking and delayed gratification—some of the best outcomes require sustained effort over time.
Embrace Vulnerability
True connection requires letting others see your softer side. Practice sharing your fears and uncertainties with trusted people—vulnerability is a form of strength.
Listen More, Push Less
Your natural intensity can overwhelm others. Practice active listening and make space for others' perspectives before driving toward your preferred solutions.
Accept Healthy Limitations
Not every limit is an obstacle to overcome. Some boundaries protect you and others. Learn to discern which constraints serve a purpose and accept them gracefully.
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