8w7: The Maverick
A powerhouse of energy and willpower, this individual is an assertive, strategic, and often non-conforming leader who seeks to dominate their environment while seeking new, exciting frontiers.
Core Fears
- Being Controlled or Vulnerable: The absolute dread of being at the mercy of others, being manipulated, or appearing "weak."
- Stagnation and Boredom: Because of the 7-wing, they fear being trapped in a life that is small, repetitive, or devoid of excitement.
- Being Harmed or Betrayed: Fearing that if they lower their guard, people will take advantage of them or hurt those they protect.
Core Desires
- Self-Protection and Autonomy: To be the master of their own fate and to have the power to protect themselves and their "tribe."
- To Live a Big Life: To experience abundance, intensity, and the freedom to pursue any whim without asking for permission.
- To Be Challenged: To constantly test their strength against the world and come out on top.
Wing Influence
- Influence: The 7-wing adds a layer of speed, charisma, and vision to the 8, making them more adventurous, entrepreneurial, and less likely to hold a grudge than the 8w9.
- Contrast: While an 8w9 is "The Bear" who is steady and protective of the peace, the 8w7 is "The Maverick" who is active, provocative, and seeks to expand their influence.
Social Style
Conflict Style
| Common Reaction | Trigger | How It "Helps" |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Confrontation | Perceived injustice, lying, or someone trying to control them. | Re-asserts their dominance and "clears the air" so there are no hidden agendas. |
| Explosive Action | Feeling "trapped" or slowed down by bureaucracy. | Breaking through obstacles with sheer force makes them feel powerful and free again. |
Getting Along With This Type
- Be Strong and Direct: They respect people who can stand their ground; if you disagree, say it to their face rather than being passive-aggressive.
- Don't Be a "Drain": They have high energy and value competence; they love friends who are self-sufficient and can keep up with their pace.
- Be Loyal: Once you earn their trust, they are the most protective friends on earth, but they have zero tolerance for betrayal or "fakeness."
Easy Pairing Types
1. Type 2 (The Helper)
- The Connection: A classic "Protector and Nurturer" dynamic where both value loyalty and deep personal commitment.
- Why it works: The 8w7 provides the strength and safety the 2 craves, while the 2 provides the unconditional warmth and appreciation that allows the 8w7 to soften.
- The Result: A deeply devoted and active partnership where both feel essential and protected by the other.
2. Type 7 (The Enthusiast)
- The Connection: Shared high energy, a love for adventure, and a mutual hatred of being limited or controlled.
- Why it works: They keep life exciting for each other and respect each other's need for independence, creating a relationship that never gets boring.
- The Result: A "dynamic duo" that travels the world, starts businesses, and lives life with zero apologies.
3. Type 9 (The Peacemaker)
- The Connection: A balance of "The Push" and "The Peace."
- Why it works: The 9's calm, non-judgmental nature provides a "safe harbor" for the 8w7's intensity, while the 8w7 protects the 9 and pushes them to action.
- The Result: A stable and supportive relationship where the 8w7 can finally relax and the 9 finds their voice.
Difficult Pairing Types
1. Type 1 (The Reformer)
- The Conflict: The 8w7's "my way" vs. the 1's "the right way."
- Why it fails: The 1 views the 8w7 as immoral or reckless, while the 8w7 views the 1 as a rigid "nag" trying to control them.
- The Result: Constant power struggles and moral arguments that leave both feeling angry and disrespected.
2. Type 5 (The Investigator)
- The Conflict: The 8w7's demand for "intensity and presence" vs. the 5's need for "privacy and distance."
- Why it fails: The 8w7 pushes for connection, which causes the 5 to retreat further, leading the 8w7 to view the 5 as "weak" or "withholding."
- The Result: A relationship of "pursuit and withdrawal" that leaves the 8w7 frustrated and the 5 feeling bullied.
3. Type 4 (The Individualist)
- The Conflict: The 8w7's "get over it" pragmatism vs. the 4's "sit in the pain" emotional depth.
- Why it fails: The 8w7 inadvertently crushes the 4's feelings with their bluntness, and the 4's emotionality feels like "manipulation" to the 8w7.
- The Result: A volatile cycle of hurt feelings and loud explosions that eventually burns out the connection.
Growth
- The Trap: "The Tyrant's Loneliness"—becoming so focused on being strong and in control that they alienate the people they care about and lose touch with their own heart.
- The Move: They should lean toward Type 2; this helps them learn that true power includes the ability to be vulnerable, compassionate, and to serve others without needing to lead.
- Actionable Growth Steps:
- Practice Vulnerability: Tell someone you trust about a fear or a "soft" feeling once a week to prove that it won't make you lose your power.
- Wait Before Reacting: When you feel a surge of anger, count to ten; this allows your 7-wing to find a more creative solution than just "smashing" the problem.
- Empower Others: Instead of doing everything yourself because you're the fastest, teach someone else how to do it and let them take the lead.
Subtypes
- Sexual (1-on-1): The most intense 8; they seek "total possession" and a passionate, high-stakes relationship that feels like a shared conquest.
- Self-Preservation: Focuses on "The Nest"; they ensure they have total control over their finances, home, and health to be completely self-sufficient.
- Social: The "Group Leader"; they use their power to protect their "tribe" and are often found leading social causes or defending the underdog.
Subtype Comparison
| Feature | Self-Preservation | Social | Sexual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Resources/Safety/Work | The Group/The Weak | Intensity/Chemistry |
| Goal | To be "Impenetrable" | To be "The Protector" | To be "In Sync" |
| Visible Trait | Hard-working/Quiet | Charismatic/Loyal | Magnetic/Provocative |
| Key Fear | Poverty/Dependency | Betrayal of the Tribe | Emotional Mediocrity |
| Example | The "self-made" mogul | The social justice leader | The intense "soulmate" |