Motivation, which can be an internal drive or an external stimulus, propels our behavior. It might be toward something we want or, conversely, away from something we don’t want.
Each Enneagram type comes with specific motivators, ones that propel people of that type forward in a specific direction, as well as key demotivators, intense avoidances that also drive their responses and behavior.
The core motivators and demotivators can be thought of as 1st level motivators and demotivators for each type. In addition, there are 2nd and 3rd level motivators for each type; 2nd level motivators are type-based improvements, while 3rd level motivators are deeper longings and higher aspirations.
ENNEAGRAM EIGHTS
Core Motivator: Control and justice
Eights want their environments to be under control, to control the important events and initiatives in their lives, and to never feel out of control. They tune into chaos before the other eight types do, using their somatic intuition and felt-sense that things need to be brought under control. The action needed then becomes obvious and automatic.
Eights also have a keen sense of justice, fighting on behalf of people who are victimized and stepping up to remedy situations that are unjust or unfair.
Core Demotivator: Feeling vulnerable and weak
Avoidances are often as strong or stronger than what we search for. Eights abhor anything that makes them look or feel vulnerable or weak. This would include even admitting to themselves or others that they don’t know how to do something. For this reason, asking for support and showing emotions where they feel vulnerable – sadness or anxiety – are major challenges.
2nd Level Motivators: To manage their vast energy and anger without either imploding or exploding. To feel less responsible for holding everything together and less guilty for their own behavior.
Eights are intense, driven particularly by energy from their Body Center. Related to this is the emotional experience and expression of anger. Formed in the Body Center of Intelligence, Eights experience anger deeply and fully. Theirs is an anger that can fill their bodies, demanding release. For this reason, being able to manage the energy without imploding – and possibly making them sick – or exploding externally is a great motivator.
3rd Level Motivators: To understand the biggest truth from the widest perspective possible. To feel strong and solid even while feeling vulnerable or weak.
This is a very high-level motivator for Eights because it goes against how Eights normally conduct themselves. They want the truth, but try to find it in the somatic center or gut center. Taking in and assimilating other truths is a potent place of growth. They want others to be there for them in their vulnerability and moments of weakness, but their powerful persona makes this a challenge.
Next in this series will be the motivational structure for Enneagram Nines.
About Ginger
Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books including The Art of Typing, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com
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