Who is a Better Leader? Type 8 or Type 2

When it comes to leadership, different styles bring different strengths to the table. And if you’re familiar with the Enneagram, you know that Type 8s (The Commander) and Type 2s (The Coach) tend to take very different approaches. One leads with confidence and power; the other leads with empathy and support.

So, which leadership style is better? Let’s talk about it! 

Meet the Competitors

Type 8 – The Commander

• Leadership Style: Direct, decisive, and protective.

• Strengths: Bold decision-making, thrives under pressure, inspires confidence in their team

• Potential Pitfall: Can be too controlling ("My way or the highway"), sometimes intimidating

Type 2 – The Coach

• Leadership Style: Empathetic, nurturing, and people-first.

• Strengths: Builds strong relationships, motivates through encouragement, fosters team cohesion.

• Potential Pitfall: Can overextend, struggles to set boundaries,  

The Leadership Showdown: Strengths & Weaknesses

To determine the ultimate leader, let’s match up these two  styles in four key leadership categories.

Category 1 – Decision-Making Under Pressure

• Type 8: Thrives in high-stakes environments. When there’s chaos, they stay cool and decisive.

• Type 2: Makes decisions based on how they will impact the team emotionally. Thoughtful, but can slow things down.

• Winner: Type 8 (for speed), but Type 2 earns a point for ensuring team input.

Category 2 – Team Morale and Engagement

• Type 8: Inspires confidence but may overlook the emotional needs of their team.

• Type 2: Masters at making sure the whole team feels valued and supported.

• Winner: Type 2 – Can be masters at building morale. 

Category 3 – Conflict Management

• Type 8: Faces conflict head-on and doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations.

• Type 2: Typically tends to avoid unnecessary conflict but may struggle to address issues directly.

• Winner: Type 8 – Sometimes, directness is exactly what a team needs.

Category 4 – Long-Term Team Development

• Type 8: Focuses on results and drives the team hard toward their goals. 

• Type 2: Invests deeply in individual growth and mentorship. When their team shines, they shine.

• Winner: Type 2 – Nurturing leaders cultivate lasting growth.

The Verdict

At the end of the day, the best leadership style depends on the needs of the team. Type 8s bring strength, decisiveness, and confidence, while Type 2s lead with heart, empathy, and connection.

 So, maybe the question isn’t who’s the best leader? Maybe the real question is: how can we lead with both strength and connection?

What’s Your Leadership Style?

Are you more of a Type 8 or a Type 2? Or maybe a mix of both? Understanding your leadership style can help you maximize your strengths and build a stronger, more effective team.

🎙️ Catch the podcast episode on this matchup! 

Ep. 164: Who's a Better Leader? Type 8 vs. Type 2