How To Work With an Assertive Boss: Enneagram Types 3, 7 or 8

One of the most common things I hear when I train business teams in how to use the Enneagram  is “how can I work with my boss better?” It is a great question, and one of the strengths of this personality system is that it gives you a framework to improve communication, teamwork, and collaboration in all aspects of  your job. 

Got a boss who sends one word email replies? Or a manager who only offers criticism when you ask for feedback? Or one who races from one achievement to the next but never seems to celebrate the victories? The Enneagram can help you decode their behavior and give you tips and tricks for how to work together better.

What Are The Hornevian Groups?

While the nine Enneagram types are most often divided into the three centers of intelligence, when looking at management styles, the Hornevian groupings of assertive, compliant and avoidant (or withdrawn) can be more useful.

Based on the work of German psychologist Karen Horney, the Hornevian Model focuses on how people interact with others in order to meet their own needs. Building on Freud’s work, she identified three “social styles” that people adopt to get their needs met. 

While Karen Horney never mentioned the Enneagram, Enneagram teachers quickly found parallels and established Hornevian groups within the Enneagram, assigning all nine types to either the assertive, compliant or withdrawn group.  

In this part one of a three-part series, we’re focusing on the assertive types: Enneagram Type 3, 7, and 8.

Understanding the Assertive Management Style

Assertive types move against others in hopes of getting what they desire.  When assertive types walk into a room, they have a subconscious sense “I am the center. I am what is important here.”  

Characterized as energetic, action oriented, independent and, at times, aggressive, the assertive types tend to default to intensity to get their needs met. It can feel like their whole world narrows to the one thing they want and going after that becomes the complete focus. This drive to get their own needs met can lead them to under-process their feelings and the feelings of others.

In the Enneagram, the assertive types map to Type 3, the Achiever, Type 7, the Enthusiast and Type 8, the Challenger. There is a directness to all three of these types as they move into action to get their needs met. Though their needs may be different, their “me first” approach is shared.

Working With a Type 8 Boss

Type 8s are decisive, action-oriented, direct and resourceful individuals who excel at getting things done. They value power, autonomy and control but may unintentionally overlook the emotional side of situations.

If your boss is a Type 8, here are some tips to help navigate your working relationship:

1. Don’t take their curt communication style personally.

Type 8s are known for their blunt, to-the-point communication. They often send brief emails or give one-word responses, not realizing this can be unsettling for others. For them, it’s simply efficient communication, not a personal slight. Try not to read too much into their directness—it's just their style.

2. Be clear and stand your ground.

Type 8s prefer taking action over getting stuck in endless analysis. To them, action equals power, while indecision feels like vulnerability. Because of this, they can become impatient with people who hesitate or waver. When communicating with a Type 8 boss, be clear and firm in your decisions. If you don’t have all the information to make a clear decision, offer a deadline for when you will. Avoid indecision, as it can make them uneasy or frustrated.

3. Do NOT hide bad news.

No one likes bad news but what Type 8s hate more than bad news is feeling like someone is hiding it from them. If something goes wrong or you’ve made a mistake, be upfront and direct—don’t sugarcoat it. You might be surprised at how quickly your boss shifts from assigning blame to finding solutions.

Type 3: Achiever

Type 3s are like the energizer bunnies of the Enneagram—driven, action-oriented and competitive. They are excellent leaders when goals need to be met, but can be impatient with those who don’t keep up with their fast pace.

If your boss is a Type 3, here are some tips for working with them effectively:

1. Don’t make them look bad (especially in front of others).

Type 3s are very image-conscious and care deeply about how they are perceived. One of the worst things you can do is embarrass them publicly. If you need to address something sensitive, always do so in private to avoid undermining their reputation.

2. Bring bad news—but with a solution.

While Type 3s can handle bad news, they get frustrated when it comes without a clear path to fix it. Failure is what they strive to avoid so if you have a problem to share, don’t just present the issue—bring a solution, or at least a strategy, to get things back on track. They are focused on success and prefer action over dwelling on potential failure.

3. Understand their competitive drive.

Type 3s are naturally competitive and highly motivated to win, both for themselves and their team. This intense focus on achievement can sometimes make them seem emotionally distant. If your Type 3 boss seems insensitive, remember that their relentless drive to meet goals is core to who they are. Achievement is their fuel.

Type 7: Enthusiast

Type 7s are the positive thinkers of the Enneagram, drawn to variety, new ideas and excitement. Their natural traits include versatility, gratitude and enthusiasm. While they are fun loving, it might surprise you to see how strong-willed they can be when denied something they want.

If your boss is a Type 7, here are some tips to work harmoniously:

1. Don’t dwell on the negative—but help them think through potential pitfalls.

Type 7s tend to focus on the positive, which can make it difficult for them to process negative information. If you need to bring up a problem, do so, but don’t be surprised if they quickly reframe it in a more optimistic light. Since their focus on positivity can leave them blind to potential risks, help them think through possible pitfalls without dwelling on the negatives.

2. Expect a flexible, fluid work environment.

Type 7s value personal freedom and avoid rigid routines or overly formal work settings. They often give their team a lot of autonomy and can be more hands-off in their management style. If you thrive on structure and process, you may find this challenging.  Create your own order within your workflow and be proactive in seeking more guidance or one-on-one time with your manager.

3. Hierarchy? What hierarchy?

Type 7s are known for their egalitarian approach, treating everyone as equals—from their bosses to their direct reports. At times, this can make your Type 7 boss feel more like a friend than a manager. To balance this, request periodic reviews or formal meetings to maintain a professional structure, even if they don’t initiate them.

In summary

Assertive types bring an action-driven management style to the workplace, ensuring that team goals are consistently met. While each assertive type has a different approach, they share a common focus: a single-minded drive to meet their own needs. In the process, the needs of others may unintentionally be overlooked. By using the tips above, you can help create more balance and harmony when working with an assertive style boss.