Power-seeking Personality

Power-seeking individuals are constantly looking for ways to show off and satisfy their desire for power. From a sociological perspective, if power-seeking individuals can direct and manage this trait, they can become valuable assets to society, contributing to its advancement and progress, as they address society’s flaws. However, if they fail to manage this trait properly, they can harm the community.
These individuals correspond to personality type 8 in the Enneagram, and they possess specific characteristics that we will address in this article.

Characteristics of Power-seeking Individuals

1. The most prominent and obvious trait of power-seeking individuals is their need for control. They always want everything to be under their control.
2. Their behavior towards others is different. For instance, in a group setting, they prefer to sit in a place where they can dominate the environment or in a car, they choose a spot with a better view.
3. They behave in a more distinct and unusual manner than others. For example, if they intend to buy a house, they prefer to buy a larger home, even if it’s in a lower-income area, or they buy a large SUV, even if it’s a lower model.
4. They are not receptive to criticism. They constantly try to avoid criticism and justify themselves, but at the same time, they are highly critical of others.
5. Another characteristic is their high energy levels. These individuals are very active and constantly on the move, often sacrificing sleep and nutrition in their quest for more success.
6. Their sleep is light. Power-seeking individuals, much like wolves, sleep with one eye open, always on the lookout and alert to their surroundings.
7. They are generally distrustful of others and find it difficult to trust anyone easily.
8. They tend to stick firmly to their own stance and do not seek advice or opinions from others. To them, their own opinion is considered more accurate and reliable than others’.
9. These individuals are constantly giving orders and setting rules. However, if anyone gives them instructions, they become agitated.
10. A key trait of power-seeking individuals is their difficulty in expressing emotions. They view this as a strength, but it’s actually a weakness because it disrupts personal relationships. This leads to confusion for the other person, as they rarely express feelings such as “I love you,” “You are important to me,” or “I enjoy being with you.” This emotional closure can lead to betrayal in marital relationships, as closing off emotions means closing off the relationship.
11. Power-seeking individuals rarely offer praise or compliments because they believe that such behavior leads to manipulation or exploitation by the other person.
12. They fail to distinguish between verbal and practical expressions of affection. For example, instead of telling their child they love them, they may focus on providing financially, thinking this is sufficient.
13. They are slow to trust and it takes a lot of effort to earn their trust, but once you gain their trust, they will do anything for you.
14. These individuals have higher levels of testosterone compared to their peers, and this is true for both men and women.
15. Their commitment and loyalty can sometimes be low. They tend to be more self-centered and greedy, which can lead to betrayal and emotional weakness.
16. They are wealth-driven, always striving to accumulate more wealth and constantly working toward this goal.
17. Revenge-seeking is another characteristic of these individuals. If they feel wronged, they will seek revenge, and being in a position of revenge can cause them significant harm.
18. They are self-opinionated and authoritarian. These individuals only pay attention to their own views and believe their opinions are superior to others. They consider only themselves to be right.

Suggested article: Personality Traits

Managing the Talent of Power-seeking Individuals

If power-seeking individuals can manage their talent, they can become great leaders within society. However, if they fail to manage it properly, they may become dictators who cause harm to others. Dictators like Hitler, Genghis Khan, Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, Mussolini, and others fall into this category.
Most high-level executives in large global businesses possess this personality type and can make significant contributions to the economy and politics. However, if they fail to control their greed in all areas—including wealth, fame, lust, friendships, etc.—they can become destructive.

Dealing with Power-seeking Individuals

Be assertive: When interacting with these individuals, it’s important to act decisively. Sometimes, you will need to stand up to them and not comply with their demands.
Speak with politeness and respect: These individuals seek respect and politeness. Therefore, you can address their authoritarian behavior by responding with respectful language and setting boundaries.
Address the individual directly: Power-seeking individuals are strongly driven by the need for validation and praise, and they react negatively to being ignored. Therefore, it’s better to address their inappropriate behavior directly by engaging them and pointing out their actions.