How Archetypes Unknowingly Influence us and How to Harness their Power.

In the intricate world of corporate life, much of what we do is influenced by deep-seated patterns of behavior. These behaviors, often unconscious, shape our interactions, decisions, and even our alignment with company culture. One key framework for understanding these patterns is Carl Jung's idea of archetypes.

While you may not realise it, Jungian archetypes play a significant role in how you relate to colleagues, address challenges, and build relationships.

This post will delve into how these archetypes appear in the workplace and share practical strategies to help you identify your dominant archetype. By recognising these subconscious influences, you can pave the way for personal development and leadership success.

Understanding Jungian Archetypes

Jung identified 12 primary archetypes that represent universal human motives and traits. Here’s a closer look:

1. The Innocent: This archetype seeks safety and happiness, often showing optimism in challenging situations. Aka the positive one.

2. The Hero: Typically aspires to demonstrate worth through courageous actions, aiming for achievement. Aka the alpha leader.

3. The Regular Guy/Gal: Craves belonging and connection, contributing to team cohesion. Aka the reliable one

4. The Caregiver: Provides support and nurturance, focusing on the well-being of others. Aka Work Mum

5. The Explorer: Values independence and seeks new experiences, often becoming a source of inspiration. Aka the one who fails forward

6. The Rebel: Challenges rules and seeks change, pushing boundaries to create new solutions. Aka the difficult one for the boss

7. The Lover: Prioritises relationships and the beauty around them, fostering emotional connections. Aka

8. The Creator: Driven by the desire for innovation and self-expression, generating new ideas. Aka the Chief Digital Officer

9. The Jester: Utilises humor to lighten the mood and relieve tension in high-stress environments. Aka the work clown

10. The Sage: Pursues knowledge and truth, offering insights that guide decision- making. Aka the one everyone turns to for the answer.

11. The Magician: Aims to transform situations and empower others through vision and insight. Aka The strategy team

12. The Ruler: Works for control and proper organisation, ensuring efficient team operations. Aka the Finance team.

Understanding how these archetypes influence behaviours can lead to enhanced teamwork and productivity.

The Innocent: This archetype seeks safety and happiness, often showing optimism in challenging situations

The Unconscious Influence of Archetypes in Corporate Environments

In the workplace, archetypes significantly impact everything from team dynamics to leadership styles. For example, a leader embodying the Hero archetype may foster a culture of achievement but might unintentionally contribute to employee burnout due to high expectations. In contrast, a Caregiver leader may create a nurturing atmosphere that boosts team morale, leading to higher retention rates—studies show that supportive leadership can increase employee satisfaction by over 20%.

The Rebel archetype can drive innovation; for instance, an employee proposing a radical new approach to a project can disrupt the status quo. While this may cause initial conflict, it often leads to necessary advancements. By becoming aware of which archetypes guide your actions, you can craft better personal outcomes and positively influence team dynamics.

Identifying Your Dominant Archetype

Recognising your dominant archetype is crucial for personal growth. Here are some effective ways to discover which archetype resonates with you:

Self-Reflection and Journaling

Take time to reflect on your career experiences. Identify moments of success and challenges. Ask yourself: Do you feel driven by relationships (Regular Guy/Gal) or by innovation (Creator)? Writing down your thoughts can reveal recurring themes that represent your motivations.

Gather Feedback from Colleagues

Talk to trusted colleagues or mentors about your work style. Ask for their perspective on your strengths and areas for improvement. Their insights can help you recognize archetypal traits that you might overlook.

Personality Assessments

Consider taking personality assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or similar tools that focus on archetypes. These assessments can help clarify your natural tendencies and the archetypes that arise in your professional interactions.

Leadership Development Programs

Look for Executive Coaching or Leadership Development initiatives such as The Self Developed Leader Method. These programs often cover archetypal dynamics, helping you understand both your own and your team’s archetypes, leading to personal and team growth.

Harnessing the Power of Archetypes

Once you identify your dominant archetype, you can strategise how to leverage it effectively. Here are three key strategies to maximise your archetypal strengths:

Aligning with Organisational Goals

Understand how your individual archetype aligns with your organisation’s values. For instance, if you identify as a Caregiver, consider ways to enhance team morale and engagement. If you are a Rebel, focus on integrating your innovative ideas into strategic projects that can drive positive changes for the team.

Collaborating with Others

Recognise how your archetype works alongside those of your colleagues. For example, a Hero and a Caregiver can create a productive balance, merging ambition with empathy. Foster open communication to explore how different archetypes can contribute to a united team effort.

Play the Opposite!

If you really want to take it o the next level, then consider what is the opposite to your dominant archetype and play the opposite for a period of time. Notice how you feel in the opposite archetype. Notice how others respond to you. How do you see work and life differently from this new lens?

Final Thoughts on the Archetypes' Influence

Understanding Jungian archetypes is crucial for improving communication and collaboration in your corporate life and for your own development as a leader.

By pinpointing your dominant archetype, you gain insight into how it shapes your interactions and can open up new avenues for growth and effectiveness as a leader and coworker.

Awareness proceeds change and we cannot intervene in a world we cannot see.

Embrace the journey of self-discovery through reflection, feedback, and personal development. Recognising the archetypes at work not only empowers you but also cultivates a collaborative workplace culture. Harnessing the power of archetypes can lead to a thriving environment that prioritises both innovation and support, driving your organisation towards greater success.

If you want to delve further into archetypes and other unconscious patterns then reach out and book a free discovery to call to see if we might be a good fit to work together. https://www.kathvdsmindset.com.au

The conscious mind is only 5%. Our patterns, values and behaviours are largely driven by the 95% that lies within the unconscious. Exploring this part of your psyche is deep, dark, messy yet absolutely necessary work. That's why it's wise to go with a guide who can get you in and get you out again safely. I'm ready when you are. Love Kath VDS xx