Are You an Explorer, Warrior, Domesticator, or Facilitator? And Why it Matters

All due respect to Plato and Jung. I have come up with my own versions of archetype personalities. I find them to be an inborn contributor to a universal collective unconscious that is purposed for survival. When balanced, these four archetypes can help communities, teams, and companies work together efficiently and with direction. Ultimately, it leads to a thriving, healthy organization.

I believe each of us is dominated by one major and one minor of the four archetypes and when our inhibitions are relaxed—whether we’re intoxicated, sleep deprived, or under other duress—our major archetype surfaces for all to see. Occasionally when needed, our minor may take precedence over our major, but it requires a modicum of conscious intervention to suppress the major. We witness the archetypes classically in our children when toddlers and in our parents when elderly. These archetypes are consistent and easy to understand and might prove beneficial when building a business, creating a team, dialoging with a colleague, or compromising with a loved one. However, I will let you decide.

Explorers. The explorers are innately curious and always looking around the corner. They are restless and eager to get out of the house. They will want to find the newest restaurant in the next neighborhood or research where to travel next. Their curiosity goes beyond the physical; they are always asking why and exploring new ideas and thoughts. They are ok with the spotlight but don’t necessarily seek it. If they do garner recognition, it is for sharing their creative ideas more so than to satisfy their ego. Explorers may be scientists, photographers, entrepreneurs, and those who have Wanderlust. While they are visionaries and innovative mavericks who will push your organization forward, they may be less reliable with monotonous details and follow up.

Warriors. The warrior is quick to square off, be argumentative, or take an opposing position without thinking it through thoroughly. It is your friend who is quick to get into a fight after a drink or two or your friend who never agrees with anything you say. They are competitive and don’t mind being outspoken. They find a challenge in every situation and are quick to mention their superiority in thought or abilities and desire recognition for it. They measure success by dollars, followers, and likes. They would rather win a point than settle it. They are a great person to have on your team when your organization is in a conflict, wanting to go in a new direction, or needs to survive against an existential threat. But they can also bring down an organization or friendship circle rapidly if not tempered. These are the world class athletes, the trial attorneys, and many politicians.

Domesticators. The domesticator is the person who prefers to sit home on a weekend evening with a glass of wine and watch a movie. They are ones who enjoy working around the house or getting it ready for guests. Nesting is an enjoyable hobby and past time. They are quick to volunteer to act as a host for a family event or dinner. They tend to be people pleasers and do not need nor desire the spotlight. They are content fitting into the crowd and not being at the front of the line. They prefer to not make waves nor create conflict. They are the ones who help to ground others as well as create a home base in thought or space for the group to reconvene, retool, and rethink a position. They serve as great sounding boards in an organization. However, they don’t serve well as a brand leader or a spokesperson. And an organization too heavily influenced by domesticators may remain stagnant.

Facilitators. Facilitators are the go-betweens. They make sure all the groups work together well. They find common ground between the three other groups. These are the brokers, the deal makers, party planners, and the altruistically guided politicians and coaches. A facilitator finds the good first in most people or situations and they find common ground. They help groups resolve conflicts. They are the out-of-the box negotiators or quiet leaders. They find a solution when all else seems lost. They tend to be resourceful and open minded. They help organizations to adapt to threats. However, they can get taken advantage of as they seek the good in others. They may try hard to find a solution when it is best to just quit, take losses, and move on.

Which archetype would be your major and which would be your minor?