Active Archetypes: Jester & Caregiver --> Shadow: Orphan

Jester being the strongest score I received, it is the most active in my life.  This means that I assume that life is meant to be enjoyed.

The assessment stated:

“At your best (now or when you fulfill your potential), you are happy, playful, funny, and fun to be around. In fact, you bring out the joy in life for everyone around you, showing others how to "be here now," to be playful and inventive, to enjoy the gift of living, even in stressful or difficult times. When everyone else is going crazy with fear and anxiety about how much change is going on in the world, instead of feeling anxious, you experience a rush of excitement. Like court Jesters and wise fools everywhere, you have a deep wisdom and use humor to say things with impunity that others might not want to hear. Implicitly politically incorrect, you are irreverent and apparently unconcerned with what others think, but really know how to share what you think in ways that provoke laughter, not outrage. In fact, you find nothing more satisfying than making others laugh.

When problems arise, you think outside the box. Having a trickster side, you know how to maneuver so that others help you out, like Tom Sawyer getting friends to paint his fence. By nature, you also look for ways to enjoy the process of dealing with the issue.

You tend to notice chances for fun in almost any situation, clever ways to get around obstacles, and the absurdities of life, which eventually become the basis of funny stories. Like a kid in a candy store, you are drawn to new experiences, the more the merrier. You may be a bit oblivious to the seriousness of situations or how seriously others are taking them.

You may want to be on guard against the Jester's tendency to be irresponsible, to give into debauchery (it is fun to party!), or to play tricks or make cracks that really hurt people—or at least hurt their feelings. You may also fail to take yourself seriously enough to fulfill your own dreams.

You like and live stories that are playful and fun. A natural clown, you enjoy stories that are light, humorous, and perhaps satirical. Even with very serious or upsetting material, you prefer approaches that emphasize the absurd.  You see yourself as helping to free people from their illusions, depression, and a limited view of life's possibilities.

As a leader, you may find that others look to you, especially for solving contradictions and problems in the current system/regime. However, you may not be comfortable in thinking of yourself as a leader, and the acceptance of leadership is likely to be an important area of growth. Without this acceptance, you may eschew not only the trappings but also the responsibility of leadership, leaving your followers feeling startled and even abandoned.

You want to be seen as a fun person, so you try not to do or say anything that makes you seem boring or a drag on others. This means that you may clown your way through difficult times, making it difficult for others to be there for you.

Others may appreciate your humor and enjoy being around you. They also may wish you would stop fooling around, settle down, be serious, and get a life.

You may (or do) benefit from:

Being certain to fulfill your responsibilities, even if they are boring

Finding fun ways to do work that might seem routine or dull

Remembering to have empathy for how others may experience your jokes

Taking time to clarify your values and protect what and who are really precious to you

Practicing moderation and common sense”

I also scored high as a Caregiver with a 27/30.  Although I scored a 28/30 as Jester, I believe that my archetype is a strong mix between these two archetypes. I am often very sarcastic and known as the jokester but when it comes right down it, I have a very nurturing instinct and would NEVER want to upset anyone.

As a caregiver I assume I should help others.

“At your best (now or when you fulfill your potential), you may demonstrate a saintly nature, full of love and caring for your fellow creatures. You model altruism both in material ways and in seeing others with kind, compassionate, and forgiving eyes. You make the world a safer and gentler place for everyone. In most of your relationships, you act like a caring parent who creates nurturing environments where people can heal or grow.

When problems arise, your tendency is to notice who is hurting and try to do whatever you can to help them, perhaps even without thought to what it will take to do so. You are likely to provide emotional sustenance and comfort; guide and teach; perform maintenance tasks that allow a system to operate (cleaning, repairing, editing, decorating, etc.), and build a sense of community characterized by nurturing relationships.

You tend to notice problems concerned with the physical and emotional side of life—poverty, ill health, and the ways people hurt one another. You immediately take action to help people in need. You also focus on resources and strategies for helping, being open to a wide field of possibilities for aid and comfort. Everything else, including one's own health and well being, may escape notice, except in exhaustion, when what beckons is anything that revives energy (like a good meal or a talk with a close friend).

You may want to be on guard against the Caregiver's tendency to use control and manipulation to get people to do what the Caregiver thinks is best. Caregivers may be uncomfortable asserting their needs directly, making it easier to use guilt or other means to get their needs met. In their desire to help, they martyr themselves, undermine their health, and, in modeling this behavior, implicitly pressure others to burn themselves out as well. If they are not careful, they also enable others' weaknesses, reinforcing rather than reducing their dependency.

You like and live stories where a kind and giving person demonstrates generosity by helping others in ways that make a real difference and where others show their gratitude by giving back or where the Caregiver learns to balance care of the self with care for others.

As a leader, you have (or could have) a wonderful ability to take care of those you lead—whether family members, employees, constituents, or community members. You also have a natural ability to provide wonderful customer or client services, simply because you really care about others. For this reason, people tend to trust you, so you partner well with other individuals and groups.

You want to be seen as generous and caring, and you want to avoid doing anything to seem selfish, self-aggrandizing, or egotistical.

Others may appreciate your kindness and generosity, take advantage of you, or deride you as controlling and codependent.

You may (or do) benefit from:

Making sure your own physical and emotional needs are met, showering the same quality of care on yourself that you habitually show to others. 
Expecting others to do everything they can for themselves, thus avoiding the unconscious habit of enabling others' weaknesses and fostering dependency.

Learning to have good boundaries, saying "no," protecting your time and priorities.

Letting others give to you and appreciating their efforts on your behalf.

Balancing the virtues of the Caregiver with those of the Warrior.

Learning to say "no" and remaining aware of my priorities has been a struggle of mine.  I am becoming much better at prioritizing.  I have noticed that it not only benefits me to tell others no sometimes because it allows me to do other things to my best ability without stretching myself too thin.  

Krystal’s Shadow Archetype:

The lowest score I received was as the Orphan. This archetype assumes that it pays to be careful.

At your best (now or when you fulfill your potential), you demonstrate the resilience to survive life's tragedies and disappointments, a deep egalitarian belief in the dignity of ordinary people, a hard-boiled realism that does not need to sugarcoat life, and a deep empathy for others, especially those in need. You may also make effective use of self-help, twelve-step groups, or friendship networks; and you may band together with others to advocate for those who are weak, hurting, poor, or otherwise in trouble.

When problems arise (which they always do), you may have a tendency to feel like "here we go again." This can either trigger a sense of despair or, conversely, boost your confidence in your ability to weather hard times. You tend to articulate the problem clearly (bear witness), emphasizing how serious it can be if not addressed, and work (alone or with others) to get the attention of those who can fix it. Recognizing that not all problems can be solved, you also try to help people support one another to cope with intractable issues that will not go away.

You tend to notice and anticipate difficulties so that you can head them off, serving as the squeaky wheel that gets attention to a problem. With people, you are careful to discern their character before placing any trust in them, and you have an acute awareness that whatever can go wrong will. You may fail to notice opportunities, especially if they come from unexpected sources or in unanticipated ways.

You may want to be on guard against the tendency to be fatalistic, cynical, or fearful of trusting again because Orphans have been let down many times. In fact, the worse things get, the less likely you are to trust others and get the help and support you need. Often you hunker down, protect your turf, and let others cope as best they can. As an Orphan you can excuse your own hurtful actions because "everyone does it," "the person deserved it," "it was really the other person's fault"; or you can use the bad things that have happened to you as an excuse for inappropriate behavior.

You like and live stories that begin with trauma, betrayal, or victimization, in which a person learns the skills and perspectives that allow him/her to overcome adversity or survive difficulties. You also may be attracted to rather fatalistic or cynical stories, as well as stories where the dispossessed help one another.

As a leader, you are (or could be) realistic about what can be accomplished, you do not promise what you cannot deliver, and you are good at identifying problems and addressing them. You are empathic with people in difficulty but not likely to let them use excuses to get away with not doing what they are supposed to do.

You want to be seen as realistic, tough, and resilient, and you want to avoid seeming naïve or like a potential patsy or victim.

Others may appreciate your tough-minded realism, your self-deprecating or sometimes cynical humor (think Dilbert cartoons), and your resilience. While others may sympathize with the difficulties you have gone through, they also may be put off by what to them seems like chronic whining, complaining, or negativity. Some may try to rescue you while others may identify you as a target for victimization.

You may (or do) benefit from:

Avoiding settling for too little; instead setting your sights higher, being willing to excel.

Collaborating with others for self-help or for economic or political advantage.

Disconnecting responsibility from blame, so that you can take responsibility for your life without blaming

yourself or others when things go wrong.

Learning what part your own behavior might play in your difficulties and making indicated changes.

PMAI Archetype Assessment:

The Pearson-Marr Archetype Indicator (PMAI) is inspired by archetypes.

“Carol Pearson, who has written a number of books expanding on modern archetypal theory — her focus is on using archetypes to influence and improve people’s lives — decided to develop an instrument similar to the MBTI to help people identify archetypal influences in their lives.  She teamed up with psychologist Hugh Marr to create the Pearson-Marr Archetype Indicator (PMAI). Like the MBTI, the PMAI is intended to increase understanding and communication among people.  The PMAI is unique in that it overlaps with narrative theory, a psychological approach that suggests that we live “storied lives.” In other words, our choices, beliefs, and behaviors are guided by the stories we tell ourselves about our lives and the world. Because we all tell ourselves slightly different stories, we all see the world in slightly different ways.”

Krystal’s PMAI Scores:

Jester - 28

Caregiver - 27

Seeker - 24

Lover - 24

Ruler - 24

Magician - 24

Sage - 24

Innocent - 23

Warrior - 23

Creator - 23

Destroyer - 17

Orphan - 15

What the scores signify:

24-30: These are the most active archetypes in your life. If you have no scores in this range, then the top two to four in the next range are your most active.

18-23: These archetypes are likely to be available to you when you need them, but do not determine how you see the world (unless they are your highest).

12-17: These archetypes are not often expressed in your life currently, and you may have difficulty understanding people who express them.

6-11: You may actively disown these archetypes, either because you have internalized a belief that they are undesirable or because they may have been over-expressed in the past.

The high scoring archetypes are likely the ones that are most active in your life now, serving as allies and defining the stories you are living. Your shadow archetype, for which you scored the lowest, represents qualities that you may have repressed. This archetype also provides potential energy for you to use and may also influence your unconscious behaviors.

I believe assessments like this are important tools in aiding us in discovering more about our personalities and leadership traits.  In my next post I will analyze my results and reflect a bit on what that might mean for my leadership style/traits.

TRAIT BASED LEADERSHIP THEORY:

The trait based leadership theory makes the assumptions that people are born with inherited traits that are particularly suited to leadership and that those who possess the correct combination of these traits will be a good leader.  Extensive research has been conducted to discover these traits by studying past or current successful leaders. I do not support this theory.  I do however believe it has proven useful by discovering and compiling a list of traits that a majority of followers desire for their leaders to have. 

My main disagreement with this theory is the idea that leaders must be born rather than created as a result of their life experiences, education and interactions with others in society.  I believe it would be ignorant to dismiss an individual as a potential leader at the moment of birth until scientist discover a gene that every successful leader has present in their DNA that separates them from all others. 

I am a strong believer that our personality is greatly altered and shaped by each experience and encounter we have with our environment.  Traits such as integrity, dedication and knowledge can be taught. 

For example, look at a child who was raised by a family who owned a farm.  There are daily labor intensive tasks that must be completed by each member of the family in order to keep things running smoothly.  A child growing up in this atmosphere will be instilled with a strong sense of dedication, work ethics and loyalty to a process.  A child who is raised in the luxury of the suburbs by a wealthy family would not experience the same lifestyle or be instilled with the same values.  [I am not saying that each child would not grow up to be successful in their own right or that either lifestyle would create a better leader.]

A better example might be the difference between a military leader versus an effective business leader.  The traits that they each possess will vary depending on their situation.  My point being that certain traits can be learned from ones predecessors, life experiences, and effects of their environment. 

9 Major/ 2 Minor ... Traits I Admire in a LEADER

“Just as your fingerprint reveals
who you are on the outside,
your Print reveals
who you are on the inside.” 

The person in the mirror that is staring back at us has been the same person since the first time we checked… Right?  So how is it that we can spend every day with ourselves and not understand why we make the choices we make, act the way we do or understand the way we feel? 

Personality assessments were created to help aid individuals in understanding who we really are by revealing our strengths and weaknesses.  It also helps identify what unconsciously motivates all of our behavior.  Being self-aware is a key component to personal happiness and success. What you discover about yourself might not shock you at all, whereas other things may take you very much by surprise.  By being exposed to these realizations we are presented with the opportunity to further develop and grow as an individual in our personal and professional life.

My print revealed that I was a 9 Major and 2 Minor.  As a 9 Major I strive for peace and harmony while avoiding conflict, discord and discomfort.  I found this to be fairly accurate about my personality. 

I am a natural mediator and try to always respect all sides of a situation which enables me to lead a group. 9/2’s are very empowering and know how to bring the best out in the people they work with.  I often find myself taking on a diplomatic style of leadership and feel as though this has worked for me in the past.  Rather than taking charge and dictating every decision, I allow others to step forward and have the spotlight when possible.  I am usually able to find the best in others and trust that they don’t need to be micro-managed.

As a 9/2 I take a while to get things going which can cause others to see me as complacent, unassertive or a procrastinator. This could cause issues if I were in a place of leadership in a team that was very fast-paced and aggressive. Being aware of these traits leaves room for growth.  I need to strive to find balance between being overly accommodating to others and being overly assertive in order to be well accepted in a position of leadership.

When it comes to communication, my skills are “well developed.”  I enjoy talking with others and finding commonality.  9/2’s are prone to rambling and may choose to speak at moments when focus is more appropriate.  This is something that I strive to keep in mind in regards to communication. I am great at giving praise and credit where it is due.  A characteristic that I find rare is my need for constructive criticism.  I am intrigued by other’s feedback and advice.

As naturally great listeners, 9/2’s like to advise and support those around them.  We are thought to “come alive” when asked to problem solve, especially in people-related issues.  Some observable traits are creativity and innovative ideas/ approaches.  We take a steady and deliberate pace to tasks.

A goal of mine is to remain aware of the pace that the group is moving at so that I am not perceived as a procrastinating foot-dragger.  Other shadow traits to keep in mind that might arise in a problem solving situation is becoming distracted or indecisive.  I personally need to work on prioritizing and decision making skills. I sometimes dread making a decision because of the effects it might have on others. 

Interacting with others in a team environment is a strong point of mine.  I strive to empower others and respect the views and ideas of other team members.  I am genuinely fascinated with the way other people perceive the world and how they will choose to behave in situations they are confronted with.  I am quite receptive when it comes to other people’s emotions and am able to act as the mediator in most groups.  9/2’s are generally easygoing and optimistic which helps boost team morale. 

Identifying and understanding my "best self" behaviors and potential "shadow" behaviors will better equip me to deal with difficult situations with grace as well as help me understand why I respond the way I do to certain things.  Being conscious of my behaviors allows me to take a step back and choose how I want to process the information/ situation and react.

Knowing this information about myself has helped me identify with leadership traits that I admire. What defines a leader? By definition a leader is simply is anyone with a group of willing followers.  Let’s dig a little deeper though.  What is it that draws us to certain individuals and allows us to surrender our trust to them?  There has to be certain traits or qualities a person must possess in order to gain a following.

I selected four leaders that I personally admire for their leadership traits:

• Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
• Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Jeff Campbell
• Norman Brinker

It wasn’t until after I selected these leaders that I realized they represent the style of leadership that I best connect with.  They all have similar leadership traits.    

Scott Berkun said, "I think leadership comes from integrity - that you do whatever you ask others to do. I think there are non-obvious ways to lead. Just by providing a good example as a parent, a friend, a neighbor makes it possible for other people to see better ways to do things. Leadership does not need to be a dramatic, fist in the air and trumpets blaring, activity."

Most are familiar with Gandhi’s and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership traits.  They lead by example rather than taking on an authoritarian role.  They were peaceful yet assertive rather than aggressive.  They wouldn’t dream of asking others to behave in a manner that they themselves would not.  Good leaders adapt to the circumstances and provide people with inspiration and guidance. 

A quote that I feel best represents Jeff Campbell’s leadership philosophy is:   “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”  - Nelson Mandela

 I took a leadership course from Jeff Campbell. Throughout the course he shared his personal experiences and stories about leadership.  Jeff Campbell has been involved in various aspects of the Hospitality industry and held many different leadership roles.  His leadership traits are what have made him so successful.  Not only is he extremely knowledgeable and competent, but he is humble and has learned to accept his leadership role with grace.  He has a very commanding presence yet manages to find a balance without being intimidating, overpowering or belittling his followers. 
“Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.” - John Maxwell

Norman Brinker

Jeff Campbell was a close friend of Mr. Norman Brinker and possesses many of the same leadership traits.  They both believe in leading and inspiring their followers indefinitely.  They both shared the views of Tom Peters who stated that “Leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders.”  Jeff Campbell and Norman Brinker are not afraid of empowering others to the extent of being “outshined.”  In fact, they strive to create leaders who will continually be in a constant state of growth and self development.  These traits are what I find most admirable about these leaders.

A leader should be empowering, inspirational, passionate, empathetic, enthusiastic, honest, dedicated, knowledgeable, and have integrity, the ability to adapt & the endurance to conquer whatever adverse obstacles they encounter.

Welcome to Coffee Con Krystal Ann!

Just a bit of background about myself: I was born and raised in a small city in Northern California.  I decided to move to Sunny San Diego because it just seems like a city that has it all: glorious weather, exciting dance studios, thrilling theme parks, a world-class zoo and wild animal park, balboa park, museums, sport teams… and I won’t lie and say that the 70 miles of gorgeous beaches didn’t help with the decision. With such a fabulous atmosphere, where there is always something to do, how could I not come to San Diego!  I am now a student studying Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University.  Throughout my education in this program I have been enrolled in many courses that challenge me to explore my thoughts and views on leadership.  I have created this blog to share my thoughts, views and experiences involving the mentors I have had in my life so far, and the experiences that have shaped my ever changing views on leadership.

Throughout Middle School and High School, I made an attempt to be in every club, organization and group imaginable.  This was probably the best thing that I could have done for myself.  Growing up in a very diverse community, I felt it was exceedingly essential to become a part of these organizations in order to gain a better understanding of the different cultures that surrounded me.  I believe that in order to fully embrace each other and show respect for our cultural differences we must make an honest attempt to understand one another.

Below, I have listed my involvement in the groups, organizations and clubs that have helped shape my views and experiences of leadership:

C.J.S.F. - “California Junior Scholarship Federation” C.J.S.F. is an academic honor society that recognizes 7^th and 8^th grade students who meet the high academic criteria established by the organization.  I held the C.J.S.F. Secretary position during 8^th grade.  We planned events such as: car washes, bake sales, book sales, rummage sales, fundraisers, Salvation Army Christmas Tree donation for a family, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital fundraiser, and other various school events.

Leadership Class- This development class encouraged students to become potential leaders.  Leadership gave me a chance to meet my peers and faculty.  It also granted me a voice and avenue to share my ideas, suggestions and opinions.  Leadership taught me to respect and appreciate cultural differences, and to accept individual uniqueness. 

 In 5^th and 6^th grade I was the Class Representative. In seventh grade, I was the 7^th Grade Liaison.  In 8^th grade, I was elected to be the Commissioner of Technology. In 10^th and 11^th grade I was the Class Secretary at Yuba City High School. 

YCHS ASB- “Associated Student Body” I was the 2008 ASB Secretary of Yuba City High School.  The student members of YCHS ASB are responsible for organizing assemblies, dances, lunch time activities, athletic events, recognition events, support activities and helping with registration procedures.  I also served as the Alumni Committee Chair during homecoming.

Assistant Teacher- I volunteered as an assistant teacher at Jacque’s Dance Expressions.  I assistant taught five different classes throughout the week.  In these classes, I worked together with the studio owner to choreograph recital dances for the children. I also was asked to choreograph a competitive solo for a fellow competition member. This was a very big commitment and helped me learn about time management.

Girl Scouts- I was a Girl Scout and member of an active troop for twelve years.  As girls get older, they tend to drop out of Girl Scouts, because they think it isn’t the coolest thing to do, but I stayed in it to set a good example for the younger girls.  I went around to younger troops and spoke about what Girl Scouts meant to me, and the endless opportunities it has given me.  Girl Scouts gave me an opportunity to reach out to our community.  Our troop did so many service projects and tried to help out in the community as much as possible. 

               I completed my Girl Scout Silver Project.  I organized the 1^st ever Yuba Sutter area “Take a Girl to Golf Day”.  This event was open to the first 80-100 girls in girl scouts or open to girls in our community ranging from ages 7-17.

Miss Teen Yuba Sutter 2003-3004- I was crowned Miss Teen Yuba Sutter 03-04 and had the opportunity to attend over 110 of our local community events and fundraisers.

Yuba Sutter Jr. Fair Board- I was the 2005 Vice President, 2006 President and then the 2007 Vice President.  I ran and helped prepare the meetings.  We host events throughout the year and make decisions that will benefit the youth in our community.  

SDSU Meetings & Events  Student Association Video Music Awards Décor Committee- Member: Fall of 2008

SDSU Meetings & Events  Student Association Video Music Awards Sponsorship Committee- Chair: Spring of 2009

SDSU Meetings & Events  Student Association Video Music Awards- Director

SDSU Meetings & Events  Student Association - Vice President 2010-2011The following organizations I was highly involved in during High School but did not hold officer positions in due to time constraints.

C.S.F- “California Scholarship Federation” This group emphasizes high standards of service, scholarship, and citizenship for California high school students. I was a member of this group during my entire time at Yuba City High School.

Interact Club- This is a program that gives young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and meeting new friends. 
               

Key Club- Key club is also a community service oriented group.  I was also involved with this club during my time at Yuba City High School. 

A.P.I.S.U.- “Asian Pacific-Islander Student Union” Membership in APISU is open to all students who have a desire to understand, share and learn about the various cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands.  I became part of this club because I feel that it is important to know about other cultures that surround me.  YCHS is a diverse campus and I feel it is important to embrace each other by showing support for our differences.

YCHS Girl’s Golf Team- I was on the YCHS Girl’s Golf Team during my sophomore year. 

The Flock- (Pep Club) The Flock is a fun group that is in charge of brain storming ways to get students more involved and have more school spirit.

Cheerleading- I was a cheerleader for the Yuba City Football Junior Honkers when I was younger.  Unfortunately, my schedule wouldn’t allow time for this team when I entered High School.  Although I was not a cheerleader during my time at YCHS, I was asked to choreograph and teach the Varsity Cheer Audition routine.  I accepted the request and took it very seriously. I enjoy being a part of other school groups and helping out when I had time.

Honor Roll- In addition to the clubs I participate in, my grades are my number one priority.  I have been placed on the honor role every year. 

Girl Scout Golf Club- I was in the LPGA USGA Girl Scout Golf Club for 4 years. Through this I was able work as a runner for the Twelve Bridges Golf Pro-Am tournament two years in a row. The second year I participated I was asked to help train the new runners.

Dance- I have been training and taking classes since I was three years old.  Throughout High School, I took 8 technique classes, 10 competition classes and assistant taught 5 classes.  As a member of the competition team at Jacque’s Dance Expressions I had the opportunity to travel and compete in various locations.  As part of the competition team, I have taken master classes and attended many conventions and workshops which I feel has broadened my horizons to the endless possibilities at large events. 

SDSU Dance Team- I was a member during my first two years of college.  We performed/volunteered at many events such as: Street Scene, San Diego PKD run, Boulevard Boo Parade, March of Dimes, Festival of Friendship, and the ShamRock event downtown on St. Patrick’s Day. 

I have never been known to have free time.  Ever since middle school, I have tried to be in any and every group possible.   It is easy to see that I love being active in my society and enjoy working with people.  Through my involvement with all of these associations, I have gained excellent communication and negotiating skills, a passion for community and customer service, project management and problem-solving skills.  I am very hard-working, enthusiastic, detail oriented person with the ability to relate effectively to a wide range of people.

I began my journey at San Diego State University as a Dance Major.  I completed one semester and decided that I was looking for more out of my education.  After speaking with a few HTM majors, I realized that Hospitality was the industry for me.  I love people, being active and planning events.  I am currently completing my last year as a Hospitality and Tourism Management major and I am still exploring the endless options and possibilities it has to offer.