Bain’s 6 Archetypes
I have been learning about the 6 "Worker Archetypes" as outlined by Bain & Company, and wanted to share this graphic. What Archetype would you say sums you up the most?
A screen shot taken from www.bain.com
Through Bain & Co's research, they identified 6 types of people in the workplace. Briefly, these are:
1) Operator
Someone who enjoys making friendships at work and isn't seeking to stand out. Work is necessary, and doesn't provide meaning. Meaning comes from the things we do outside of work.
2) Giver
Someone who finds meaning in helping others. Not motivated by money, but inspired by building a strong team spirit and valuing personal growth.
3) Artisan
Someone who seeks work that fascinates them, where they can become an expert. Happier to work alone, and inspired by autonomy and mastering their craft.
4) Explorer
Someone who values freedom and experiences, and is willing to trade security for flexibility. Less motivated by status, and more excited by variety.
5) Striver
Someone who wants to earn lots of money, push for the top and aim for a higher status. This person tends to be more competitive and transactional at work.
6) Pioneer
Someone who is on a mission to change the world, do something important and instigate forward-thinking change. They are willing to take risks for the greater good.
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Firstly, what would you say sums YOU up the most?
It is interesting that some of these archetypes are more rigid (e.g. if you are a Pioneer, you probably have ALWAYS been a Pioneer, ever since you were a child); whereas others are more fluid. For example, a lot of people start their careers as Operators and Strivers, wanting to enjoy the social scene at work, make friends, earn lots of money and progress quickly...but later in life, we may find more fulfillment in helping others (Giver), having more freedom (Explorer) or becoming an expert in what we do (Artisan).
If you are feeling 'stuck' at the moment, or aren't feeling as fulfilled at work as you used to, maybe something in YOU has changed? Maybe you have certain needs that aren't being met?
Steve Twinley is a BACP-registered Psychodynamic Counsellor who worked previously for over 17 years in the pressurised world of recruitment, and managed a leading international life science recruitment agency. Steve Twinley formed Purpose Mentoring in November 2023 and now works full-time as a Therapist, providing online counselling and mentoring to people in stressful jobs. If you are trying your best to manage the pressures of work alongside different personal challenges at home, perhaps it could help you to have a safe, confidential space, away from colleagues, family and friends, where you can talk through different things you are facing, as well as moving forward from difficult times in your past. You can learn more about Purpose Mentoring sessions here and can engage with Steve Twinley either at steve.twinley@purposementoring.com or on his LinkedIn profile here.
