The Explorer Archetype
Adventure seekers who keep
everyone focused on the horizon.
The Explorer in Individuals
The Explorer heads out into the unknown to discover, learn, and grow—pushing us all forward to the next new idea or experience.
They live life on their own terms, buoyed by a sense of freedom and the need to see what’s just over the horizon. Never mind obstacles or expectations.
The Explorer in Organizations
Explorer workplace cultures are independent, self-directed, and at the forefront of theory and practice.
They are inherently non-conformist, welcoming diversity and a divergence of opinion and approaches. An Explorer environment encourages autonomy and personal initiative.
When Explorer slips into the shadow side, they have difficulty coordinating with others, lack accountability, and create problems by not paying attention to the current situation.
Strengths
Open, Self-directed, Change-ready
Guiding Vision
To go where no one has gone before
Inspired by
The horizon
Organizations with High Explorer
Patagonia, Starbucks, National Geographic
Shadows
Distracted, Dissatisfied, Uncommitted
Favorite Phrase
Because it’s there!
Frustrated by
Commitments
Organizations with High Explorer
Marco Polo, Amelia Earhart, Sir Edmund Hillary
ARE YOU A SAGE?
Are you inspired by thoughts, hypotheses, conundrums, unsolved equations or other intellectual challenges?
ARE YOU A RULER?
Do you know the best way to accomplish whatever is for the highest good of all? Are you willing to take on the responsibility?
ARE YOU A REVOLUTIONARY?
Do you tend to notice what’s not working and challenge the status quo? Are you unafraid to let go and move on?
ARE YOU A MAGICIAN?
Do you trust synchronicity, coincidence, Aha-moments and things that flow? Do you seem to make the impossible happen?
ARE YOU A LOVER?
Do you have a romantic view about the world that covers everything from ideas to individuals to experiences?
ARE YOU A JESTER?
Does your playful energy and sense of humor reduce the collective stress in the room? Do you show others how to let go and lighten up?
ARE YOU A HERO?
Do you bring a discipline, focus and can-do spirit that inspires others to be bigger, braver and stronger?
ARE YOU AN INNOCENT?
Are you grateful for the present moment? Do trust that things will always work out in the end?
ARE YOU AN EXPLORER?
Do you live life on your own terms? Are you inspired by the question ‘why not?’
ARE YOU A CREATOR?
Do you trust your imagination, your inner Muse and the creative process itself?
ARE YOU A CAREGIVER?
Do you give freely give without expecting anything in return? Is service your calling card?
ARE YOU AN EVERYPERSON?
Do you seek to create a sense of acceptance, belonging and justice? Do you believe ‘together we can overcome?’