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.


- - - -


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?


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