The Four Archetypes of Power
by Robin Patino and Karen Walch, PhD
> Engages you in dialogue to find creative solutions. Listens attentively when you speak. Calms you at an anxious family gathering. Considers the needs of all. Shares dramatic facts from the offsite meeting. Unveils her new ideas and concerns about a project. Praises you at the board meeting. Shares the credit with the team. Silences his cell phone at dinner.
> Publicly humiliates you in front of your friends. Builds himself up while pushing others down. Spreads gossip. Is quick to place blame. Denies any personal responsibility. Repeatedly reminds you that the world is against him. Looks the other way when colleagues are demeaning one another. Portrays indifference when the boss treats a teammate unfairly.
QUESTION: If you had to be one of, or share a life with one of, the above character types, who would it be?
You are not alone if you prefer the engaging character over the demeaning one.
Despite what our modern culture tries to sell us, succeeding in life does not require one to be defensive, or to ignore and attack others. Through our groundbreaking primary research, we have debugged this popular, contemporary supposition. The true key to power lies in the quality of connection. The engaging character described above is someone who chooses to visibly construct it for themselves and others.
Our world is not as malevolent as we might fear. We are delighted to be sharing this discovery, based on sound and scientific research. The reality is that most of us intend to be reliable and engaged in a healthy way. It is safe – it is our birthright – to enjoy the vital support and vibrant satisfaction we all yearn for in life.
The reason that many people do not succeed in always acting this way is NOT because they are bad or evil. It is because a particular belief system or behavior trigger hijacks the intention to remain connected.
Our book, The Four Archetypes of Power, introduces a set of characters to you, the reader: the Advocate, the Bully, the Victim and the Bystander.
You already know them – and will begin to recognize them more fully as you observe the way they shape your everyday use of power. You will also be introduced to how each character expresses itself in your behavior and feelings when you need to achieve important goals. This will be particularly evident in stressful or disturbing situations.
Through the art of storytelling, rather than a manual or a research report, this book explores our often unconscious patterns of power. The data from our extensive research study underlies and gives form to the character development. Authentic human stories will engage your heart and mind in understanding what each of the archetypes act out – often without your knowledge. This provides an insightful look into the charms and challenges of each character, and how to learn the lessons each have to teach you in accessing your own power.
The result is a highly practical and usable resource for leaders in all walks of life.