
Ever feel like the coaching world is drowning in boring assessments? Color - coded graphs, personality quizzes, 4-quadrant matrices - useful, sure, but where’s the spark? Where’s the "aha" moment that sticks, not because of data, but because it feels alive? That’s exactly what we asked ourselves. So we decided to do something about it. Enter the best brainstorm since the Olmec turned their creativity to the cacao plant.
The story begins with two very different people. Hans, unapologetically creative - brimming with ideas, insights, and a dash of chaos. And Debbie, the scientist - structured, data-driven, and pragmatic. Together, we were an odd mix. But our shared belief was clear: coaching needs more aliveness and playfulness. Something people could feel in their bones, not just analyze in their heads. And that’s how our archetypes toolbox was born.
30 Archetypes, No Categories, All Fun
Our first attempt was a chaotic masterpiece: 30 archetypes, no categories, and a group of unsuspecting participants. Picture this: a garden full of strangers, tasked with picking an archetype for each other based on a glance. No introductions. No context. Just gut instinct.
The results? Mind-blowing. People’s choices weren’t just accurate; they were uncannily accurate. It was as if these archetypes tapped into a deeper, universal language - a metaphorical wisdom we hadn’t fully understood yet.
The Experiment Grows
We started small, testing in teams and individual coaching sessions. The response was electric. Archetypes weren’t just tools; they were mirrors. They reflected inner truths, group dynamics, and the untapped potential hiding in plain sight.
Then came our big experiment: a LinkedIn challenge. (Yes, LinkedIn - where thought leadership and memes coexist awkwardly.) We asked participants to reflect on archetypes weekly, and to our surprise, it resonated. LinkedIn—of all places—turned into a space for reflection and growth. Who knew?
Refining the Deck: Killing Our Darlings
But here’s the thing about creating something alive: you have to prune it. We started with too many archetypes. Classic creator mistake. We took feedback, ran more tests, and made the excruciating decision to cut back from 30 archetypes to 20. It was like choosing a favorite child - impossible but necessary. The result? A leaner, sharper deck that packed even more punch.
Then we added categories. Five of them, based on an old model we’re keeping secret (because every magician needs their tricks). These categories gave structure without stifling creativity, making the deck usable for individuals, teams, and even large groups.
Why It Works
The cardset isn’t just a tool; it’s a language. It helps teams and individuals:
Understand their drivers (and when to step on the gas).
Spot their derailers (and when to hit the brakes).
Build a shared vocabulary for growth and collaboration.
Unlike personality tests, this isn’t about labeling. It’s about discovering. Archetypes are alive, metaphorical, and endlessly flexible. They work because they tap into something universal, something we all recognize instinctively.
So if you’re tired of the same old tools, come play. The Archetype Cardset isn’t just a tool—it’s an experience. And it might just change the way you see yourself, your team, and your potential.
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