by silkeyj

Archetypes can be useful sense-making tools, whether it’s a better understanding of ourselves, of others, or of both in the context of community and group dynamics.

An individual's range of archetypal motion (the different archetypes they tend to inhabit) plays an important role in shaping the way they think and behave as well as how they are received through the archetypal filters held by those around them.

Particular archetypes seem to be showing up in evolved patterns in web3 communities and DAO core teams. Illuminating their presence can help identify areas where an individual's strengths and talents can be of best use, or why they may be experiencing tension with their roles. This lens can provide a framework for understanding someone’s motivations, contributions, and leadership style, as well as the dynamics at play within the team and community around them. They could even assist us in designing teams and filling different roles.

Below I offer an archetype framework for web3 communities and DAO’s, based on interviews and observations from champions and members of some of the leading DAO’s in 2022. Do you see yourself in any of these types?

But first - what the hell are Archetypes?

They’re all around us and have been the anchors of storytelling throughout human history. A commonly used archetype framework today is the Hero’s Journey. Much of western pop-culture entertainment is built on it: Star Wars, Harry Potter, anything with a Marvel logo on it.

Within any one of these examples patterns emerge: the main character progresses through various stages of growth and maturation, embodying different ways of being along the journey, often encountering others that represent other, distinct archetypes. They are stories of self-actualization. Using the language and terms of Awakening the Heroes Within by Carol S. Pearson and the greatest sci-fi series ever created see if these archetypes are familiar:

Each of these archetypes carry a duality: light and shadow. Often different characters will express different sides of an archetype. In Star Wars, the Emperor is the shadow Destroyer, Darth Vader the shadow Warrior (thus setting up the tension with Luke, between the warriors of shadow and light, and the tensions/temptation of Luke to the dark side of the force.)

Archetypes and the Individual

Archetypes give us a representation of our internal growth and journey. They allow us to externalize what can often be hard to articulate. They offer labels that point to inner energy, even power, that can be called upon when needed, or assessed when we feel out of balance.

But very often they are hidden and our own behavior can sometimes baffle us.

• Feeling like someone is attacking you in a discord message? The Warrior is showing up.

• Frustrated you’re not being recognized by the community? The Orphan is expressing its needs to be seen and loved.

• In awe of someone else’s leadership ability? That undeveloped Ruler within you is witnessing its own potential in someone else.

web3 Leadership Archetypes

Through observations and interviews these are some archetypes I think we’re witnessing in web3 communities. I invite all questions, ideas, refinements, and disagreements. The ideal is this framework evolves to a place of general usefulness without becoming restrictive or isolating. Often we inhabit or combine several archetypal energies in the roles we choose, though we will typically inhabit one or two most of the time. (images created will dall-e 2)

Do you see yourself in any of these?

What does this mean for web3 communities?

It’s important to remember, in archetypal frameworks, every individual has within them the complete set of archetypal identities. Each can be accessed at any time to differing degrees depending on the level of maturity of that archetype within that individual. ROtJ Luke Skywalker has within him, and uses, each of the archetypes centered in the previous two movies.

Different archetypes will be more developed and present depending on the individual’s life experience. For example, as a child of divorce, the shadow of my Orphan archetype delivers a constant fear of the worst-case scenario happening along with the light teaching me independence. I am working to integrate that shadow so the light of the Orphan can bring through me the energies of interdependence and greater empathy when working with others.

These archetypal qualities can be useful when constructing teams or creating collaborative spaces, as a means to identify not just the hard skills needed, but also the lenses through which people interact with the world and how the different energies might interact, with each other, and/or with the intention of the group.

[Next up: Using these archetypes to design collaborative spaces]

big s/o to the following for helping with this along the way: Juliette Chevalier, Emily Rasowsky, @hey_zayi, @SinjunART, Jovian Browne, Steph A., and Zakk Fleischmann among others I’m sure I’m forgetting.