Me, Myself, & PMAI

CAREGIVER

It came as no surprise to me when I scored highest in the Caregiver archetype as I have learned over the years that I am always one to put others before myself, which I have mentioned in previous posts. The Caregiver is one who sees others with kind, compassionate, and forgiving eyes. In relationships, the Caregiver tends to act like a caring parent who creates nurturing environments where people can heal or grow. As a leader, the Caregiver has a great ability to take care of those they're leading. The Caregiver also has a natural ability to provide sound customer services, simply because they really care about others. With that, people trust the caregiver, thus making it a lot easier to work in groups with one who exhibits these traits.

I see myself portraying each and every one of these points on a regular basis. I gain happiness from being kind and generous, but one thing that with get me down is when others take advantage of me. I will give, and give, and give... just to hear a simple "thank you". However, if I give all of myself and constantly put others needs before mine, yet do not see any sort of gratitude from them, that really hurts me. In most instances thus far in my life I've been blessed to have developed relationships with individuals who appreciate me and by caring for them and being there for them, I have better learned who I am as a person and who I always will be... a Caregiver.

LOVER

The Lover is someone who is full of love for others and for life overall. They may have a knack for helping individuals and groups appreciate one another and ultimately become close. This love differs from the love of a Caregiver because the Lover views others as peers, not people in need of help. As a leader, the Lover exudes passion and charisma and helps team members to bond, so that they truly become friends. People will appreciate the Lover's friendliness, loving nature, and passion.

I believe the Lover in me comes out in the aspect of making a long-term commitment to care about others and their well-being. The Lover and the Caregiver almost go hand-in-hand in my eyes because you cannot genuinely care for someone unless you have a love for them. This love does not need to me an intimate romance, but it needs to be a true kind-hearted passion for people. I always seek the good in others and try my best to steer away from making judgements until I have walked at least a mile in their shoes. People have the most interesting lives and until you truly love and care for them, you will never realize what they've been through and why they are the way they are today. As a Lover, I rely on communication when problems arise and I always encourage others to express what is bothering them so that we can work on the problem together to restore love/friendship. Just as the archetype for the Lover states, I truly believe that many of life's problems could be solved if people just opened their hearts and loved a little more.

RULER

The Ruler steps up to the plate to take control when things are going array. This individual also takes the responsibility because they are good at putting structures, policies, and procedures in place that make things easier and ultimately more efficient. Others will appreciate the Ruler because they take charge and get things done.

In leadership scenarios I have seen myself emerge as the Ruler in subtle ways. I've learned that in group projects I somehow end up taking most of the work upon myself because I feel that it may not be done up to par if I leave the work to someone else. Also, I see myself taking responsibility in almost everything I do. I like that I have a bit of the Ruler archetype in me because I think with my other two dominant archetypes, the Caregiver, and the Lover, I need something with a bit more authority and courage when it comes to stepping up to the plate and getting things done. With the balance that I have, I am hopeful that I will not turn into a dictator or too authoritative. By modeling the behaviors I wish others to exhibit, such as love and passion, I believe that everyone will come together as a team in my leadership scenarios. In addition, I have to remind myself that I cannot make people do anything, but I can try my hardest to inspire them by sharing a worthy vision that takes each of their interests into account.