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Cognitive Diversity: Amplifying Creativity and Problem-Solving in HR Through the Lens of Archetypes

Updated: Oct 2, 2023


In the ever-evolving landscapes of companies, the role of human resources has been pivotal in harnessing and nurturing the diverse talents that walk through the office doors. Often, it is not just the tangible skills and qualifications that matter but the innate archetypes that individuals embody. In the diverse milieu of the workplace, the Light Maker and the Rock emerge as distinct yet complementary archetypes, each bringing a unique essence to the organizational ecosystem.

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AI-generated image created with MidJourney | Owned by The AI Academy as per MidJourney ToS


The Dance of the Light Maker


Imagine walking into an office where the air is charged with energy, enthusiasm, and a playful spirit; chances are, you have just encountered the Light Maker. This archetype is effervescent, embodying a playful, joyful, and enthusiastic demeanor. They are the individuals who sprinkle an element of fun in the monotonous routines, igniting creativity and innovation.

In HR processes, the Light Maker is the catalyst for an environment where ideas flow freely, and risks are seen as exciting ventures rather than intimidating obstacles. They are the champions of team-building activities, workshops, and brainstorming sessions, turning them into invigorating experiences rather than formal, mundane meetings.

For instance, consider the recruitment processes. Where traditional methods linger, Light Makers introduce innovative, interactive, and engaging strategies like gamified assessments and experiential interviews. Candidates are not just assessed but are engaged, leading to insights that are profound and revealing of not just skills but character and potential.


The Steadfast Rock


In contrast, the Rock epitomizes presence, trust, and patience. They are the unwavering pillars that offer stability and assurance. In the dynamic, often turbulent, corporate waters, the Rock is the anchor, ensuring that amidst the waves of changes and challenges, the ship does not only stay afloat but navigates skillfully.

In the HR realm, the Rock is instrumental in policy formulation and implementation, grievance handling, and ensuring adherence to ethical standards and practices. They establish a dependable structure within which the organization operates, balancing the playful energy of the Light Maker.

Take employee well-being programs, for example. The Rock ensures these are not just fanciful initiatives but are ingrained in the organizational fabric, monitoring their execution and assessing their impacts meticulously. They are the guardians of consistency, ensuring that values are not just stated but lived, promises not just made but fulfilled.


A Symphony of Balance

In the lush tapestry of organizational culture, the Light Makers and Rocks are not just individual threads but intricate patterns that weave into each other. The Light Makers introduce dynamism and flexibility, essential for fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability. They remind us of the human touch, the soul that breathes life into the structural body of the organization.


On the flip side, the Rocks ensure that this flexibility does not morph into chaos. They introduce systems and structures, ensuring that creativity is not just birthed but is nurtured, refined, and channelled into innovations that are not just novel but valuable and sustainable.


Navigating the Future

As organizations sail into the uncharted waters of the future, the alchemy of the Light Makers and Rocks in HR will be indispensable. Talent acquisition will not just be about filling positions but creating teams that are dynamic yet stable, creative yet grounded.

Employee development programs, curated with the insights of both archetypes, will ensure that learning is not just an organizational requirement but an exciting journey of self and professional development. The Rocks will ensure the programs’ robustness while the Light Makers will infuse them with excitement and engagement.

In performance evaluations, while the Rocks will ensure fairness, consistency, and alignment with organizational objectives, the Light Makers will ensure feedback is communicated in ways that are constructive, engaging, and empowering.

In essence, as we embrace cognitive diversity, the dance between the Light Makers and Rocks in HR processes is not just desirable but essential. It is a dance that will turn organizations not just into structures of productivity but soulful entities; living, breathing, evolving, and contributing profoundly to the human and global tapestry. Every recruitment drive, every training program, every policy, enriched by these archetypes, becomes a step towards not just organizational success but significance.


Want to explore the power of cognitive science in HR? Engage with us.


 

Suggested reading on this topic: Jungian Archetypes: 12 Archetypes: Definition, Theory, and Types | verywellmind.com


 

Content Curation: Adelino Gala at The AI Academy

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