The Avenger Archetype: Balancing the Scales of Justice in Life and Business.

There was a time when I worked for Corporate America. The Business culture, as with most corporations, was largely individualized and focused on the market. The market culture attracts highly competent people who like to win. Leaders are demanding and expect employees to perform well under high pressure. This type of atmosphere encourages employees to work hard and reach company goals. While some people thrive in this environment, others do not. As a result, employees feel stressed and can quickly experience burnout. In addition, the employee turnover rate increases, investing more money and resources in hiring and retraining.

​As we look at personality archetypes, this may be the perfect scene for the 'Avenger.' But first, what are Archetypes? 
Archetypes are inborn models of people, behaviors, and personalities that play a role in influencing human behavior. Carl Jung, (a Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist who founded analytic psychology) introduced the idea of Archetype in his professional work. Jung believed that we inherit these archetypes in the same way we inherit automatic behavior patterns. Understanding archetypes equipped us with the tools needed to better understand ourselves and others.

Now back to the 'Avenger' Archetype!
The Avenger archetype is a powerful force in business and personal development. The 'Avenger' reminds us to balance the scales of Justice whenever possible and seek righteousness on behalf of society and oneself. 
The 'Avenger' It can be a great motivator, but it can also be destructive. When channeled correctly, Avenger energy can help us achieve our goals and live up to our potential. When it is not channeled correctly, it can lead to burnout and self-sabotage.

In order to use this archetype effectively, it is important to understand its light and shadow sides:

ILight side: The light side of the avenger archetype is about fighting for what you believe in and standing up for yourself. Leaders who use their anger productively will hold themselves accountable for their actions and take responsibility for their mistakes. They also tend to be very focused on achieving results that benefit the company or organization they work for as well as the people who work there.
In business or even in your personal life, the 'Avenger' can present itself as a person engaging in 'open communication.' Promoting open communication encourages employees and others to speak up when problems arise. Open communication fosters teamwork. Employees feel freer to share thoughts and ideas.

Shadow side: The shadow side of the avenger archetype manifests itself through aggression and hostility towards others who do not share your values or belief system; these people may include customers  clients when those relationships are strained due to poor customer service or lack thereof.
However, the 'Avenger' pitfall can present itself as being too focused on fairness and equality to the point of putting more value on 'Righting a Wrong,' thereby losing sight of the health of the company, project, group, or even your family. As you probably notice, 'balance' is a keyword here.

Now, how does one go about working with the Avenger archetype?
As you go about your day or reflect on it, try to pay attention to opportunities when your 'Avenger' may have presented itself or could have stepped in. Then ask yourself: 

• Did your 'Avenger' bring balance and fairness? Resulting in a positive outcome, fostering healthier relationships or atmosphere? 
• Did your 'Avenger' overstep? Possibly creating greater conflict in the situation or problem.
• What could you have done differently to balance the situation, relationships, or work environment?

In closing, Archetypes are a valuable research tool for revealing the hidden patterns beneath our choices while pointing to universal human motivations. By understanding archetypes and how they present themself in our personality and everyday life, we open ourselves up to greater self-awareness and personal growth. 

Let me know if you find this article helpful as I continue to share Archetypes. Also, be sure to share your comment and let me know if there is an archetype you would like me to explore.


Lillian Kaiser (M.Sc., CPC, CDLS)
Executive Leadership Consultant
Intuitive Life Coach


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