You’ll be scored against the following Archetypes:
The Commander
The Commander craves power and control, accustomed to directing and overseeing everything. They resist challenges from others, pride themselves on decisiveness, and avoid mistakes. To reach their leadership level, Commanders work hard, proving their capability and achieving success
The Innovator
The Innovator thrives on creativity and novelty, finding excitement in pioneering ideas, products, and services. They view conflict positively, seeing it as a source of new possibilities. Innovators, often regarded as geniuses, value freedom in their work, quickly get bored, and are always seeking new ideas.
The Protector
The Protector is driven to keep everyone safe, intervening at any sign of trouble in relationships. They find strength in safeguarding and caring for others. Having likely played a caregiving role in the past, Protectors tend to overextend themselves, unintentionally fostering dependency on their support
The Hero
The hero constantly wants to prove themselves. They enjoy saving the day and often get an ego boost from clearing up other people’s mess. The hero is
motivated to tackle chaos and can inadvertently stir up anxiety or conflict so
they can make things better again. They strive to be relevant and admired.
The Wanderer
The wanderer is willing to try anything once, but often does not follow through.
They suffer from what is known as ‘shiny object syndrome’ – the moment they
learn about something new, they rush off to implement it. They throw everything at it... that is, until something even newer comes along.
The Joker
The joker loves light-hearted fun, humour and silliness. They often love people
and like to be seen as entertaining.
The joker often has history of wanting to be liked and accepted. They draw attention to themselves through their jokes and exuberance.
The Pleaser
The pleaser wants to be everyone’s best friend. They hate the thought of anyone
not liking them and go out of their way to prove that they are there for everyone.
Unlike the protector, they do not necessarily feel that they can provide safety or security. They bring a particularly nurturing approach to their interactions.
The Perfectionist
Perfectionists are committed to excellence. They like to ensure all i’s are dotted and t’s crossed. Ironically, their aversion to risk and avoidance of mistakes
means that they hold themselves and their people back. The perfectionist has probably experienced a fear-inducing commander style of leadership or culture themselves.
The Problem-Solver
The problem solver is happiest when they identify the solution to a problem. They are often deep in thought, trying to access whatever knowledge they have
to offer and share. The problem solver can become a worrier who dwells too much, and sometimes unnecessarily, on problems in their quest for solutions.
Don’t just take our word for it, see what others have to say
Obi worked with us at ActionAid UK to design and deliver a bespoke 'Constructive Conversations' workshop as part of a wider programme of work to embed ActionAid's Feminist Leadership Principles.
This workshop has now reached nearly 200 employees helping them to recognise how they and others show up when being or feeling challenged in their relationships, and equipping them with the tools to handle disagreements more constructively.
Obi's positivity, openness and personable nature alongside her professional expertise made her a true pleasure to work with. Her neuroscience background, understanding of human behaviour, ability to safely diagnose development needs and create bespoke solutions was exemplary; and she left us with tools that will serve us both in our workplace and beyond.
I'd recommend her to anyone wanting support improving leadership and relationships in the workplace.
Catherine Greenwood
Senior Learning & Development Specialist | 1:1 ICF Coach | HR Generalist | Mental Health First Aider
Obi James facilitated 2 strategy days for the Royal African Society, which really helped us to grow and reflect collectively as a team.
Obi's approach is very unique and holistic - she uses creative tools and exercises that promote team-building and help bring clarity of vision and purpose. Her team work has a transforming and lasting impact on both the individuals and the organisation as a whole.
I also received some leadership development coaching from Obi when I first became a senior manager at the Royal African Society, which enabled me to really step into my new role.
I would highly recommend her services and we shall continue to draw on her expertise in the future. In fact, we valued Obi's contributions so much that we put her forward to be elected as a Council Member and Trustee of the Royal African Society in 2019, which means she is now an integral part of our charity's strategic development and future direction.
Sheila Ruiz
Deputy Directore, Royal African Society (RAS)