We all have teams of people in our lives. In some of them we are a leader, in others, we are not. During International Women’s Week, I’ve been thinking about the women on my team. Some of them have passed on, yet, their imprint remains, and others still walk with journey with me.
The Sage guided me.
My grandmother was a very strong woman with strong opinions. She was very selective and direct when she chose to share her ideas. As an archetype, she had Sage patterns. Her wisdom was deep and candid. She noticed the details. One morning, she was with me in our home and she commented on how proud she was that I made my bed every morning. Not only did her praise resonate with me – her noticing taught me a lesson. People are noticing even if they’re not mentioning it.
She was one person on my very large team.
Family is diverse. My mother’s family had eight sisters and one brother. Walking through the crowded front room during holidays and birthdays and special visits, I could hear a cacophony of conversations. One by the piano – one on the couch – one near my grandmother as she sat in her constant seat by the front door, as if to hold court. My aunts had a myriad of archetypal patterns. The Jester on my team was an aunt that kept things light and moving. She taught me how to have a different perspective – she also taught me that fun was good.
There was also an aunt with Ruler archetypal patterns. Rulers are really good at process and they can create structure. This aunt was always upsetting the grandchildren. We thought she was being bossy. Now I understand differently and can appreciate her for her gifts on my team.
The Caregivers on my team support and pitch-in when needed.
My mother has caregiver archetypal energy. She’s always considering others needs before her own and taking on too much – even in her old age. And now, she is finally shifting and allowing others to care for her. I had to learn that the weight of the world can be supported by others. The other day I was visiting a ninety-year-old friend. She wanted to give me books. She said, “Please take what interests you.” There was one shelf that had books on both ends tall enough to support the shelf above. These books couldn’t be moved because they served a purpose. Sometimes, our team is like these books and we have others supporting us. These are our caregivers.
Hero archetypes inspire us to meet each challenge.
They’re the ones that provide inspiration and encouragement through your most difficult times.
We all have these individuals on our teams. A post graduate professor served in this role for me. She encouraged me to move through the challenges that came with achieving my dreams. When things seemed just beyond my fingertips, she would provide a gentle nudge, giving me the momentum to reach further and touch it. I learned that inspiration matters. We can intentionally assist someone – it may give them the little nudge that they need.
Who are the women on your team? How have their strengths allowed you to feel at ease – become inspired – or provided wisdom to you?
Individuality on a team matters.
These women are inspiring with their unique gifts. They’re children – some are sisters – aunts – mothers – wives – spouses – friends – professors – healers – professionals. They are also heroes, caregivers, sages, jesters, magicians, innocents, revolutionaries, rulers, creators, lovers, explorers, and every persons. Their presence makes a difference in our lives. Without them, our worlds would be incomplete. Thank you for shining your light on my path, sharing your energy and for teaching me things that I could only learn from you.
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Robin Miller, PhD is an Executive and Leadership Communication Coach. She specializes in executive communication using the Advanced 360LiC Assessment and leadership team interpersonal communication.
