Fine Art Metaphors Reveal Leader Archetypes

Abstract

This article describes a research study that used fine art prints to evoke metaphors of leadership in order to uncover patterns related to tacit views of leadership held by developing leaders, foster self-knowledge, and identify areas for growth in their views about leadership. The study was grounded in the psychodynamic approach to leadership and employed qualitative methods designed to uncover tacit views of leadership. Participants’ art metaphors were content analyzed for thematic connections to cultural archetypes. Their concepts about leadership aligned with five archetypes that represent universal cultural patterns: The Mentor-Teacher, Father-Judge, Warrior-Knight, Revolutionary-Crusader, and Visionary-Alchemist. Connections to these archetypes revealed participants’ positive beliefs, feelings, motives, and actions associated with leading and alerted them to potential abuses of power associated with each archetype.