The 6 Impact Archetypes: A Complete Guide

The Impact IQ framework identifies six distinct behavioral archetypes based on polyvagal theory and workplace behavioral science. Each archetype represents a dominant pattern of response to professional challenges, relationships, and growth opportunities.

The Absorber

Absorbers are high-sensitivity leaders who process the world through emotional resonance. They create psychological safety, read emotional undercurrents, and build trust that makes teams thrive. Their growth edge is developing boundaries between their feelings and others' emotions.

The Reactor

Reactors lead with passion and intensity. They bring urgency, energy, and visible commitment that inspires action. When channeled well, their emotional expressiveness creates momentum and authenticity. Their growth edge is learning when intensity helps and when it overwhelms.

The Executor

Executors are action-oriented leaders who bias toward doing over deliberating. They convert ideas into outcomes faster than any other archetype. Their reliability and drive make them essential to team delivery. Their growth edge is ensuring they solve the right problem, not just the nearest one.

The Avoider

Avoiders are harmony-seeking leaders who naturally de-escalate tension and maintain team cohesion. They excel at diplomacy, patience, and creating space for others. Their growth edge is developing comfort with necessary conflict and direct feedback.

The Strategist

Strategists are systems thinkers who see patterns, connections, and long-term implications that others miss. They bring intellectual rigor and architectural thinking to complex problems. Their growth edge is moving from analysis to action before the window closes.

The Interrogator

Interrogators are truth-seeking leaders who ask the questions others avoid. They hold high standards, challenge assumptions, and drive accountability. Their directness protects teams from groupthink and poor decisions. Their growth edge is balancing scrutiny with encouragement.

ℹ️Remember: everyone has a dominant archetype and a supportive archetype. Your combination of the two creates your unique leadership signature.

Why Combinations Matter

With 6 archetypes and 30 possible dominant-supportive combinations, the Impact IQ framework captures remarkable nuance in human behavior. An Absorber-Executor operates very differently from an Absorber-Avoider, even though they share the same dominant archetype. The Pro Report explores your specific combination in depth.