The Olympian is a super-achiever, a Type A personality defined by an indefatigable work ethic and an insanely high standard of excellence. Whether it’s an ultra-marathon, a debate, or even a card game with friends, they thrive on competition and want to win. If there’s a group project or activity, they want to lead. And if fate knocks them down, delivering a blow that would crush another archetype, they bounce right back.
Olympians like to see tangible, quantified results for their efforts, so they have little interest in “touchy-feely” pursuits or spirituality. They treasure the plaques, framed letters, and other tributes they’ve received. And whereas the Adventurer might come into their own after retirement, the Olympian loathes “free time,” preferring to stay busy with activities that sharpen body and mind. For an Olympian, there’s little separation between being and doing—they are their achievements. This identity with achievement is both their greatest strength and Achilles’ heel.
Here's how Olympians would define their life's purpose, stories, & legacy:
"Purpose" – Olympians are driven to reach the top of their chosen field. They thrive on competition and challenge.
"Stories" – Olympians favor stories that document their achievements and ability to overcome challenges.
"Legacy" – Olympians want to leave a larger-than-life impression. They want to be remembered for their achievements and being the best at what they did.
Strengths
As the most driven, serious-minded archetype, Olympians are free from doubt and uncertainty. They know exactly what they want and have a plan to achieve it.
Olympians are inspired by “impossible” goals and will work tirelessly to disprove the naysayers.
Their energy and passion can make them inspired leaders. An organization with an Olympian at the helm demands excellence, likely setting the pace for competitors
Challenges
Because they identify so closely with their achievements, Olympians aren’t always good at hearing feedback, which they can perceive as personal criticism.
Olympians typically expect the same level of dedication and effort from the team that they themselves exhibit, leading to personnel stress and burnout.
Some Olympians struggle with sharing authority and control. At their worst, they can be compulsive micromanagers.
Strengths
Olympians are natural leaders in the social arena too. While others have vague intentions to “get together soon,” Olympians will plan the parties and book the trips.
As parents, Olympians set a high bar for achievement. They’re likely to keep a close eye on their children’s education and athletic performance, demanding both accountability and effort.
Olympians frequently dazzle their friends and romantic partners with lavish entertainment and impressive gifts.
Challenges
Olympians can be so obsessed with their success and prestige that they neglect the other forms of capital altogether. Their relationships may suffer because of this inattention.
They may over-identify with their children, struggling to recognize them as separate people with unique gifts and needs.
Olympians are all about action and are often uncomfortable in the realm of feelings. Therefore, they may find it difficult to be emotionally present and listen sympathetically without offering “solutions.”
Strengths
Olympians eat “can’t” for breakfast. Their idea of a good day is achieving a personal best.
Olympians command respect and admiration, and they usually get it. They’re a force of nature.
Because “everybody loves a winner,” Olympians typically have an enviable network of contacts and exert an outsized influence.
Challenges
Like the proverbial bull in a china shop, Olympians who fail to embrace the six forms of capital can be unintentionally reckless, damaging people and institutions alike.
When Olympians lack self-awareness of their need for validation, they avoid feedback and can be hostile toward their perceived critics, whether in the workplace or at home. However, if surrounded by “yes-people,” Olympians can become delusional, rejecting constructive input that could help them achieve their goals.
Olympians are often dismissive of the qualitative wins that could secure more quantitative wins. They can frequently benefit from work on the “soft skills” they typically malign.
Olympians who can channel their boundless energy and passion into compassionate causes can be the world’s most powerful catalysts for change.
Although they take pride in their ability to go it alone, Olympians need both teammates and coaches from the other archetypes to triumph.
Olympians can increase their wins by opening themselves up to authentic interactions and pursuits, including the Six Forms of Capital.
Complementary R360 Archetype: Sages can deepen the Olympian’s appreciation for knowledge and expand their definition of victory to include qualitative as well as quantitative wins.
