Introduction

Humans are complicated creatures who are almost impossible to be boxed into only a couple of personality types. Whenever a personality framework comes close to capturing the essence of a person's type, certain anomalies would often throw a wrench into the works.

Nearly a century ago, Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs expanded on the works of Carl Jung to develop the MBTI, a personality framework that identified 16 personality types. The personality types found in MBTI offered tremendous insight into typology, sparking the creation of numerous other frameworks in use today.

However, despite the diverse number of personality frameworks that have emerged since then, none has been able to comprehensively capture the full spectrum of human personality. As such, even with a multitude of frameworks available, only a small fraction of individuals have found a personality type that fits them perfectly, leaving many others unsure of which type they belong to.

More often than not, we will encounter concerns where a person’s given archetype does not explain certain quirks of their personality. Other times, we may wonder how individuals of the same exact type can behave so differently. Knowing that, we decided to take NXT a few layers beyond the 32 basic archetypes, uncovering the subtle nuances within each archetype. This has led us to our discovery of Type Variant.

One's Type Variant depends on the arrangement of their Type Drive. And from there, each of the 32 archetypes can be further broken down into four distinct variants: Explorer, Builder, Leader, and Evolver.

Through Type Variant, we can gain insight into why individuals of very different archetypes can exhibit striking similarities with one another, clearing up any potential confusion. This allows us to explain why some Builders tend to display traits commonly associated with Explorers, or why some Evolvers may often behave like Leaders.

While some personality frameworks may view the variations in personality types as contradictions, we see them as the features that make each person a unique individual. Ultimately, by embracing these variations, we unlock a better idea of one’s unique behaviors that a standard type description cannot fully explain.

Varied Explorers

Explorers have an insatiable desire for the wild unknown, seeking variety in a world filled with endless opportunities and possibilities.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Explorers, we can further differentiate them into two distinct variants—Explorer Variants and Builder Variants—each with their own set of differences.

Explorer Variants of Explorers literally live life on the edge. They crave novelty much more than a typical Explorer, and are particularly drawn to unpredictable events and unexpected surprises. As such, they tend to bring spontaneity to a whole new level, making decisions on the spot without much planning. Whether they are searching for radical ideas or engaging in thrilling activities, these individuals push the boundaries of what it means to be an Explorer.

Builder Variants of Explorers take on life with the same explorative spirit as other Explorers, but with a greater need for certainty. Unlike typical Explorers, they desire some level of structure in their lives, as long as it is not too rigid. These individuals push to have a plan, while still maintaining the flexibility to improvise. Although their plans may be rudimentary, at least it gives them some direction to work towards, rather than drifting along with the currents of life.

By understanding these variations, we can see why some Explorers are much more adventurous and flexible than others, and why some Explorers may seek to explore the vast unknown, yet enforce a certain degree of order in their own lives.

Varied Builders

Builders want a high level of certainty in life, desiring control in a chaotic and often unpredictable world.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Builders, we can further differentiate them into two distinct variants—Builder Variants and Explorer Variants—each with their own set of differences.

Builder Variants of Builders are unusually cautious individuals. Desiring even more control than a typical Builder, they must be 100% certain before acting on any plan and must be fully prepared before confronting any potential chaos. Every decision they make is a result of meticulous planning and careful consideration. If they were to take on a risky decision, they would undergo careful contemplation, weighing out every single pro and con before coming to a conclusion.

Explorer Variants of Builders have all the tendencies of a Builder, but with a stronger desire to explore the unknown. While they still value structure and planning, they don’t mind adapting to sudden changes in the face of uncertainty. When the time is right, they aren’t afraid to take big risks and seize rare opportunities. As a result, they are known to be more receptive to new ideas and experiences, making them more creative and resourceful as a whole.

Ultimately, these variations help us understand why some Builders are more detailed and meticulous than others, and why some Builders may approach life with caution, yet exhibit a substantial amount of risk-taking behaviors from time to time.

Varied Leaders

Leaders strive to serve their communities, seeking for belonging while aspiring to be a part of something greater than themselves.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Leaders, we can further differentiate them into two distinct variants—Leader Variants and Evolver Variants—each with their own set of differences.

Leader Variants of Leaders are extremely community-minded people. They prioritize the needs and well-being of the group above their own, sometimes sacrificing their own time and resources to the point of self-neglect. Constantly working and connecting with those around them, they tend to have a deep understanding of their community’s motivations, often more than they understand their own. Simply put, they are selfless individuals who want nothing but the best for others, for that is what’s best for themselves.

Evolver Variants of Leaders have all the usual qualities of a Leader, but with a stronger inclination towards self-discovery. While other Leaders may constantly seek the opinions of others, Evolver Variants may instead pause to turn inwards, reflecting on their personal thoughts and emotions. This introspection brings forth their passions and guiding principles from deep within, enabling them to lead their communities with greater clarity and purpose.

With that understanding, it becomes much clearer as to why some Leaders are more outgoing and selfless than others, and why some Leaders may put their communities first, yet pay a considerable amount of focus to their own wants and needs at times.

Varied Evolvers

Evolvers strive to be the best version of themselves, hoping to achieve personal significance in this world.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Evolvers, we can further differentiate them into two distinct variants—Evolver Variants and Leader Variants—each with their own set of differences.

Evolver Variants of Evolvers are fiercely independent-minded individuals. Despite living in a noisy world filled with a multitude of influences, these Evolvers have little trouble thinking for themselves. They are not easily swayed by people's opinions, and if they truly believe in their principles and ideals, they will not hesitate to go against the majority. Wanting to unlock their full potential, they strive to ensure that every decision made contributes to their personal growth.

Leader Variants of Evolvers share all of the typical traits of an Evolver, but also see the importance of community. Although they may often focus on their personal wellbeing, there are times when they voluntarily put their own needs aside to serve the greater good. While embracing their individuality, they recognize that they are ultimately a part of a larger whole. Therefore, they strive to improve alongside their communities in their journey of self-growth.

By differentiating these variants, we better understand why some Evolvers are more individualistic than others, and why some Evolvers may focus on themselves, yet pay a significant amount of attention to their own communities as well.

Conclusion

The descriptions above are selected to paint a clearer picture of what a Type Variant can be by contrasting two opposite ends of a spectrum. However, it is important to keep in mind that an individual’s Type Variant can belong to any of the four possibilities: Explorer, Builder, Leader, or Evolver variant.

Before we proceed to the next section, let's have a quick summary on everything that we have covered in Rhythm.

Read next part → Summary [Rhythm]