"Well, I don't even really work here..."
Kramer's response to his boss firing him because he "appeared to have [pause] no business training at all" has become an in-joke with fellow colleagues over the years. Classic Cosmo Kramer. And classic 'Explorer' brand archetype. My archetype of the week and the final in my series of twelve archetype blogs.
Cosmo 'Curious' Kramer was the quintessential Explorer because he lived to travel the road less travelled: from attending a Fantasy Baseball Camp to working at a firm for free; and from his attempt at stardom in Hollywood to his sojourn across state lines to trade his recyclables for cash.
Of all the archetypes, the Explore is the most likely to consistently seek self-realisation and find meaning and purpose in life. Kramer sought this in spades and relished the ability to morph from Dr Van Nostrand (Skin specialist) to a policeman investigating a burglary and Mr Pennypacker, wealthy industrialist, on a dime.
Like all Explorers, his mantra was "Don't fence me in" and although he never really worked there, he's kept us cry-laughing for years and left an indelible mark on the classic comedy landscape.
Eight classic signs that your personal brand or the brand you work for might be considered an 'Explorer':
~ All mathematical equations deliver the same answer: you have one life to live, and you only live it once.
~ Your comfort zone is living outside of your comfort zone: it's your happy place until it no longer serves you.
~ You believe that caution is the enemy of growth: You choose to go forward toward growth, over running back toward safety.
~ You prefer a trusty swag over a humble brag: If you're in the midst of a journey of self-actualisation, you're unlikely to share this with the world - unless they're trusted confidants or kindred spirits.
~ Being committed can make you feel like you've been committed: You fear entrapment and confinement. It's the quickest way to make you pick up your swag and head (nay, run) for the hills.
~ You don't know what you don't know: But you know that you'll have a damn fun time figuring it out.
~ For you, disappointment trumps never knowing: If you're not out there giving it a shot, you're planning the next time you go out there and give it a shot.
~ You don't watch the Discovery Channel, because you consistently live the Discovery Channel: on every single day ending in 'y'.
Patagonia, Jeep and Intrepid Travel are great examples of 'Explorer' brands.