Leadership Mapping
Introduction
“Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief,” by Jordan Peterson, Canadian clinical psychologist, is about how people come up with meaning of life through history, myth, psychology, and religion. The author attempts to shows the connections of myths, beliefs, science and how people try to understand life.[1]
Themes Explored
Peterson explores various essential themes that are connected to human psychology, mythology, and how meaning is formulated. The following are some of the key themes:
- The Hero’s Journey and Methodology – myths as symbolic depiction of human psychological development citing thinkers such like Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung.
- Chaos Vs. Order – Peterson argued that journeying within or between the forces of chaos and order is essential for understanding ones purpose.
- The Role of Belief System – Our belief system controls our emotions and behaviors based on the neuroscience, psychology and history.
- The Nature of Evil – Reflecting on historical atrocities such like the holocaust and evil regimes trying to understand how they came to be.
- Personal Transformation – Partial autobiographical of the author’s journey toward finding meaning through psychology and mythology. [2]
Reflecting on these key themes, we can find similarities to our own experiences. And to make it more meaningful, we could integrate our experiences into stories that will give understanding and meaning. To collect good ideas, for the better ideas collected, the more to be influenced by.[3]
Summary of Key Points
There are many key lessons from the book, however, a few of them are as follows:
- Myth establishes society and gives us lessons – myths are the elements on which our society are founded, they are elements of moral principles.
- Political ideologies mask people’s evil – Many uses political ideology as excuse to hide their evil intentions.
- We need to know our own capacity for evil – As in other beliefs, evil is seen as negative, dangerous and worrying, as also depicted in the Bible. This is natural for human beings; therefore, there’s the need to restraint from evil while pursuing good.
- There are universal moral principles – Morality is a common similarity among civilizations. Therefore, there is such thing as universal morality.
- When Culture Fails, it Must Regenerate – Cultures often hit tipping points and decay due to such factors as when in contact with other cultures. It is therefore important for it to revive, reorganize, recompose and live again.
- Myth is not an imperfection of science – It is important to reconcile both myth and scientific thinking as they compliment each other. As myth provide the fundamental of our civilization, scientific provides the practical answers.
- Beliefs make us act in the world – Belief is force behind our action. It is force that brings us the vision that we should do something or act in the world.[4]
In our Micronesian culture, story-telling (myths) is a way of imparting knowledge and moral values to upcoming generation. The medium through which parents impart values upon their children and the elders shows traditional values among their people. As our way of life changed, so as the traditional values.
Key Takeaway for Leadership Context
‘Maps of Meaning’ contains insights that have concise applications for leadership and the duties of a leader. First, ‘The Hero’s Journey and Personal Transformation’. Leadership is often pictured as a heroic journey – a path of personal transformation and growth. In the leaders journey, he/she met chaos, endured difficulties, and emerged transformed. This journey of self-transformation enables them to be able to lead others through similar challenges.[5] Secondly, ‘Balancing Chaos and Order,’ balancing is essential for the growth of followers and organization. Leadership must have an environment that fosters creativity, risk-taking, and innovation.[6]
Third, ‘The Creation of Meaning and Shared Vision’ – Leadership can utilize the efficiency of using storytelling, myth, symbolism to create a unifying framework that motives their teams, strengthen core values, and guides behavior even during uncertain times.[7] Fourth, ‘Moral Responsibility and Confronting the Shadow’ – Leadership must set examples that encourages moral resilience across the organization. Must lead by taking responsibility for guiding and confronting challenges that undermine integrity and trust.[8] Lastly, ‘Integrating Rationality and Intuition,’ The blending of rationalism and symbolism is essential; it help leaders to accept and appreciate the realities of people, circumstances thus enhancing decision-making and team cohesion. Effective leaders take advantage of information available, strategy, and common-sense planning to guide their decisions.[9]
Each of these key takeaways shows that leadership is not just about the position and authority, but it is about taking a journey of self-discovery, responsibility, managing tension, and inspiring through meaningful narratives.[10]
Conclusion
April 10, 2025 @11:48PM, the US Embassy in Kolonia, Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia issued a Security Alert [11] for American Citizens with regards to a Chuuk State Governor swearing-in ceremony to be taking on April 15. Since the election on March 4, 2025, both governors claim to have won the election. The rumor is that each governor has their own inauguration planned to take place. The atmosphere in that state and among the leaders is very polarized. This does not leave one to guessing the context of leadership style and ambition.
[1] https://www.supersummary.com/maps-of-meaning/summary/. Accessed April 12, 2025.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Kleon, Austin. Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative (Austin Kleon) (p. 14). Workman Publishing Company. Kindle Edition.
[4] https://studyallday.com/maps-of-meaning/. Accessed April 13, 2025.
[5] https://www.deployyourself.com/book-review/maps-of-meaning-jordan-b-peterson/. Accessed April 13, 2025.
[6] Ibid.
[7] https://studyallday.com/maps-of-meaning/. Accessed April 13, 2025.
[8] Ibid.
[9] https://www.supersummary.com/maps-of-meaning/summary/. Accessed April 13, 2025.
[10] Ibid.
[11] https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=us%20embassy%20kolonia. Accessed April 13, 2025.
About the Author
Noel Liemam
4 responses to “Leadership Mapping”
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Thanks for this helpful summary and application Noel. You mention the importance of moral responsibility in leadership. How can leaders cultivate a culture of moral resilience among their teams, especially in environments where ethical dilemmas are prevalent?
Hi, Debbie, thank you for your comment. Your question got me thinking more to what I posted. Well, for one, I would say that the leader must set the examples, and for the dilemmas, the leader must be firm, not to play favoritism or to discriminately chose. The leader must explain and have a meaningful ‘working-out’ on the side chosen. Thank you, Debbie!
Hi Noel, thank you for this informative post. My question will highlight how little I know about your home country so please forgive me on this aspect of the question. As you ended it you mentioned the alert that went out on April 10th, just last week. My question is does this present any risk to family and friends that you have today in Micronesia? Diane
Thank you, Diana, for your comment. It is a small place, but there is possibility of if they are certain locations where the events will take place. The safest place would be stay away from these places.