There are no bad archetypes. That includes the Thief archetype. It largely depends on how the power is used. It can be in a constructive way, or an undeveloped, destructive way.

A con artist who deceives people into investing in a fraudulent scheme embodies the darker side of the Thief archetype. Their dishonesty, selfishness, and lack of accountability lead to the suffering of others, meanwhile they profit from the deception.

On the other hand, Robin Hood, a classic representation of the Thief archetype, stole from the rich to give to the poor. His actions were driven by a sense of justice and reclamation for the oppressed. Robin Hood demonstrated resourcefulness, perceptiveness, and a willingness to take risks for a noble cause.

An undeveloped Thief archetype:

• Will resort to lies or manipulation to get what they want. This undermines trust in relationships. When a business colleague steals the credit for a project someone else worked on, it erodes team morale and trust. Hoarding accolades or taking more than their fair share, our Thief leaves others in need.
• Takes advantage of others. They use manipulation for personal gain. A scammer embodies the destructive Thief archetype. They exploit vulnerable people by stealing their money through deceptive schemes.
• Justifies their actions by believing they deserve what they take, regardless of its rightful owner. Our Thief may consistently borrow items from colleagues without returning them and assumes that it’s acceptable.
• Focuses only on their own gain. They disregard the needs and feelings of others. The Thief archetype can manifest as a refusal to take responsibility for their actions. They blame others or external factors for the consequences. When our Thief is caught cheating the system, they blame others rather than admitting their dishonesty.
• Takes more than what’s needed or warranted. They can be driven by greed, an insatiable hunger for power, wealth, or recognition. Our thieving executive embezzles company funds out of greed, despite already being wealthy.

Whereas a constructive Thief archetype:

• Takes resources and solutions and uses them like a bower bird. They use what they’ve collected to navigate difficult situations.  An executive might take ownership of, and therefore responsibility for, a solution by adapting it to use during an economic downturn. Our Thief archetype has a keen eye for detail, picking up on opportunities that others have overlooked, or have taken for granted, to then repurpose it. 
• Is quicker than usual when it comes to adjusting to new environments or challenges. They are flexible in the face of uncertainty. Relocating frequently due to job requirements but quickly taking ownership of new situations means our executive can easily assimilate to new cultures. 
• When used ethically, cunning allows our Thief to outsmart difficult situations and manipulate the flow of events for the greater good. When it comes to negotiation, our Thief knows how to strategically play their cards to win a deal that benefits all parties involved.
• Emerges when people need to “steal” back their power or sense of self from oppressive situations. If a workplace becomes toxic, acknowledging the downside, then embracing the positive qualities of the Thief archetype will assist you to break free to reclaim your freedom and self-worth. 
• Inspires a willingness to take risks that others tend to avoid. Breakthroughs and unique opportunities are the result. Our entrepreneurial Thief takes a bold financial leap to launch a startup, which eventually becomes highly successful.

The Thief archetype embodies both the power to reclaim, repurpose and create, as well as the potential for exploitation and destruction. It’s not easy to navigate the Thief archetype. You need to walk a fine line between one side and the other, so here are 5 journal prompts to explore the Thief archetype within yourself and in others:

1. In what ways have I stolen back my power or control in situations where I felt oppressed or powerless? How did reclaiming my power affect my sense of self-worth? 
2. What in my life have I taken that did not belong to me? That is, physically, financially, emotionally. And creatively, have I plagiarised or stolen another creator’s work? Have I capitalised on or taken credit for their ideas, concepts or projects? What was my reason for doing so? How has this affected my reputation? How has this affected my relationships?  How do I feel about it now? 
3. When have I used manipulation or deceit to get what I wanted? What was the outcome? What could I have done differently?
4. In the same way as a thief might try to crack open a safe full missing jewels, what valuable lessons and resources have I overlooked in my life? Make a list. Then consider, how can I become more perceptive, on the lookout, and open to opportunities around me?
5. What ethics and values resonate with me? What is my code of honour? How do I balance risk-taking with integrity? When I take risks for personal gain, do I consider the impact on others? How can I ensure my actions align with my values and the people who are important to me? 

Those who have the Thief archetype as a part of their family of 12 personal archetypes take, either with or without permission, that which doesn’t belong to them and then use it in a useful, constructive way, or an undeveloped, destructive way. The same applies to every archetype. Once you’re conscious of your personal archetypes, you are free to choose how you will collaborate with them. You need only face the consequences.