In a world of personality styles, which include confident, results-oriented Eagles, optimistic and motivational Parrots, supportive and caring Doves, and analytical, quality-focused Owls, I am often asked, “Which style makes the best leader?”
I think they expect me to say, “The Eagle.”
After all, Eagles are decisive, goal-driven, and fearless in the face of risk. Sounds like a recipe for leadership success, right? Not so fast. In this post, I’ll explain why leadership isn’t about having the “right” style. It’s about flexing to all styles. The best leaders aren’t just Eagles. They’re Chameleons.
Let me explain with a quick story.
Imagine a top-performing executive who rises quickly through the ranks. She’s an Eagle, and her results speak for themselves. But now, in a leadership role, something’s off.
Her team says she steamrolls over their ideas. She rolls out changes without explaining why. She only gives corrective feedback and skips the praise. She’s shocked to learn that turnover is at an all-time high, despite her team’s stellar performance metrics.
What’s going on?
She’s leading in her natural style, but she’s not reaching her people.
Now imagine if she had the self-awareness to see her style in action, and the flexibility to shift gears. What if she could dial down the intensity for her Doves, ramp up the enthusiasm for her Parrots, and slow down and explain the process for her Owls?
That’s the essence of the Chameleon Leader, who adapts to meet others where they are, not where she is.
The Real Leadership Superpower
Great leaders adapt to their people and speak their language:
- With Eagles, they get to the point and focus on results.
- With Parrots, they bring the energy and generate excitement.
- With Doves, they offer support and empathy.
- With Owls, they deliver logic and clarity.
Being a strong leader isn’t about having the “right” style. It’s about having the right mindset. And that mindset says:
“It’s not about me. It’s about who I’m leading.”
So, which personality type makes the best leader?
It’s not Eagle, Parrot, Dove, or Owl.
It’s the Chameleon, the leader who flexes, adapts, and connects with everyone on the team.
When you lead people the way they need to be led, you don’t just get results.
You get loyalty, trust, engagement, and long-term success.
Quick challenge: This week, flex to someone else’s style and observe what changes.
About Merrick Rosenberg
Merrick Rosenberg is the creator of the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl personality framework and author of Personality Intelligence: Master the Art of Being You. As an award-winning speaker and founder of Take Flight Learning, Merrick has helped hundreds of thousands of people unlock the power of personality styles to transform their communication, leadership, and relationships. He’s on a mission to make self-awareness accessible, fun, and unforgettable.
