Instead of forcing people to adapt to the organizational culture, what if companies created a culture that adapts to people?
When organizations adapt to people, they foster engagement and boost retention. When they don’t, people leave to find a place that aligns with who they are.
Before we discuss how companies can do that, let’s define what culture is.
Culture is how people experience the organization.
It includes the unwritten rules, the tone of meetings, what gets praised, what gets ignored, and what gets promoted. It’s shaped by how people think, behave, and make decisions within a company, and it shows up in how conflict is managed, how risk is approached, and how quickly decisions are made. Culture is reflected in both expected and unacceptable behaviors.
Now, let’s explore what people of each DISC style (a.k.a. Eagles, Parrots, Doves, and Owls) need to feel engaged by the culture.
Eagles succeed in environments that focus on big goals and reward people for achieving them. They thrive with well-defined priorities and clear lines of decision-making authority. Eagles focus their energy on progress rather than on maintaining the status quo.
Parrots thrive in environments that encourage teamwork, open exchange of ideas, and positivity. They enjoy feeling empowered to express themselves freely and to perform in ways they see fit. For Parrots, the more interaction, the better.
Doves feel comfortable in emotionally safe environments. They value predictable routines, smooth transitions, and respectful conversations. They are drawn to leaders who listen attentively and to environments that allow people to process change gradually.
Owls require environments that honor quality. They work best in quiet spaces where they have time to think before responding and easy access to information. Owls also work best in environments with defined processes and clear standards.
This isn’t about creating four separate offices or rules but about fostering environments where everyone can shine and be their best selves. When the environment adapts, people stop wasting energy trying to compensate and instead focus on creating, solving, and succeeding.
Culture becomes about thriving, not just surviving while trying to fit in. The most successful organizations understand that people don’t resist work; they resist environments that limit them.
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.
