Over the past decade, I have worked with approximately 1,800 CEOs. Some were in the early stages of launching their companies, and most were fully dialed into their natural personality style. That can be a superpower, as their style drives their vision and fuels their momentum. But it can also be a blind spot. By leaning too heavily on one style, they often miss out on the strengths of the other styles, which ultimately becomes their Achilles’ heel. To succeed, founders need to tap into all of the styles.
Let’s examine how each style shows up throughout the startup journey, and why leaning into all of them is mission-critical.
🦅 The Eagle: Lead with Vision and Tenacity
Startups are born from Eagle energy. The Eagle says, “Let’s fly higher. Let’s do something no one’s done before.” Eagles take risks, set audacious goals, and charge into the unknown. When others say, “It can’t be done,” the Eagle replies, “Watch me.”
The Eagle in action: You’ve just sketched out your business idea. Everyone’s poking holes in it. The Eagle in you steps up, silences doubt, and says, “I will make it happen.”
🦜 The Parrot: Inspire and Influence
Once the vision is in motion, it’s time for your inner Parrot to step in. The Parrot helps you rally investors, attract customers, and build a passionate team. This is the part of you that sells the dream and generates momentum.
The Parrot in action: While pitching to a group of angel investors, you paint a vivid picture of the world your product will create. Parrot energy creates optimism and excitement.
🕊️ The Dove: Build Culture and Trust
The initial startup team will decide whether the venture falls flat or takes off. The Dove nurtures relationships, builds trust, and fosters a culture where people feel safe taking risks. When the unexpected happens, and it will, the Dove holds the team together.
The Dove in action: A key hire is on the verge of burnout. The Dove listens and supports them and makes them feel heard. That simple moment of empathy makes them feel valued and strengthens your entire team.
🦉 The Owl: Make Plans and Solve Problems
You have a big idea and a great team. Now it’s time for the plan. Owls bring structure, logic, and discipline to a world often ruled by chaos. They think through everything before you do it, so you don’t waste time and resources doing it again.
The Owl in action: You’re scaling fast, but running into unexpected issues. The Owl kicks in and maps out workflows, identifies bottlenecks, and implements the systems that let you grow sustainably.
The Bottom Line: Startups Demand Style Agility
Too many founders rely too heavily on one style and underutilize the others. A visionary Eagle may ignore the team’s emotional needs. A charismatic Parrot might overlook critical data. A harmonious Dove may resist confrontation. And a meticulous Owl might get stuck in analysis paralysis.
Anyone of any style can be a successful entrepreneur. But the key is to be adaptable.
You don’t have to be an Eagle to lead or a Parrot to inspire. Doves aren’t the only ones who build businesses rooted in purpose and caring. Parrots can create systems that scale and solutions that last. And Owls can inspire others to feel the mission.
The key isn’t to be a certain style, it’s to be the Chameleon. Successful founders know how to adapt. They tap into the Eagle’s drive, the Parrot’s charisma, the Dove’s heart, and the Owl’s precision when each is needed most.