Step into any department and you’ll probably sense a shared vibe. Accounting is Owl territory. They are precise, analytical, and obsessed with details. Head into Human Resources, and it’s likely a blend of Parrots and Doves. They’re usually welcoming, supportive, and have a people-first mindset. These teams often have similar personality styles, and naturally, their leaders tend to reflect those same traits. They speak the same language as they see the world through a similar lens.
But then there’s the senior leadership team.
Unlike individual departments, the executive team is a mix of styles with Eagles, Parrots, Doves, and Owls gathered around the same table. They don’t share a common lens and are often the most diverse team in the organization. And that’s both their greatest strength and their greatest challenge.
Here’s the paradox: Senior teams often have the greatest style diversity and the greatest potential for dysfunction.
When Style Awareness Is Lacking
Without self-awareness and an understanding of how to flex to the styles of others, the very diversity that should make the team powerful instead causes friction.
- The Eagle COO gets frustrated by what feels like indecision from the Dove CHRO.
- The Owl CFO feels steamrolled by the Parrot CMO’s big ideas and lack of detail.
- The Parrot thinks everyone is too serious.
- The Dove is upset that people aren’t getting along.
They each speak a different language.
The Chameleon Advantage
Imagine a senior team in which every member can say, “I know my style. I recognize yours. And I can adapt to meet you where you are.”
When Eagles, Parrots, Doves, and Owls understand themselves and each other, they stop pulling in different directions and act as one.
They make faster decisions. Build deeper trust. Solve bigger problems.
That’s the power of Personality Intelligence. They don’t just lead the company, they elevate it.
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.
