Bird types

Recently at work, the topic seems to revolve around certain personality type tests. Due to the nature of insurance, we have to be adaptable and often that means being malleable to adopt different communication style to engage people.

Of course, likeness will always attract likeness. I'm pretty much an eagle (peacock is a close second) and dominant type and the people I work with are usually similar or directly opposite of my traits (dove). I've my favourite type of clients that I love working with as it complement my core traits, but that's rare. 

We love playing "guess what is his/her personality bird type" in my team, it's usually very self explanatory what everybody really thinks of each other. 

Friends might be surprised but I always, and I mean ALWAYS, get 'owl' or 'conscientious' for those who get the DiSC test better. It means the same thing. The second consensus shocked me: It's followed by 'dove'. 

I get why colleagues think I'm an owl, since I work a lot and spare no efforts in poring through minute details of every planning process for client. My desk is neat and organised, but well stocked. I can get very intense (eagle) and detailed (owl) about things that matters. I might seem idealistic and want things done properly. I am eager to impart little nuggets of wisdom to the newbies (owl). 

Which brings me to the next point on why I started this post. A sweet new colleague was sharing with me about her past experiences before she joined us and mentioned how I was used as an example to help her gain new insights.

"Boss said 'Every strong and tough person often comes with a story. Michelle is very tough and prideful because of her past but she's slowly changing. She's tough on you guys but she really cares. That's her way of showing her love. She cares for the people around her and she shows it through tough love.' And that's why I think you're feisty but caring."

Aww I melted into a puddle right there and then. Now I know why people think I'm fierce (when I feel like it's a natural part of me). Eh, it's just tough love. Ok? :)

I digress on purpose. But in fact, I'm not an owl. My owl and dove are concluded with super low single digits on the scale. I wish I am an owl though. Owls and Eagles make such a powerful combination. Owls type have awesome traits that I wish I have. 

On what others think of me as a dove... Eagle and dove are clashing elements in the bird personality test. It's like saying you're freezing but don't want to wear clothes. Basically that's what it means to have clashing behaviours right?

I realised my dove surface whenever I intentionally take the time to fully comprehend certain issues before passing my opinion. And being patient enough to repeat reminders, run through work processes while stalling my own work, being understanding and generally submissive even though I'm headstrong in my beliefs. Yes I suppose it clashes.

It's all me. And I'm all parts of a bird if you will.

Hardly mentioned peacock; everybody got it right. Zero debates about that. As a proud peacock would tell you, being presentable is not just important, it's an art.

Indeed it shows through my dressing and social behaviours.