How Personality Styles Shape the Way We See the World
“We don’t see the world as it is. We see it as we are.”
— Anaïs Nin
We like to think we are rational beings, responding to life with logic and clear vision. But we’re not. We interpret everything through various filters—our age, gender, past experiences, core values, and even our personality.
If you’ve ever wondered why someone else seems so wrong, dramatic, or uptight, it might be because they’re viewing things through a different lens.
Let’s break it down by personality style using the bird-based DISC model: Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl.
The Eagle Lens: Action Over Analysis
Eagles view the world through results, speed, and control. They look for inefficiency like a heat-seeking missile. If something is stuck or slow, their instinct is to take charge and move forward. To an Eagle, taking action is always better than waiting. However, others might see that same intensity as controlling or even aggressive.
The Parrot Lens: Optimism in Technicolor
Parrots see life through excitement, creativity, and endless optimism. They are wired to notice potential and adventure in everything. If you’re cautious or ask too many questions, a Parrot might interpret that as negativity. To them, if you’re not enthusiastic, you’re bringing others down. For a Parrot, enthusiasm isn’t just appreciated, it’s the standard.
The Dove Lens: Feelings First
Doves view the world through empathy, harmony, and connection. Their superpower is sensing how people feel. So, if someone speaks bluntly or makes a harsh decision without considering emotional impact, Doves might see it as cold or thoughtless. They aren’t being insensitive; they’re just deeply tuned into emotional ripple effects, which others often overlook.
The Owl Lens: Let’s Get It Right
Owls observe through logic, precision, and structure. They identify flaws, logical gaps, and messy execution more quickly than most. If you’re rushing, winging it, or making decisions without enough data, an Owl might see you as careless. They’re not trying to slow things down; they aim to get it right.
The Problem with Thinking Your Lens Is Reality
We trip ourselves up when we forget that our way of seeing is just one way, not the way.
When we mistake our lens for the truth, we:
- Judge others for not reacting as we would
- Overestimate the value of our own strengths
- Consider our perspective the “right” one
Shift the Lens, Shift the Relationship
When you realize your personality style influences your perspective, you can pause before judging. You might ask, what lens could they be using?
That moment of awareness changes everything. Seeing through someone else’s lens doesn’t mean you have to agree. It just means you understand where they’re coming from, and that opens the door to empathy, patience, and connection.
About the Author
Merrick Rosenberg is the author of Personality Intelligence: Master the Art of Being You, The Chameleon, and many other books for adults, students, and kids. He is the creator of the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl personality approach. As an award-winning speaker and President of Take Flight Learning, Merrick teaches people how to understand themselves and others through the lens of personality, because when you know your style, you unlock your path.
