The Best Leaders Aren’t One Style, They’re All of Them

The best leaders don’t stick to one style. They flex to all four DISC personality styles—Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl—to lead with impact.

 People often ask me, “What style makes the best leader?”

In the United States, we have a paradigm that leadership is represented by the results-driven Eagle.

And sure, Eagles can achieve big things.

But real leadership isn’t about commanding the room or crushing goals. It’s about connecting. And that takes more than one personality style. That takes a Chameleon.

Why Leading in Just One Style Falls Short

Let’s say you’ve got a powerhouse executive. Classic Eagle—decisive, driven, fearless. She has exactly what her boss is looking for and she gets promoted.

Now she’s in charge of people. A lot of people.

But things aren’t going well. Turnover is climbing among her direct reports. Engagement is tanking. Her team feels unheard and unmotivated.

How can this be? She knocks her goals out of the park.

She’s leading the way she operates best… but not the way her people need.

She skips praise (deflates enthusiastic and optimistic Parrots). Pushes fast change (rattles the soft-spoken and caring Doves). Leaves out the why (frustrates the analytic and process-driven Owls). She’s creating an environment in which she will thrive, but not an environment in which her people will thrive.

The Chameleon Leader Adjusts to All DISC Styles

Now imagine she paused, took a breath, and flexed her approach:

For Eagles, she’s direct. Efficient. Talks outcomes.

For Parrots, she’s enthusiastic. Visionary. Makes room for ideas and possibilities.

For Doves, she slows down. Listens. Leads with care and emotional awareness.

For Owls, she explains the logic. Provides structure. Shares the plan step-by-step.

Same leader. Greater flexibility. Better results.

Leadership Isn’t About You. It’s About Who You’re Leading.

You can have the best intentions and still miss the mark if you’re stuck in your own style.

The most effective leaders don’t stick to one DISC style. They flex.

They lead with empathy and Personality Intelligence. They recognize what drives each style and adapt, moment by moment, person by person.

Be the Chameleon Your Team Needs

So, who makes the best leader?

Not the Eagle. Not the Parrot, Dove, or Owl.

It’s the Chameleon leader who shifts styles with intention, speaks each person’s language, and makes every team member feel seen.

That’s the real leadership superpower.

Try This: Flex Your Style This Week

Pick one person. Tune into their style. Respond their way. See what happens.

Sometimes, small changes lead to large improvements in trust, motivation, and team dynamics.

Want to Lead with Personality Intelligence?

Ready to take your leadership deeper? Learn how to apply the DISC styles with clarity, confidence, and personality smarts. Check out my new book, Personality Intelligence.

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.