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Communication misfires are common — not because we aren’t trying, but because we’re often speaking in styles that don’t match our audience. Poor communication doesn’t just slow down progress; it erodes trust, causes friction, and leaves great ideas unheard.
It’s not enough to simply share information; we must also make sure it lands. That means understanding how different people process, prioritize, and respond to what we say.
That’s why Velocity Advisory Group’s Birds framework has become such a powerful tool in leadership development. It goes beyond self-awareness and helps us connect more intentionally by flexing our communication style to fit the needs of those around us.
Why the Birds?
If you’re unfamiliar with our Birds model, it’s an innovative take on DISC. The traditional DISC model breaks behavior into four styles: Dominant (D), Interactive (I), Supportive (S), and Conscientious (C). While the letters are functional, they can feel a bit abstract. Velocity co-founder and partner Dan Silvert developed a bird analogy that transforms the letters into living, breathing symbols that are much easier to grasp and remember:
- Eagle (Dominant): Goal-driven, assertive, and focused on results
- Parrot (Interactive): Enthusiastic, people-oriented, and full of ideas
- Dove (Supportive): Loyal, harmonious, and caring
- Owl (Conscientious): Analytical, precise, and process focused
Most people aren’t just one bird style — we’re a blend. While we may lean into one or two styles more often, we can tap into any of them when the moment calls for it if we’re aware of our own strengths and those of others. Recognizing your unique blend is the first step toward greater self-awareness and more effective communication.
The Mirror and the Moment
As Silvert says, “Clarity in the mirror is essential.” Before you can communicate effectively with others, you must first know yourself. Recognizing your natural style helps you understand your biases, preferences, and even your blind spots.
But great communication demands adaptability as much as it requires self-awareness. Leaders must learn to “match the moment, not the mirror.” That means flexing your communication style to meet the needs of others, especially when their bird style differs from your own.
Flexing Across Styles: Real-World Examples
Imagine an Eagle manager assigning a task to a Dove-Owl team member. The Eagle wants results and moves quickly. The Dove-Owl, on the other hand, seeks harmony and precision. If the manager simply says, “Here’s what I need. Get it done,” the Dove-Owl may feel overwhelmed or unsupported.
Instead, trust and performance are built when the Eagle embraces a bit more Dove_Owl energy to slow down (just a little!), explore the project collaboratively, and empower the other team member to build a step-by-step plan. This isn’t weakness, it’s leadership.
Likewise, if you’re a Parrot leading an Owl, your enthusiasm might be interpreted as a lack of rigor. The Owl craves details and accuracy. Ask for help grounding your big ideas in data and timelines to bridge that gap. On the flip side, if you’re an Owl working with a Parrot, consider the energy they bring. Rather than dampening it, look for ways to channel their creativity.
Why Flexing Builds Trust
When leaders adapt to their team members’ styles, they send a powerful message: I see you, I value you, and I want to communicate in a way that empowers you to do your best work. That message creates psychological safety and reduces misunderstandings.
Silvert explains that trust is built when leaders lean into their team’s style — not the other way around. For example, giving detailed plans to someone who craves autonomy (like an Eagle or Parrot) may feel like micromanagement to them. Conversely, offering wide-open autonomy to someone who values process (like an Owl) may come across as lack of support.
Ultimately, flexing isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about honoring your team. It’s about creating space for others to thrive without compromising results. When team members feel understood and supported, they’re more engaged, more accountable, and more likely to go the extra mile.
Energizers and Drainers
Another key insight is that your dominant bird style reveals what energizes you and what drains you. A Parrot may thrive in brainstorming sessions but struggle with spreadsheets. An Owl might be at home in a data review but feel fatigued by constant socializing. Recognizing these energy drivers isn’t just helpful for personal productivity, it’s also important for team dynamics. Leaders can assign tasks more effectively and create balance across the team.
Understanding what fuels each style also helps prevent burnout. When people are placed in environments that constantly challenge their natural preferences, they may be able to push through, but it comes at a cost. That cost can show up as disengagement, missed deadlines, or reduced creativity. Leveraging energizers while supporting areas of strain sets up your team to perform at their best.
Putting It into Practice
Understanding the Birds framework and actually putting it into practice are two very different things. Flexing to communication styles doesn’t happen by accident; it requires self-reflection, curiosity, and a willingness to stretch beyond your comfort zone. Below are some tips for putting it into practice.
- Know your style. Take a DISC assessment or reflect on the bird that best describes you — and the one that drains you.
- Learn your team’s styles. Have open conversations or utilize tools like DISC workshops.
- Adapt intentionally. Don’t assume your style is the default. Pause and ask, “How do they prefer to communicate?”
- Lead the way. As Silvert puts it, the leader should be the one flexing most often. That’s how you unlock your team’s full potential.
Final Thoughts
Communication isn’t just about words, it’s about connection. By understanding the DISC birds and flexing your style accordingly, you’re not just talking at your team, you’re building bridges of trust, productivity, and respect.
Ready to unlock better communication? Start by asking yourself, “What’s my bird style?” and download our complimentary Birds ebook to dive into the strengths, challenges, and more of each Bird.
