Yesterday was our sixth meeting of World Speakers’ Coalition Kuala Lumpur and it was held at LAVAA RestoBar in Section 17, PJ.
There were just 5 members in attendance – but the dinner-and-drinks meeting was no different from our previous meetings in terms of the quality of social interaction and the sharing of insights. And instead of speeches, our meeting host, Ken Chan introduced ‘DOPE’ to us.
We’re all familiar with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality test, I’m sure – and we would have done some sort of personality test in the past. Unlike other personality tests, where you have a hard-to-remember number of different personalities from ISFJ to Type 9, we got to know something cooler! The DOPE birds personality test!
If you don’t know, D.O.P.E. stands for Dove, Owl, Peacock and Eagle, and yes, it is as cool as it sounds. And we even tried hard to ruffle some feathers. We attempted to 'roast' each other during this exercise.
The four birds illustrate different personality profiles, all of which have different basic desires, emotional needs, controlling factors and characteristics.
Dove: The peaceful and friendly
Doves are persons of diplomacy and tact. Overall, they are people-oriented, sympathetic, supportive, and team players. They have good listening skills, pleasant to work with and can be relied upon. They usually find professions as teachers, mentors and social workers. When there are conflicts, they are more likely to avoid confrontation, change, and assertiveness. They will often seek affirmation in what they do. In relating with Doves, be warm and sympathetic. Remember that they are naturally relaxed and slow-paced. Earning their trust might take a while, so be patient.
Owl: The wise and analytical
Owls are the perfectionist, methodical, determined, well-organized and systematic lot. Their bywords are precision and logic. They provide balance in the workplace because of their perseverance, diligence and penchant for structure. Decision-making can take a tedious and meticulous process, and they can be bull-headed and unbending if logic dictates so. They are also wont to be critical and fault-finding, especially on other people’s ideas. While they are at home with details, they shun risks; so be objective as you present your ideas with concrete facts not personal feelings or opinions. They usually thrive in the field of engineering or accountancy. In relating with Owls, be painstakingly detailed and well-organized as you would support their preoccupation with systematized workplace.
Peacock: The showy and cheerful
Peacocks embody happiness and optimism. They love to talk, and they prefer the fast chase and spontaneity. Because they are glib talkers filled with enthusiasm, they work well in sales and marketing of ideas. While they are social and fashionable fowls, they are oftentimes inattentive, impatient and manipulative. They are not keen on time management and are inattentive to details. Every so often, they seek recognition in what they do. In relating with Peacocks, try to avoid protracted arguments; instead, focus on rallying behind their ideas and visions to win them over.
Eagle: The bold and authoritative
Eagles are typically dominant and decisive persons. They are typically thought of as Type-A people. As leaders, they are dynamic, natural achievers and decisive. They are output-oriented who prefer the workplace to be well-structured and fully functional. Because of these traits, they are often on the top of the ladder as CEOs or military officers. Negatively, they can be impatient, manipulative, domineering, compelling and insensitive to other people’s needs. In relating with the Eagle, be sure to argue with facts, not opinions; and, if possible, be supportive of his goals and objectives. Deal in a businesslike and formal manner.
The test is based around the idea that in the workplace, everyone fits into one of these four ‘bird’ categories. Finding out which bird you are can give you valuable insights into your work personality.
Note that DOPE is not a psychological evaluation. The test does not end with an assessment or a diagnosis. It is a self-assessment tool that enables a person to identify his/her unique and distinctive traits that clarify his/her personality and innermost being.
FYI, DOPE is also generally known as the DISC personality (Dominant, Influence, Steady, Compliant). Meaning, Eagle as Dominant, Peacock as Influence, Dove as Steady and Owl as Compliant.
And so, every one of us took turns at this ‘test’ – and we pinpointed which ‘bird’ each person represents. At the end of this 'drilling', I daresay, it gives us a much deeper understanding of one another. Really interesting!
Certainly, as Ken Chan reiterated, we ourselves are about much more than meets the eye.
Overall, a very offbeat meeting but still enjoyable nonetheless!
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