Meet the Dove: Tick’s sweet bird type

Doves live their lives in service-mode. They’re driven by connection and deep relationships. Doves are positively (and negatively) influenced by the people in their lives.

If their relationships are good, Doves are happy. If there’s relationship conflict, there’s usually internal conflict. Doves are the ‘people pleasers’ among us.

Doves get through life with an inclusive, harmonious worldview. They think ‘glass half full’ and are intuitive optimists. Belonging and appreciation are of the highest regard for these beautiful people.

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

The traits of a Dove

Style: Shy, warm, and friendly
Face: Expressive and animated, reflects what the other person is saying while listening intently
Voice: Soft and calming
Body Language: Lots of hand gestures, but not dramatic
Clothes: Pastel to brighter colours, but nothing too outlandish
Life View: ‘Caring and sharing with others is what it’s all about.’
Attitude: Easy going. Doves rarely seem rushed and will spend all the time in the world listening to your problems.
Sayings: “My relationships are most important.”
Car: A good reliable family vehicle, usually blue, maroon, or white. Doves love the Toyota Corolla.

How to engage with a Dove

Do reassure their sense of belonging

Do provide a happy and stable environment

Do try to eliminate any perceived risks of change

Do understand that they are emotional and sentimental

Do be kind and understanding

Do accept the fact that people’s feelings are more important to them than getting the job done

Do give them appreciation for who they are, as well as what they can do

Don’t change their normal patterns of doing things

Don’t expect them to be comfortable in making decisions or taking risks

Don’t expect them to deal with unfriendly people

Don’t expect them to be comfortable in a pressure environment

Don’t praise or flatter in public, this is embarrassing

Don’t ever question their loyalty.

The ‘don’t rock the boat’ type

While non-confrontational, Doves lead in their own way – usually quietly and extremely consciously. Sure, Doves can be submissive and indecisive, but they’re the builders (and backbones) of relationships.

They can also be known to dig their heels (or boots) into the sand, passively. In the end, doves are likely to say: “Let’s just keep the peace.” Doves are key to well-functioning relationships, teams, and communities.

Learn which Tick bird type you are and how to use the new insights in your work and home life.