The Dove bird type personality – a refresher

Meet the Dove: masters of serving others, driven by relationships, and navigating life with a 'glass-half-full' attitude. Shy, warm, and friendly, Doves prioritise are driven by a need to belong. But this can also make Doves vulnerable to people-pleasing, which can be difficult to navigate, especially in the workplace.

Uncover the traits of a Dove, whether it's you or someone close to you, and learn how to navigate the traits you love, as well as the limitations. 

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.

Curious about which Tick bird type personality you are? Take the test and take on your year with clarity and conviction.