Day 22: The Dominant Tiger vs. The Adaptive Chameleon
Some survive by owning the spotlight. Others survive by mastering the shadows. And in between lies the delicate dance of presence.
Yesterday, we reflected on visibility and identity — with the Conforming Penguin blending in to stay safe, and the Unclassifiable Peacock standing out by simply being true to themselves. Today, we explore something just as nuanced: how we claim space, especially in environments shaped by hierarchy, politics, and pressure.
Because in every workplace, there are those who assert — and those who adapt.
🐯 The Dominant Tiger
The Tiger doesn’t ask for space — they take it.
They walk into meetings like they own the room, even if they technically don’t. Their words cut cleanly through the noise. Their body language says, “I’m in control.” Their tone, pace, and timing are mastered tools — sharpened over time and deployed with precision.
They don’t waste time with ambiguity. They state. They direct. They declare.
Others may admire their clarity, and some may feel relieved that someone “took charge.” But beneath the confidence, a pattern often emerges: interruption, control, and a certain allergic reaction to being questioned.
The Tiger doesn’t always mean to silence others. But their power — even when used well — can intimidate. Their presence is commanding, but not always inclusive. And over time, people stop pushing back. Not because they agree — but because it’s just easier that way.
🦎 The Adaptive Chameleon
The Chameleon plays a different game.
They enter quietly, often unnoticed, and quickly assess the atmosphere. Who’s speaking the most? What mood is the manager in? Where is the wind blowing today?
Their strength is subtlety. They observe before they act. They adjust their vocabulary, posture, even their contribution style to fit the space — not to manipulate, but to stay safe, stay relevant, stay included.
They rarely speak first, but when they do, they mirror the tone of the group. They don't challenge authority—they harmonise with it. While this makes them excellent collaborators, it also makes them easy to overlook.
Because when they adapt so seamlessly, they sometimes vanish. Their camouflage protects them from conflict, but it can also cost them recognition, ownership, and even credit for their ideas.
🔍 The Reflection
The Tiger and the Chameleon represent two survival strategies — dominance and adaptability.
The Tiger claims visibility through presence, while the chameleon ensures safety through fluidity. Both are responses to competitive spaces, and both are shaped by the culture around them.
But power without permission can isolate. And adaptation without boundaries can erase.
So ask yourself: Are you taking up space that others can’t breathe in? Or blending in so much that no one remembers you were there?
And what would it take — not to shrink or dominate — but to be fully present, with room for others too?
📌 Did You Know?
Tigers are solitary predators known for their confidence and territorial dominance. They don’t share space easily, especially with other tigers. Their survival strategy is strength: commanding control over resources, territory, and attention.
Chameleons, on the other hand, are masters of adaptation. Their colour-changing ability isn’t just for camouflage — it’s also used for social signalling. But their subtlety, while brilliant, can render them invisible in fast-moving environments.
In the workplace, both instincts show up daily. And both carry risks if not balanced with self-awareness.
📚 References
Mead, D. (2019). Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know That Brilliant Machines Never Will
Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence
Zahavi, A. (1975). “Mate selection—A selection for a handicap.” Journal of Theoretical Biology
Harvard Business Review (2021). “The Problem with Dominant Voices in Teams”
Ibarra, H. (2015). Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader
