There are different types of shape shifters that co-exist in the workplace.  There are people who become whoever you want them to be who lose themselves in the process and there are people who hold onto who they are and adapt to external requirements.

The first type of shape shifter wants to please the boss at all costs.  They can end up stepping on toes, carrying out instructions that appear to be questionable or they may appear to have no views of their own.   They often seem obsequious, bowing to every request.

Sometimes a shape shifter doesn't understand their own worth, more specifically, the value they bring to the team.  They are overly grateful for an opportunity and in this state of profound gratitude, their boundaries are eroded.

Shape shifters who are people pleasers can say what they think their coworkers or bosses want to hear.  So  conflicting information can surface because they change their position based on who they are talking to.  

The more strategic shape shifters may decide to please the boss or the influential people on the team because they are overly political, playing the "brown-nosing" game because they want to succeed. 

Any type of unhealthy shape shifting creates distrust among members of a team, compromising their productivity and morale.

Healthy shape shifting occurs when members of a team can express their true views and participate in changes that are aligned with who they are.  In cases where the changes are not fully aligned with their personal value systems, they can express their ideas and listen to others.  They willingly go along with the proposed changes after healthy discussions or debate.

One caution here...  If an employee is constantly having to accept changes that are not aligned with their personal value system,  even in an environment where it is safe to speak up, they may seek another work environment that is more aligned with their values or they can become intrinsically demotivated.

Healthy shape shifting is also connected with personal development.  Employees and leaders who invest in continuous personal improvement and who are able to apply the new knowledge in their work environment, are effective shape shifters.

Shape shifting can have positive or negative effects on a team whether it is healthy or not.  Use the wisdom of experiences to determine where and when it is appropriate.