How Are You?

    One thing you get a lot of in dental practices is people.  And along with those people come personalities.  Lots of different personalities. When I say, "How are you?", I'm really wondering, what personality type you are and whether or not you're aware of how you are. Personality traits make people unique, but they also make them confusing to others.  Understanding personality types can help you get along better with your patients and co-workers.  Rather than being frustrated or wondering why someone is acting in a certain way, you can understand why they are different than you, and accept that they are different, but not necessarily wrong.  Knowing yourself might help you interact with others more effectively.
    Without this understanding, an extrovert might find an introvert to be a snob, while the more reserved person may find his outgoing co-worker to be an annoying loud mouth.  Realizing that they are just being who they are, may allow you to enjoy the difference and find ways to make it work for you. 
    We need all types to make a great team.  A person who feels comfortable taking action may help a thinker get going.  The thinker might save the action oriented person from jumping in too soon.  Look for the meaning behind the things you don't understand.  The worrier may just care a lot.  The indecisive staff member may just care very much about doing a good job. We all came to be the way we are from all the things we've been through.  It's worth it to take the time to care about how other people are.
    It's a matter of respect.  If you respect the other person, try to see things from their perspective and then make a decision that makes good things happen, you are using the best of everyone to achieve success. 
    Understanding personalities helps when you deal with your patients, as well.  You may have a patient that seems so pushy that no one can stand him.  When his name comes up on the schedule eyes roll and the groaning starts.  But, wait a minute.  Ask yourself, "How is he?"  Maybe he's a controller.  He wants to know everything you're doing and he may even want to tell you how to do it.  The guy has no dental background other than being a patient so how can he tell you how to do anything.  Take a minute and think about why he may be how he is.  He may be extremely nervous.  Telling you what to do and how to do it, may make him  feel like he's got some control.  If you listen and try to hear what he's whispering under all that shouting, you may be surprised to find yourself feeling compassion for him.  He may even become one of your favorite patients.  All because you took the time to find out how he is.