The Practicon Viewpoint by Ann Page Griffin

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS

TOOLS TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT DRIVES EACH TEAM MEMBER

If you've been in practice over six months, you may agree with the observation that leading the dental team is one of the most challenging aspects of practice management. Each team member is motivated and stimulated by different drivers (hot-button likes and dislikes, needs and wants). Trying to meet the needs and preferences of a team of people can baffle the team leader unmercifully, leading to misunderstandings, poor communication, dissatisfaction among staff members, and sheer frustration for the dentist/team leader. On the other hand, understanding the different aspects of individual team members' drivers, personality, and interpersonal style can make leading the dental team a rewarding experience, resulting in increased harmony, efficiency, productivity, job performance, and professional enjoyment in the office.

The use of psychological assessments can alert the dentist/team leader to the various drivers that affect different personality types. In short, these assessments allow a dentist to customize motivational factors in the workplace to meet the needs of individuals in appropriate, effective ways. The more a leader knows about what motivates each team member and how he or she best communicates with others, the better the team will operate.

Two of the most widely used psychological assessments are the DiSC Profile and the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Either instrument is a valuable tool in managing a work group.

The DiSC Profile, published by Wiley, is a "non-judgmental tool used for discussion of people's behavioral differences." Over 1 million people per year use this tool to improve teamwork, communication, and productivity in the workplace. It allows individuals to better understand their own drivers (motivational factors), response to conflict, stressors, and problem solving skills. It strengthens working relationships and interpersonal communications, and increases understanding of the priorities and personality characteristics of co-workers. Additional information is available here.

The Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator is an instrument developed by a mother-daughter team of psychologists. "MBTI is a self-report inventory designed to identify a person's personality type, strengths, and preferences. It is the most widely used personality assessment test worldwide." Professional human relations specialists do not agree unanimously on its reliability, but, nevertheless, the MBTI is widely used in the business sector. You can read more about the MBTI here.

While both of these assessments can be self-administered with proper instruction, it is wise to bring in a consultant experienced in working with a group through completion of the instrument and its interpretation. I have experience with both assessments and can attest to their effectiveness in solving interpersonal problems within a work team. Either one is well worth the investment of money and time it will take to enrich and strengthen your dental team.

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