Dentist as Introvert: How to Lead

The new generation of dentists are likely to be introverts.

What does that mean for you as you lead a DSO or dental practice?

It’s important to understand how ISTJ folks operate because failing to do so will only increase the misunderstandings and drama.  ISTJ stands for introversion, sensing, thinking and judging, according to the Myers Briggs personality assessment. Introversion is the tendency to focus inwardly over external things and to be more reflective, according to Carl Jung.

Let me share a few insights (which are generalizations, of course. People vary).  

• ISTJs tend to be good listeners.
• ISTJs tend to be good problem-solvers because they want to weigh all options.
• ISTJs deal in facts over feelings.  They need to see the receipts
• When it comes to conflict management, ISTJs favor directness, clarity, honesty and trustworthiness.  Your word should be bond because theirs will be.

How to you resolve a conflict with ISTJ?  

Come with the facts first, then the observable impact, then feelings.  Approach the conflict as an issue to be jointly resolved.

How to you lead a team with extroverts and introverts?

Accept individual differences.  Both introvert and extroverts bring something special to the party.

Leverage their strengths.  Extroverts do better with group activities, while introverts are better with independent tasks.

Create access for both. Send out agendas in advance and permit written responses for introverts who like time to process and want clarity before responding.  Plan group discussions where extroverts can think ‘out loud’ and get energized by the group.

Provide a confidential space for people to vent or share their experiences and get guidance. Consider an outsourced Ombuds program.

When you are intentional about meeting the needs of each group, you reap the benefits of a more effective answers.

Why did personalities change?

Dentists before 1981 tended to be extroverts, but according to a recent Journal of Dental Education article, the dominant personality trait, extroversion, has decreased from 17% to 9%. Introversion has risen to 28% of the current generation of dentists.

More dental students are likely to be ISTJ, introverted, sensing, thinking and judging according to the Myers Briggs personality assessment.The rise of technology and social media are the main reasons as students have access to more information and are accustomed to interacting digitally.  They do more research and weight factors before making a decision. This is the ‘look twice before you leap’ crowd.  

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Want to help your dental team function better?  I’m Dina, a Certified Organizational Ombuds. Let’s talk through your goals and how to achieve them.  Let's chat