Type
can be a lifeline for physicians who are constantly dealing with people issues
and have so little training or tools for how to do it. Even the most skeptical
INTP or ENTJ doctors end up grateful and excited.
These days many doctors feel overwhelmed. They make life and death decisions
every day. They are continuously pressured to see more patients and spend less
time with each. Little wonder they hesitate to spend time learning about type.
In my work with physicians, however, I have found they do accept type when it is presented in a way they can relate to. While my being an M.D. helps, of course, it is not so much the credential itself as the teaching approach I have developed that appeals to physicians. Here is what I have learned.
1. Be sure they know before the session why type is being used and how
it will be useful. Doctors have not been taught to value behavioral sciences or
self-introspection. So I try to gather data about the work situation before the
first group session. Then I can point out specific applications of type;
everything from how to get more accurate information from patients to how to
cover for each other more effectively. If I know what precipitated their asking
for help, for example conflicts in a department or the need to take on a
leadership position, then I can relate those factors to type. Also, after I
introduce a set of preferences, I ask, "Does this explain some of your
reactions to each other? To others?" Their responses provide the best
reasons for them to take type seriously.
2. Doctors are data oriented
so present type as data. Allude to the vast research behind the MBTI, the many
validated translations, the ongoing studies and the doctoral dissertations.
Mention that medical students were a major part of the original research. Show
them some of the data on how different types consistently choose different
specialties.
3. Present type
experientially so the physicians have data they can see with their own eyes.
Physicians are first and foremost scientists. You do an experiment, they have
the data, they can reach their own conclusions. Before even introducing type, I
have participants do an S/N exercise which requires them to describe something.
When they see with their own eyes how the type differences exist, they get
interested. Doctors love theory as long as they are allowed to wrestle with it
rather than have you tell them. They like to be challenged and they are
skeptical so welcome and manage that process. If the S/N exercise doesn't get
classic results, don't try to force fit. Just bring data from the same exercise
given to another medical group or ask, "Why do you think the data didn't
turn out exactly as the theory predicts?"
4. Use examples they can
relate to. Business examples don't help. One very dramatic example is
signing out - what information will the covering physician need? Intuitives tend
to say, "OK I have 8 patients in the hospital; here are the two to worry
about and here is what is wrong. If there is a problem, you can look up
additional information." That's the info they give and that is what they
want. But sensors will write everything on the sign out sheet - detailed
information on each patient with latest lab results and even room numbers. They
expect the same from another physician. Neither approach is wrong, but if you
are signing out to someone with the opposite preference, there can be lots of
frustration. Most doctors have experienced this, so it builds credibility for
type.
5. Don't push physicians to
endorse type heartily. Admit there is no definitive answer; even point out
the potential for new research. Physicians assume that no theory is perfect but
look for some validity and usefulness. If physicians see type as credible and
helpful, that is enough.
6. Use the right language
such as scientific terms like data or specific designations such as the
attending physician. This is easier for me to do as a physician but if you don't
know the term, just ask the group. They will respect your desire for precision.
7. Give your credentials.
Ideally this includes graduate degrees, but also helpful are years working with
type, qualification certificates, and some link with health care. Even if the
link is something as banal as having been in the hospital, you can gain
credibility by using professional language to describe what you saw about type
in that setting.
Patricia Williams, M. D., ENFJ, is a former family practice physician who consults in organizational development and is an associate with Otto Kroeger Associates.