Understanding the personality types in your office

Difficulties can arise in an office, such as a chiropractic office, if the relationships between doctor, staff and patients are not harmonious. By examining the strengths and weaknesses of those involved, a more productive and peaceful office setting can be established. The Greek physician Hippocrates proposed that each person falls mainly into one of the four basic types of personality: sanguine, choleric, melancholy and phlegmatic. These classifications are still useful today. The sanguine person's main goal is fun; he works work hard and plays hard. These individuals do well working at the front desk, and typically would not enjoy entering data into a computer. The sanguine doctor really understands the healing power of laughter. If the patient is sanguine, he may have difficulty keeping appointments and may forget the doctor's orders; they are a great source of office referrals. The choleric person is an extrovert and has a strong need to control; he gets things done. These people make good office managers. A doctor with this personality may be a great leader or he may be too bossy. Choleric patients tend to be know-it-alls; they are excellent referral sources. The melancholy personality is introverted, loves to analyze, and organize. Staff members with this personality work well on computers, filing and organizing. The doctor who is melancholic runs a tight ship with a specific schedule; there may be little humor in the office. The melancholic patient takes everything seriously sometimes becoming hypochondriacal. Often illness can be traced to depression. The phlegmatic person is an introvert, cool, calm, sympathetic and kind. These types listen attentively and work well with patients. The doctor with phlegmatic personality often spends too much time with patients and is a poor organizer. The phlegmatic patient is sometimes lazy, and does not always follow orders. The patient may simply ignore the order; these personalities do not like confrontation. Understanding the personality types involved in the chiropractic office can improve its functioning. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)