Just Two Minutes: What’s Your Type?

Bite-sized dental wisdom in under 2 minutes.

Let’s talk about personality tests. Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, DISC profiles, everyone loves to ask, “What’s your type?” And I get it. It’s fun to find out if you’re a “visionary,” a “reformer,” or whatever label is trending. But does knowing you’re an INFJ, Type 7, or “high D” really make a difference in how you handle life, business, or the next curveball?

For years, everyone (myself included) called me an introvert. So, when I started my practice, I assumed I needed to “become” extroverted to connect with patients, win them over, and discuss treatment in a way that got them to say yes. I spent a lot of time figuring out how to act like an extrovert, thinking that was the magic key.

But as it turns out, it wasn’t about forcing myself into a personality mold. It was about being what each situation required. Some days, that meant being the upbeat dentist who had to make patients feel at ease and confident about treatment. My case acceptance relied on it, and in a startup, every “yes” counts. I learned quickly that my “type” wasn’t relevant…what mattered was my ability to adapt.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being boxed in. People love labels because it gives them an identity. But here’s the thing: labels are limiting. Once you’ve boxed yourself into being “the analytical type” or “the creative,” you end up with an excuse for why you do or don’t do things. “Oh, I’m just a perfectionist,” “I’m not naturally a leader,” or “I’m too detail-oriented to be spontaneous.” Sound familiar?

There’s a danger in overthinking “who you are” instead of just focusing on what you need to get done. Instead of obsessing over whether something “fits your type,” just ask yourself: Is this action going to get me closer to my goal? If yes, great. If no, move on. You’re not a type, you’re the sum of the actions you take.

Look, I’m not saying there’s zero value in personality tests. They’re fun and might give a bit of insight into why you do certain things. But don’t let them define you. The best business decisions come from ignoring the labels and adapting based on what’s needed, not based on who a test says you “should” be.

Quick Takeaways:

1. Labels Are Limiting. If you start thinking you’re a “type,” you’ll make decisions to fit that mold. That’s no way to grow.

2. Be Whatever the Situation Requires. Forget the box - just focus on what’s required. Need to close a case? Be the upbeat, outgoing one, even if it’s not “you.”

3. Act on Goals, Not Labels. Ask yourself if a decision moves you closer to where you want to be. Labels won’t help you get there; actions will.

4. Have Fun with It. Sure, take the test for laughs, but don’t let it dictate how you work, lead, or live.

-Dr. Alex

P.S. Studies say introverts make 28% better leaders. So maybe all that “quiet kid in the corner” energy was just compounding.