Improving your hospital’s internal communication

How personality tests can help

In a hospital setting, it’s likely you’re going to cross paths with people who act, think and behave differently than you. If you’re a healthcare marketer, especially, you’re interacting daily with physicians, patients and members of the C-suite who undoubtedly have distinct characteristics and behaviors.

Some of the most intelligent, thoughtful and intuitive people, however, have difficulty communicating with others who have contrasting personalities. This is particularly taxing in a work environment, in which communication is key to a successful relationship.

The DiSC Workplace Model is a tool our firm uses in order to improve communication with one another. Smith & Jones thrives off the agency’s diverse ecosystem, but our workplace is at its best when we connect with our co-workers effectively.

To put it simply, the DiSC model is a personality test that helps you understand yourself and others. The DiSC concept represents a range of normal human behaviors and perspectives, from outgoing and task-oriented to reserved and people-oriented. After taking the test you will learn more about yourself, and what you need to do in order to be more successful in your interactions with others.

Here’s how it works: After answering a series of questions, you’ll receive a DiSC Workplace Profile that’ll outline one or more of your personality traits such as dominance, influence, conscientiousness, and steadiness. Your personality traits are relative to your workplace behaviors, but also influenced by life experiences, education, and maturity.

Although analyzing your own profile is important, learning about your co-workers DiSC Styles can help you understand their priorities and how they may differ from your own. For example, if you fall into the dominance category that means you’re direct, results-oriented and forceful. You may clash with someone who falls into a steadiness category, which means they’re even-tempered, patient and humble. By learning how others are motivated and when they’re most productive, you can adapt your approach to them and avoid miscommunication or conflict.

Once put into practice, some people can figure out the DiSC profile of others without seeing their results. If you learn this ability and how to adapt like a chameleon, it will make you a rock star in terms of relating to others and super-charge your career.

Healthcare marketers are under pressure to create desirable brands, engage patients and justify ROI. Using the DiSC model is one way to alleviate stress and create a more sound and efficient work environment. Why not make it a team effort? Ask your colleagues to take this test and host a luncheon to go over results. Your reward will be the relationships you build after understanding each other better.