According to your answers to the Am I an Introvert? quiz, you’re on the left sight of the Extraversion–Introversion spectrum.
Which means… you’re an extrovert!
We listed below some of the innate traits of introverts and extroverts, there are more! If you identify that some introverts’ characteristics apply to you too, you’re probably an introverted extrovert or ambivert (as some people like to say)—somewhere close to the middle of the Extraversion–Introversion spectrum. We explained in the Extrovert Hero Journey section where these characteristics come from.
As scientific studies show, the differences between the brain chemistry and neural pathways of introverts and extroverts influence their behaviour, the way they perceive the world, and how they make decisions.
The Extraversion-Introversion spectrum is one of the four dimensions the MBTI® (Myers–Briggs Type Indicator) focuses on. An introspective self-report questionnaire well-known among psychologists, HR professionals, and consultants, MBTI® makes the theory of psychological types—described by the famous psychiatrist C. G. Jung—understandable and useful in people’s personal and professional lives.
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The Innate Traits
You’ll find below information about the innate traits of extroverts and introverts featured in the Am I an introvert? quiz, to better understand your extrovert characteristics compared to introvert’s.
• How they recharge when they have low energy
Being focused on the outside world, the extroverts get energized by talking to or being with people (even strangers). That’s why they’re at ease and active at large events, looking to talk to many people—while introverts get easily overwhelmed in such settings (which is often confused with being shy).
The introverts’ innate ability to observe both the inner and outer worlds has a direct impact on their energy level. Their very active mental activity consumes a lot of energy during this process, hence their preference for quiet environments with fewer stimuli after a meeting or when they need to recharge (being alone or in nature).
• Conversation starters
Starting a conversation with small talk comes naturally to extroverts, who use it as an icebreaker when they meet new people or before getting into deeper conversations (if there’s time and willingness to get to there).
Because of introverts’ preference for meaningful topics, they don’t enjoy small talk at the beginning of a conversation. Often they feel it as a waste of time, while more pressing and important topics need their attention or could be discussed. The extroverts’ predilection for small talk often makes introverts feel awkward, feeling a pressure to comply with external norms.
• Predilection for social interactions
There’s no secret: extroverts love social interactions and to be in the centre of attention. Since it energizes them, they want more. That’s why many refer to extroverts as “social butterflies.”
Contrary to the myth about introverts, they too feel the need to connect with others. However, they do it differently than extroverts: they prefer shorter conversations, one-on-one with people they go along well, and small group interactions (instead of large groups)—especially if the interactions are well-structured. When they become overwhelmed or their energy level is too low, introverts avoid social interactions.
• What it is… or… what could be?
With their focus on the external world, extroverts are prone to notice more what is, and what they can or can’t do in a specific situation. Not being able to connect with others in person during a lockdown, for example, could make them feel frustrated because they are deprived of their “source of energy.”
By tapping into their strategic thinking, introverts take a step further: while noticing the situation and what’s possible in the moment, they also look at where the situation could lead to, how to prevent or decrease the negative impact, what they can learn and how to make the most of the current situation.
• Complex projects
Extroverts prefer smaller, simpler projects to get faster to the results. They’re excellent at more action-oriented phases of a project, like implementing the Action Plan and the required improvements.
Introverts’ ability to deal with abstract concepts and complicated situations makes them prefer complex projects. Prone to observe, ponder and think strategically, introverts thrive in environments that allow them to use these abilities. Deep thinkers and creative (not necessarily art related), introverts have lots of ideas—hence their predilection for the Starting, Strategic Planning, and Analyzing phases of a project.
• Preferred way of communication
The shorter pathways for processing the information specific to extroverts’ brain allow them to communicate verbally quickly—which is why they prefer and excel in verbal communication.
For introverts, their longer brain pathways process information by going through the long-term memory, analyzing and making connections with other concepts, insights, and situations they’re familiar with. They prefer to either be given enough time to think before talking or—even better—allow them to use non-verbal forms of expression and communication: visuals (images, flowcharts), writing, facial expressions, gestures,… That’s why it is difficult for introverts to answer questions on the spot. The time their brain processes all the thoughts that cross their mind to formulate the answer could be perceived by external observers as leading to no answer, so they’ll move on (although they might be surprised by the quality of the introvert’s answer if given enough time).
• When they are with other people…
Extroverts’ ability to speak with ease and get energy by talking to others fuels their willingness to interact with people and their preference to become the center of attention in a group setting. That’s rewarding for them.
While for the introverts learning more, having deep conversations is more rewarding than being in the spotlight. Observing both the outside and their inner world, and looking for more information before interacting with others, the introverts are prone to listen more when they are with others. Being in the presence of people for some time also drains their energy so they might look for a way out (as a safety measure).
• If the basic needs are met, what’s more rewarding…
More pragmatic and straightforward, the extroverts don’t let emotions distract them. Action-oriented and loving to be in the spotlight, they love status, to take action, and a fast speed environment.
Introverts like to help others and contribute to meaningful causes. Big thinkers, they are deeply touched by what’s happening in the world and want to be part of creating a better future.
• Collaboration or competition
The action-oriented extrovert is energized and stimulated by a competitive environment. Focused on the outside world, getting a prize or a higher rank is rewarding and they might look forward to the next one.
Introverts perform better in a collaborative environment; the synergy it creates often stimulates their mind to come up with more ideas. Competition, with its required speed and pressure, is quite inhibitive for the sensitive introvert to flourish.
The Hero Journey
There is some confusion about extroversion and introversion since not everyone was exposed to or learned about this topic. While their personality traits are complementary, both introverts and extroverts are needed for a well-functioning world. It’s like the Yin-Yang concept: none is better than the other, they complement well and together they make a whole.
While there are people on each end of the Extraversion–Introversion spectrum, most of us—by the time we assess ourselves—we find that we are somewhere on the Extraversion-Introversion continuum scale (probably not at the extremes). The environment we grew up in, the experiences we’ve been through, and our interest in self-development made us acquire new skills (innaite to the opposite type)—which position us closer to the centre of the Extraversion-Introversion spectrum. It’s like going on the Extrovert Hero Journey! We’re a… work in progress!
Same for Introverts: the Introvert Hero Journey. We all tend to evolve, growth is not limited to childhood.
However, the new competencies we acquire will not eliminate our inner traits and needs related to introversion or extroversion. They will just add to our “life skills toolbox” to help us function better in this world. Going back to the Yin-Yang analogy: that little circle on the other side is growing in time due to the new competencies we develop, following our (unexpressed) desire to become a whole, a fully functioning human being.
We like the representation of the Hero’s Journey as a spiral. In the process of overcoming a challenge, we acquire new skills… useful in that situation and even after. We end up being transformed and ready to face new challenges—which, at their turn, help us learn something new about ourselves… so we continue to grow.
Depending on where we are on this spiral at a specific point in time, people might get confused. Someone who sees a confident speaker, a great leader, or even a person who enjoys a good discussion about an interesting topic, might think the person is an extrovert. However, that might be just the viewer’s assumption! Those people could be introverts passionate about those topics or the companies they represent, or feel good in that specific situation. What the outsider sees and labels as “extrovert behaviour” could actually be introverts’ passion or excitement for a meaningful cause fuelling their motivation and energy from inside.
Similar, if we notice someone meditating, taking time to evaluate what are the most important priorities, or walking alone in a park, we might think the person is an introvert—if we associate those actions with introversion. Again, our assumption might be wrong; what we see could also be an extrovert who realized the benefits of meditation, planning more wisely, or relaxing in nature… and wants to take advantage of such activities more often.
Those who identify in themselves characteristics corresponding to the other side of the Extraversion-Introversion spectrum, are those who are more advanced on their own Hero Journey. They already developed some competences that are innate to the other type, and are sometimes called introverted extrovert, extroverted introvert or ambivert. However, they still need to honour their own innate traits in order to live a fulfilling life. Otherwise, they’ll feel that something is missing. In extroverts’ case – connecting often with people, verbal communication, etc. While introverts could get burnout by not allowing themselves enough time to recharge after activities that consume their energy (those usually associated with extraversion).
Innate Traits Are Strengths!
The Introverts Academy considers that all our innate traits are actually strengths and aims to help:
- Introverts: to appreciate themselves, their strengths and talents… and leverage them more often. This will improve their lives and others. Focusing on inspiring and meaningful projects will help them tap into their inner power and get more energy for accomplishing what they set their mind on.
- Extroverts: to learn about and appreciate the strengths that come with introversion, and the introverts around them. They have a different way to express themselves and what they do. However, they’re also talented, smart, and worth getting to know better and appreciated (an environment that helps them open up more and thrive).
- Organizations: to appreciate both the introverts and extroverts from their workforce. Because they bring complementary skills and talents, equally valuable to help the organizations achieve their goals.
- At the systemic level: to create an environment that shows appreciation and encourages both extroverted and introverted behaviour. Their innate complementary strengths won’t go away by appreciating more only one type. Encouraging both to contribute—in their unique ways—will create the conditions for the societies to be more resilient and flourish.
Two Quick Questions
You might wonder: What should I do now with all this information?
We have two questions and a suggestion for you:
- Since you now know a little more about the differences between introversion and extraversion—and where you fit on the spectrum—what are you going to do with this increased awareness?
- How will you incorporate what you’ve learned into your day-to-day life to see improvements?
Now write down:
- At least one action you want to take based on what you’ve read
- By when you want to take that action
- And what you’ll do after you take it.
Otherwise, if you just move on to something else without taking action upon what you’ve learned, you’ll soon forget about it when you go back to your daily routine. New knowledge doesn’t automatically lead to better results… unless it’s followed by implementation!
More Introvert Strengths…
Click below to download a list of 30 Introvert Strengths if you’d like to learn about other introvert strengths (there are many more). And we’ll keep you updated about the Introverts Academy‘s new webinars, courses, group coaching, mastermind groups, and books… which you might be interested in (on the introverts you know).
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