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Extrovert to introvert


10 Signs You're an 'Extroverted' Introvert

Although you find relationships deeply fulfilling, unlike a true extrovert, you don’t have the energy to maintain a large social network.

At times, when you read about what introversion means, you feel like someone is spying on your life. Yes, you love being alone. You hate making shallow small talk. Spending too much time socializing with other people leaves you feeling drained, irritable, and sometimes even physically unwell (a.k.a. the introvert hangover).

Yet other aspects of introversion don’t resonate with you at all. You have plenty of friends. You enjoy meeting new people. Even though you prefer meaningful conversation, you’re actually pretty good at making light chitchat.

So are you really an introvert?

What Is an ‘Extroverted’ Introvert?

Enter the “extroverted” introvert.

The extroverted introvert is known by many names. Some call it the “outgoing introvert” or the “social introvert. ” Others argue that this personality represents ambiversion, which is a combination of both introversion and extroversion.

So what does “extroverted introvert” really mean?

The thing to understand about introversion is that it is not an all-or-nothing trait. Even Carl Jung, the famous psychiatrist who introduced the concept of introversion/extroversion, said there is no such thing as a “pure” introvert or extrovert. Really, we all act introverted at times and extroverted at other times, depending on the circumstances, our goals, and our energy levels.

So, instead of thinking of ourselves as pure introverts or extroverts, we should think of ourselves as falling somewhere on the introversion/extroversion spectrum. Some of us will fall closer to the far ends, meaning we are very introverted or very extroverted. Most of us will fall closer to the middle, giving us qualities of both introversion and extroversion.

If you think of yourself as an extroverted introvert, it probably means you’re an introvert at heart — but you may be more outgoing than other introverts because your personality falls closer to the middle of the spectrum.

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Signs You’re an ‘Extroverted Introvert’

Are you an extroverted introvert? If so, you’ll recognize yourself in these 10 signs.

1. Your energy level is closely tied to your environment.

You’re sensitive to your surroundings. To you, it matters how your environment looks, what kind of music is playing, how many people are present, the noise level, etc.. The ambiance of a place can either energize or drain you, depending on whether it fits your preferences. A loud rock concert in a crowded stadium might be overwhelming, but an up-close-and-personal acoustic set at your favorite club is soothing.

2. You find people to be both intriguing and exhausting.

People watching? Yes. Meeting new people and hearing their life stories? Fascinating. Spending almost every night hanging out with friends? Not a chance. Outgoing introverts enjoy meeting new people but can only endure so much socializing. After a busy weekend or a long day at work, you may feel the need to disappear and recharge by spending time alone or with just one other person.

3. Certain people and interactions drain you while others recharge you.

You have a few friends who you could hang out with for practically forever. It seems like you never run out of things to talk about. Being with them is easy. You actually feel better after spending time with them, not drained — and you act pretty outgoing around them. Other people tire or bore you quickly and you need to get away fast. For you, being alone is better than settling for second-rate company.

4. You can be charming but also deeply introspective and reflective.

You can make small talk when it’s expected of you, like at your child’s parent-teacher conference or when meeting a new coworker. You also know that small talk can lead to deeper, more authentic conversation. People tend to feel comfortable around you, because you read others well, and you also have a knack for getting others talking and opening up about themselves. When you’re out with friends, you might be the person in the group who makes sure that everyone’s having a good time. However, most people don’t realize how “in your head” you really are. Although you appear social and lighthearted, your mind is always running behind the scenes.

5. When you feel rested and recharged, you reach out to others.

You’re often the one who organizes social events for others. Playing the host is ideal for the extroverted introvert because it allows you to spend time with people — but on your own terms. However, when you run out of energy, you’re out, and like a true introvert, all you want to do is hibernate at home.

6. You need time to warm up in social situations.

Your first impression often belies your real personality. At first, you come across as quiet and reserved. But once you feel comfortable around the person, you have no trouble chatting. No, you won’t spill your entire life story or divulge your insecurities to someone you’ve just met, but you will reveal intimate details once trust has built up. The better someone gets to know you, the more “extroverted” you seem.

7. It actually takes less energy to say what’s on your mind than to make small talk.

True extroverts rarely struggle with what to say. It’s easy from them to shoot from the hip and make chitchat about almost any topic. But not so for most introverts. Many introverts find it difficult to force small talk. They’d rather talk about big ideas or connect in an honest, authentic way. This is especially true of extroverted introverts. It’s far easier for them to say what’s on their mind than to fake a rousing discussion about the weather.

Do you ever struggle to know what to say?

As an introvert, you actually have the ability to be an amazing conversationalist — even if you’re quiet and hate small talk. To learn how, we recommend this online course from our partner Michaela Chung. Click here to check out the Introvert Conversation Genius course.

8. You’re selectively social.

Although you find relationships deeply fulfilling, unlike a true extrovert, you don’t have the energy to maintain a large social network. Plus, you don’t click with just anybody. So you make your limited “people” energy count by investing it into just a few close relationships.

9. You have no interest in trying to prove yourself in a crowd of strangers.

At networking events or parties, you’re not someone who “works the room.” Nor do you feel the need to draw a lot of attention to yourself in social situations. Yes, you see the value in making connections with others, and you especially love those rare moments when you meet a like-minded soul. But you’ll probably never be the most popular person in the room — and you’re okay with that fact.

10. You’re often confused for an extrovert.

Your friends and family don’t believe that you’re an introvert because you’re just so social. In fact, it may have taken you a while to realize that you’re an introvert, because you play the extrovert so well. Now you find yourself constantly having to explain your introversion and how you get your energy. Unfortunately, most people don’t get it.

Keep in mind that there’s no wrong way to do introversion. You can be outgoing and still be an introvert. It’s all about understanding your needs and honoring your own style, even if that means being the life of the party one night and then binge watching Netflix alone the next night.

You might like:

  • 25 Illustrations That Perfectly Capture the Joy of Living Alone as an Introvert
  • 12 Things Introverts Absolutely Need to Be Happy
  • Why Introverts Absolutely Loathe Talking on the Phone
  • 13 ‘Rules’ for Being Friends With an Introvert
  • 15 Signs That You’re an Introvert With High-Functioning Anxiety

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What Is An Introverted Extrovert? 12 Signs & Tips To Thrive

What is an introverted extrovert?

The introverted extrovert is a type of ambivert that's grounded in the extrovert side of the spectrum but combines personality traits of both an extrovert and introvert. An introverted extrovert is someone who is energized by being around people but can start to become depleted when around people for too long and still will crave alone time to recharge, much like an introvert.

Although personalities start to form in early life, various life experiences can shift your personality. So if you're an introverted extrovert, you are likely an extrovert at your core that taps into introverted tendencies depending on your environment.

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Signs of an introverted extrovert.

Here are a few signs that you might be an introverted extrovert:

1.

You host then ghost.

Introverted extroverts can focus all their extroverted energy at a party, a work event, or a social gathering to connect with other people and then may need deep rest to recharge. Cynthia M.A. Siadat, LCSW, has seen in her practice that introverted extroverts "are friendly and solid conversationalists but seem to disappear from their friends' radar from time to time." 

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2.

You like to be around people sometimes and be alone other times.

Context can play a role in bringing out certain parts of the introverted extrovert personality traits. If you are experiencing a challenging time in life, you may be called to spend more time reflecting on your own. If everything is going your way and you feel like you're thriving, you may feel compelled to share this energy with others. Also consider the other letters in your Myers Briggs-Type Indicator (MBTI) type, such as the S for Sensing or N for Intuition. These point to ways in which you move through your environment.

3.

You're a leader who shies away from the limelight.

In leadership roles, the introverted extrovert can lead teams and work well with others, but when praised for their work, they may deflect and refocus the attention to their team. For example, you may receive an award at work but quickly turn the attention to your team and might sometimes downplay your contribution.

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4.

 You have meaningful conversations in person but don't answer texts or emails in the same way.

Introverted extroverts tend to have deep conversations giving their friends and family undivided focus and attention when they're in the same room but are hard to reach over the phone. You may really enjoy someone's company over dinner but then need to recharge on your own after dinner, disconnected from your phone for a bit.

5.

You love to help others but have difficulty accepting help for yourself.

Siadat says her clients who are introverted extroverts show others a ton of care but experience difficulty when receiving the same attention. This can look like offering help to those in need but rejecting help from others.

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Introverted extrovert vs. extroverted introvert.

Introverted extrovert sounds similar to extroverted introvert, but there is a key difference.

Siadat explains that an introverted extrovert is a person who:

  • At baseline is sociable 
  • Experiences the occasional need to recharge by themselves

The extroverted introvert, on the other hand:

  • At baseline is drawn to solo time 
  • On occasion craves social interactions with others

The key is your internal experience as a core extrovert or a core introvert. This is rarely noticeable by others, which is more reason to connect more deeply to yourself.

Introverted extrovert vs. ambivert.

Whether you identify as an introverted extrovert or an extroverted introvert, you're by definition, an ambivert. The word "ambivert" contains the Latin prefix ambi which means "on both sides." So a person who is an ambivert can switch into their introvert or extrovert tendencies to navigate the situations they're in.

"Almost all of us are ambiverts to some degree," psychotherapist Ken Page, LCSW, previously told mbg. Having the ability to tap into both sides of the spectrum is beneficial and can lead to a deeper sense of self-knowledge. "It's a gift to have this balance," Page says, "but that makes it all the more important to be connected to our feelings and what actually feels good for us in the moment."

How to thrive as an introverted extrovert:

1.

Accept your complexity.

When the concepts of introversion and extroversion were first introduced by psychologist Carl Jung in the 1920s, he used them to refer to how people consistently respond to their environment. At the time, Jung argued that the extrovert personality was more favorable, which has stuck around in our popular culture.

But there is no reason to shy away from being any shade of introvert. A 2017 paper1 published in the Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences emphasizes that personality traits do not measure your social capacities and instead point to how a person needs to recharge and re-energize. If you're out enjoying yourself at your friend's birthday party surrounded by a hundred people and then you start feeling drained, try not to feel guilty. It's just a sign that your introversion needs some attention. Your body might be telling you it's time to go home and rest.

2.

Learn your responses to different environments. 

The oscillation between introvert and extrovert energy can appear extreme to people on the outside, so it's important for you to stay aligned with your needs as an introverted extrovert. A good learning experiment is to immerse yourself in various settings and get really good at determining what brings you energy and why. Does your partner coax out your goofy extroversion? Does your meditation class recharge you with silence? Getting to know how you respond to specific settings will help you learn about yourself on a deeper level.

3.

Find work that utilizes both skill sets as an introvert and an extrovert.

A big plus of being an introverted extrovert is that you are able to relate to more people. Because of this, more of the world can open up to you. A 2013 study by organizational psychologist Adam Grant, Ph.D., highlights the benefits of being an ambivert like an introverted extrovert. Since you tap into both kinds of personalities, you are able to connect to more people. Grant studied salespeople who identified as ambiverts and found "they naturally engage in a flexible pattern of talking and listening." For example, "Ambiverts are likely to express sufficient assertiveness and enthusiasm to persuade and close a sale but are more inclined to listen to customers' interests and less vulnerable to appearing too excited or overconfident. " Finding work that utilizes your introverted extrovert strengths will benefit everyone involved.

4.

Be flexible with yourself.

Personality traits can change over a lifetime. "You'll want to be careful to avoid comparing yourself to others or former versions of yourself," Siadat notes. "Common phrases you might hear are 'Well, I used to be SO social.' While that may have been true before, you are a completely different person today than you were last year with new information and experiences."

Change is uncomfortable, and recognizing this can bring up some resistance. But staying present and connecting with yourself as you are today can help you navigate your life more authentically.

5.

Practice communicating your needs.

Introversion and extroversion are personality traits that indicate how you need to recharge your energy. Being able to identify and communicate what you need to maintain your equilibrium will help you and those around you. "People who [are] introverted also need to be very much aware of protecting themselves against overstimulation and burnout," Page says.

6.

Identify who gives you energy.

Whether it is in person or virtually, some people are more compatible with your energy needs. Once you become aware of your energy levels, you may notice that some people deplete your energy while others reinvigorate your energy. "Loved ones come in all shapes and sizes with varying levels of emotional safety," says Siadat. "Just because you love them or they love you doesn't determine whether they have access to you or not." As an introverted extrovert, be mindful of who you spend your energy with.

7.

You are the expert on you.

Since the core of who you are is based on your internal experience, you are the expert of you. You can research and learn from experts in psychology and behavioral science, but you are the only person who knows what's right for you and your internal world.

The takeaway.

Various personality tests can help point you in the right direction, but ultimately it's up to you to take time to learn about all the things that make you unmistakably you. You might find that the flexibility of being an introverted extrovert is freeing. You can empathize with a broader spectrum of perspectives, making connections with people who are both introverted and extroverted. You might also find being an introverted extrovert can be confusing at times. But like with all self-learning, allow your life to speak to you and respond with your best tools.

what personality types are and how they differ, who are ambiverts

Many people think that an introvert and an extrovert are just two sides of the same coin. Will you stay at home on Friday night or meet up with friends? Will you be the center of attention or away from the spotlights? In fact, a person is not white or black, there are no pure types in psychology, experts assure. There are people, for example, very tall or short, but most strive for average values. So it is with extroversion. This is just one of the five main personality traits (openness to new things, conscientiousness, pleasantness, neuroticism), so it cannot completely determine our behavior. Let's take a closer look at what introvert and extrovert mean. nine0003

Vita Zorina

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Psychology of communication

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extrovert

The famous psychiatrist Carl Jung at the beginning of the 20th century identified types of people - extroverts and introverts. In psychology, this distinction became convenient and popular, and over time began to be used to define a person in ordinary life. Knowing who you belong to, it is easier to understand yourself and choose a circle of friends. Sometimes it seems to us that the world is ruled and dominated by extroverts. Although in reality, they can simply make themselves louder, making more noise. But is the gap really that deep between an introvert and an extrovert? Do the former really need help and support in order to develop their own talents and not remain on the margins? nine0003

Everything is not as categorical as it seems at first glance. Yes, open and closed people exist. But there are many examples when an extrovert and an introvert behave in unexpected ways, because each person throughout life demonstrates flexibility and opens up from different angles. And in these categories there is a place for the golden mean. We will talk about it and the main opposites from the point of view of psychology below.

What does introverted personality type mean? The tendency to introversion is manifested if you like to spend time alone with yourself, your thoughts and ideas. If you do not know how to determine whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, try to find the following main features in yourself. They are characteristic of those who prefer to isolate themselves from the outside world more often. nine0003

  • love of being alone;
  • unwillingness to be the center of attention;
  • one-on-one preference;
  • first think, then do;
  • recovery alone;
  • work in a quiet independent environment;
  • secrecy.

There is a big difference between introversion and shyness. Shy people are often also afraid of what others will think of them, while introverts do not have negative emotions and such fears. nine0003

Just because introverts don't like big groups doesn't mean they can't make friends and relationships. In this sense, they are almost no different from extroverts. In addition, they can make great careers simply by sticking to roles that are likely to be lonely: accounting, engineering, writing, driving trucks, etc.

The main difference between an introvert and an extrovert is the desire to focus more often on their own feelings and thoughts . They are characterized by a greater concentration than representatives of the opposite camp. It is unfair to call them socially isolated, selfish or unhappy people. nine0003

Introverts also desire to communicate, show feelings, and care for others. But the difference is that an introvert will do all this with more restraint, "impartiality" than an extrovert. So the talk that people who are less generous with emotions love order too much, are sensitive to negativity, or are “on their own minds” are also groundless. These are already other characteristics, from the category of neuroticism.

How an extroverted personality type manifests itself

It is difficult to blame anyone for being passive or loving solitude, but this is an extrovert. He just needs to draw strength from external sources. To shine and find grateful listeners in the society is about them. Hence the significant differences: an extrovert knows how to present himself, and an introvert, no matter how smart and educated, is not always capable of this. nine0003

Such people direct their energy outwards - to other people and the realization of their ideas. We have looked at personality types in which an introvert manifests itself, and you can compare the main traits with an extrovert.

  • many acquaintances and friends;
  • love of attention;
  • fast decision making;
  • getting energy from being among people;
  • enthusiasm and positive attitude;
  • work in a team or group.

Extroverts tend to get more support from other people when they find themselves in difficult situations. And in general, there is a stereotype that society loves extroverts more, so they more often become leaders and choose sales, marketing, PR and other areas where communication with people is important. nine0003

It is important to remember that this is only one of the characteristics. And there is a big difference between a pleasant introvert and a rude extrovert.

By the way, people often talk about introverts as being too sensitive, unlike extroverts. The latter, they say, go through life easier and are not led to mental troubles. American psychologist and researcher Elaine Eyron has carefully studied the issue of sensitivity and came to curious conclusions. In particular, the writer noticed that Jung singled out in extroverts a love of risk, the ability to enter into a conversation without a shadow of a doubt and speak their mind. In his opinion, introverts are completely incapable of these feats. nine0003

And Elaine Ayron believes that about a third of highly sensitive people can be called extroverts. She singled out the concept of "social extrovert", which differs from Jung's introvert in that the former easily make acquaintances and feel confident in crowded places. Otherwise, they are even similar.

The definition of introvert and extrovert can help leaders and managers when working with employees. In particular, when issuing orders. It will be more difficult for an extrovert to cope with a task that requires perseverance and attention to detail. And it is desirable to encourage the initiative of introverts, not allowing extroverts to become "irritants" in the team. nine0003

Despite the fact that the extrovert and introvert have significant differences, they are able to get along in the same unit of society. You probably noticed in the company a ringleader and a “quiet woman”, in a pair a more impulsive spouse and her “obedient” husband, and so on. They find compromises and interact with the whole world, and not just representatives of their "clan".

An introvert and an extrovert at the same time: an ambivert type

As soon as a friend refrains from a verbose conversation or wants to read a book alone on the weekend, you involuntarily begin to write him down as an introvert. Labels are always easier to attach. So there is a feeling that the person was able to “bite through”, which means it will be easier to build an appropriate relationship with him. But you should know that there are not only extrovert and introvert, but also other concepts. nine0003

Introverts and extroverts view pleasure differently. Their source for this is different. For one, this is a quiet rest, and for the other, being in the center of attention. But if after a noisy party there comes a desire to sit alone, this is the golden mean. The ambivert is the bridge between the introvert and the extrovert, containing the qualities of both. Psychologists believe that it is mixed personality types that prevail. Barry Smith, professor emeritus and director of the Laboratory of Human Psychophysiology at the University of Maryland, claims that ambiverts make up 68% of the total population. nine0003

Thanks to this view, we understand that not everything is so simple in the psychological portraits of people. Ambiver is the middle between the introvert and extrovert, it has its features:

  • Flexibility in communication
  • The ability to appreciate the charms of loneliness
  • The desire to be published (dosed)
  • ability to adapt to situation
  • A good listener and an orator

They took the best from two fronts, combining the character of an introvert and an extrovert. According to psychologists, ambiverts become worthy managers because they show leadership qualities and remain reasonable, able to stop and delve into issues. They are equally comfortable shining in society and secluded from prying eyes. nine0003

Indiana State University Shyness Research Institute Director Bernardo Carducci believes that the prevalence of introversion and extraversion is strongly influenced by genetics. The cross between an extrovert and an introvert - ambiversion - is also a hereditary tendency, not an acquired one.

How to know if you are an introvert, extrovert or ambivert

Most people are in the middle of the extroversion scale. This means that an introvert and an extrovert in their absolute form are extremely rare. And this is very good. Everyone has their own temperament, which reveals our emotionality to one degree or another, reflects actions. But this is only one of the puzzles of the multifaceted nature of man. nine0003

Extroverts and introverts, whose characteristics should not be reduced to the peremptory "open soul" and "lone wolf", can actually make friends. To do this, it is enough to mark the boundaries and build a dialogue.

There are many tests to determine your type, but they are of little importance and should not determine your life as the ultimate truth. Experts believe that one cannot forcibly change one's personality by stepping on one's own throat. But with a signal to leave the comfort zone, everyone can show and develop the necessary qualities. Therefore, the difference between an introvert and an extrovert is the same as between all people - there is a common thing, but individuality always comes first. nine0003

We briefly reviewed the concepts of extrovert and introvert, but it's like a horoscope - a conditional division, common points, but you can't treat everyone with the same brush. It doesn't matter if there are two people nearby or a hundred. It is much more important to cultivate positive personal qualities in oneself!

Extrovert: who is it, signs, difference with introverts

Dividing people into extroverts and introverts began about 100 years ago. We tell you who an extrovert is, what are its disadvantages and advantages, and how such a person can succeed in a career

Who is an extrovert

An extrovert is a sociable, expressive person with an active social position. His experiences and interests are directed to the outside world. Extroverts meet most of their needs through interaction with people. So they replenish energy, receive information and rest.

Extraversion is one of the main personality parameters. This is evidenced by the five-factor model of personality - the "Big Five". According to this theory, personality consists of five main dimensions: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotionality, openness. Each of them has two poles. For example, extraversion is the opposite of introversion. Some people may lean towards one particular extreme, but most fall somewhere in between. In modern psychology, experts don't divide people into extroverts and introverts. According to research, each of us has traits of both personality types. nine0003

The history of the concept

The division of people into introverts and extroverts, as well as the terms "extroversion" and "introversion" was first proposed by the German scientist Carl Jung in the 1920s. According to Jung, extraversion is a behavioral type, and an extrovert person concentrates his interests on society. Introversion, on the other hand, is characterized by a focus on one's own thoughts and feelings.

As early as 1923, Jung recognized the existence of a third type, ambiversity, but did not include it in his typology of intro-extraversion. Carl Jung typed people in the direction of their life energy - libido. So, for extroverts, attention and pleasure is directed to objects, and for introverts, personal experience and subjective experiences are of paramount importance. nine0003

Jung's research was subsequently developed by the German-British psychologist Hans Eysenck. He developed his own three-factor theory of personality, in which he singled out three main personality dimensions. One of them is "introversion-extroversion". Eysenck argued that a person directs energy inward or outward - on other people, which determines the type of personality.

It is generally accepted that there are more extroverts in the world than introverts, but there are no exact statistics. Psychologists suggest that extroverts are more often "in sight", hence the conclusion that there are more of them. But adapted introverts can easily behave like extroverts. nine0003

Barry Smith, director of the Human Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of Maryland, says that 68% of the world's population are ambiverts. Such people combine the traits of extraversion and introversion.

Signs of an extravert

American psychologists identify such signs of extraversion as:

  • the need to communicate regularly;
  • love of public speaking;
  • habit of speaking without thinking;
  • feeling of discomfort in silence; nine0028
  • love for noisy companies;
  • pronounced leadership qualities;
  • desire to please everyone;
  • desire to always be in the spotlight;
  • the pleasure of working in a team;
  • the ability to talk about one's feelings;
  • the presence of a wide circle of communication.

In 2015, American experts described two types of extroverts:

Agentive extroverts are persistent, purposeful, stubborn people. They care about career and personal success. nine0003

  • At work . They occupy leadership positions. They take on maximum responsibility, but do not always rationally distribute forces. Such people are able to quickly navigate and make decisions, but rarely think through steps ahead. It lacks patience and perseverance.
  • Alone . It is difficult for agentive extroverts to sit still, as their nature requires constant dynamics, new emotions and victories. It is important for such people to feel that something is happening around them. nine0028
  • In the circle of close people. Openly share emotions and experiences.
  • With strangers. Grab attention due to self-confidence. Becoming the leader of a group of strangers is a challenge for such people. An extrovert does not get tired of constantly being with someone, on the contrary, for him it is a comfortable environment.

Affiliative extroverts or "social butterflies". For these people, communication is the most important thing. Affiliative extroverts easily establish contact with people, they tend to have many friends and acquaintances. Among the main values ​​for this type of people are warm relationships. nine0003

  • At work. Team players. The best option for them is if the work is related to communication: many meetings and calls, business trips; responsibilities include organizational tasks and supervision of team members. For affiliative extroverts, the microclimate in the team is especially important.
  • Alone with yourself. Feel discomfort. In this they are similar to agentive extroverts - they restore energy through communication with people.
  • In the circle of close people. nine0176 They try to build trusting relationships. Do not be afraid to talk about feelings and experiences. This is influenced by their main priority - high-quality communication.
  • With strangers. Quickly find a common language due to openness and sociability.

Pros and cons of extraversion

Extraversion helps in building a career, but it also has a negative impact on everyday life and communication with people. This was found out by American researchers during a survey in 2012. They compiled a general list of the pros and cons of extraversion. nine0003

Pros

  • Perseverance. The ability to achieve what you want even in difficult circumstances.
  • Self-confidence. This quality helps to start a conversation with strangers or people of higher status.
  • Flexible thinking. Quickly navigate and adapt to new circumstances - the routine of an extrovert. Without this, a person of this type can get bored.
  • Ability to make quick decisions. But this advantage has a downside - the decision will be rash. A typical extrovert does not like to think about something for a long time, weigh the pros and cons and find the most suitable option. He just knows how to make decisions quickly. nine0028
  • Openness.
  • Ability to communicate.
  • Potential for quality public speaking.
  • The ability to switch quickly.
  • Ability to grasp on the fly.

Cons

  • Obsession. Excessive persistence can turn into a significant disadvantage.
  • Selfishness turning into narcissism. An extrovert always wants to be the center of attention. He is interested in leading the process and eventually receiving praise. This can grow into hypertrophied vanity. nine0028
  • Restlessness.
  • Inability to plan.
  • Tendency to not see things through to the end. The reverse side of the ability to quickly switch from one task to another.
  • Forgetfulness.
  • Distracted attention.
  • Tendency to quickly change interests and priorities.

The difference between an extrovert and an introvert

An introvert is a person who tends to accumulate energy within himself. He chooses solitude and creation, concentrates on his own interests and intentions. Communication is not a priority for an introvert. nine0003

Colin DeYoung, a psychologist at the University of Minnesota, described the differences in the brains of extroverts and introverts. He found that extroverts have a more active dopamine reward system, so they need constant stimulation from the outside. That activity that brings pleasure to the extrovert and helps to satisfy the needs, the introvert irritates, and sometimes depresses. Differences in the work of the reward system lead to the fact that introverts are the least prone to sociability and an active lifestyle. But they have a more “quiet” neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, that works faster. He is responsible for all human movements. Acetylcholine brings the brain out of a state of rest when it is necessary to act, and vice versa, inhibits the transmission of impulses when it is time to concentrate. nine0003

Other American researchers use the term "adventurism gene". Extroverts are distinguished by the desire to get new experiences. For an introvert, on the contrary, interaction with people, activity, quickly turns into overexcitation and fatigue. Therefore, unlike extroverts, they are less prone to sociability and an active lifestyle.

To determine what type of personality you have, take the TED test (or this one in Russian, but you have to answer more than 200 questions). And with the help of the Myers-Briggs indicator, you can more specifically determine your personality type and strengths. nine0003

Is it possible to change your personality type?

Susan Kane in the book Introverts. How to use the features of your character "writes:" Introversion and extraversion are formed in the first months of life or even during pregnancy. By the age of four months, a baby can most likely be assigned to one of two groups. Genetics play a significant role in determining personality, but people can become more or less extroverted.

To develop extraversion , researchers offer to participate in interest clubs or engage in favorite hobbies in a group. So it will be possible to expand the circle of communication and interests, make new acquaintances and improve communication skills with each lesson.

To reduce extraversion, scientists recommend practicing meditation to give yourself the opportunity to focus on your own thoughts and feelings. It pays to spend more time alone. Walk in nature, read, cook and eat alone, reflect. The bridge from extrovert to introvert is journaling. Writing allows you to better understand your own feelings. nine0003

How to raise an extroverted child?

Psychotherapist and communication trainer Ivan Pritulyak notes that extroverted teens are prone to aggressive behavior and disregard for social norms. This is accompanied by complex and strong emotions of the child. The expert recommends talking to children about how they feel and why they may behave aggressively. Every day a child experiences a full range of feelings. For the development of a healthy psyche, this entire spectrum must be recognized and experienced. nine0003

“It is highly likely that introverted parents will have an extroverted child. In this case, parents should try to maintain their peace of mind and not move away from the child, ”says Pritulyak.

Introverts are good listeners. It is important for extroverts to discuss what is in their hearts, to experience emotions. “An introverted parent is able to build a trusting and close relationship with an extroverted child by listening. The child will say everything himself, ”adds Pritulyak. He should be able to communicate when and with whom he wants - ask a stranger about something on the bus or say hello to neighbors. Such communication can confuse an introverted parent, but it is enough to ensure that communication does not threaten or harm the child. It is also important to provide extroverted children with regular physical activity. Such a child needs to expend energy, and not accumulate it in himself. nine0003

Where is it better to work for an extrovert?

It is important for an extrovert to find a place where the hierarchy levels are clearly defined in order to methodically rise to a managerial position. According to Russian psychological studies of pedagogy, our social role depends, among other things, on the type of personality. The need for frequent communication directs the extrovert to work in areas where it is necessary to contact people.

Jobs for extroverts:

  • HR specialist. nine0176 For the typical extrovert, this is the perfect job. For a recruiting manager, every working day consists of communicating with dozens of job seekers.
  • Journalist. The applicant must be, first of all, sociable. Extroverts have good potential for building social connections.
  • Teacher. Being the center of attention is the most comfortable state for an extrovert. This is one of the tasks of the teacher - to keep the attention of students. And each lesson is a small public performance. nine0028
  • Tour guide. He should become an interlocutor for a dozen tourists. In addition to the fact that you need to establish a dialogue with the group, the guide should be the center of attention throughout the tour, giving information about the sights. It's also a kind of public speaking.
  • Sales manager. Its main task is to interest a potential buyer. This is not only the art of communication, but also the ability to convince.
  • Event leader. nine0176 Such work can leave psychological trauma if a person is not ready for a long public speaking. In addition, the presenter must constantly stir up the interest of the audience and keep its attention on himself.

Find out if you can find a job and build a career according to your temperament and personality type, read here.

Is an extrovert a bad leader?

The leader must be sociable, self-confident, energetic and active. However, scientists from Harvard, Stanford and the University of Chicago found the opposite. Their research shows that introverts perform best in leadership positions because they:

  • think over their words and decisions, which prevents them from taking rash actions;
  • are good listeners. An extrovert often ignores opinion from the outside and makes a personal intuitive decision, because he is not able to concentrate and carefully think about anything. Due to the developed critical thinking and the habit of "digging deep" introverts have a good understanding of people, their actions and motives;
  • is more effective than extroverts in leading the process in times of crisis. Introverts do not sow panic, but approach problems rationally. This is good for the team. nine0028

The introvert's management style is called "servant leadership".

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