Extraverts vs Introverts
The extravert-introvert dichotomy is all about where we draw our energy from; Extraverts draw their energy from what’s going on around them, people, situations and indeed need that ‘feed.’ They will typically do-reflect-do and so will happily allow their neurons to connect outside of their heads in full view of everyone ie they process their thoughts and information via the spoken word. This can overwhelm introverts who need processing time.
Introverts draw their energy from within and so in ‘crowded’ situations their energy depletes and they will have to go and have some ‘me time’ for energy to restore. Typically introverts reflect-do-reflect and so will need to think things through before speaking and so the ‘knock-about’ of group banter is difficult for them unless they have a purpose. Extraverts find silence difficult and often suspicious.
| Extraverts | Introverts |
|---|---|
| Energised by people and situations | Energy from internal environment |
| Need engagement or energy depletes | Needs own space or energy depletes |
| Talk first then think later | Think first then talk later |
| Neurons are processed via speech | Neurons processed inside their heads |
| Are open and talkative | Appear reserved, quiet and thoughtful |
| Like action and initiative | Prefer space, concentration and quiet |
| Value breadth over depth | Value depth over breadth |
| Like the unexpected | Prefer predictability |
| Extraverts may see Introverts as | Introverts may see Extraverts as |
|---|---|
| Secretive, private and closed off | Too pushy and intrusive |
| Impersonal, unfriendly | Overly talkative |
| Withholding of information | Superficial and shallow |
| Self-absorbed | Overwhelming |
| Slow in response | Insincere |
| Difficult to read | Rude and bossy |
| Too deliberate | Too much ‘in your face’ |
| Managing an Extravert | Managing an Introvert |
|---|---|
| Let them talk and think out loud | Give them time, listen carefully |
| Create space for face-to-face | Give time to reflect |
| Ask open questions, help steer them | Ask one question, let them answer |
| Include a variety of topics | Talk about one thing at a time |
| Expect immediate reaction | Expect processing time |
| Keep the conversation moving | Don’t finish their sentences |
Team Map
Discover the ratio of Extraverts vs Introverts in your team.
Interactions
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Sensing vs Intuitive
The S-N dichotomy is the ‘input’ scale - ie how we take in information.
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Thinking vs Feeling
The T-F dichotomy is the ‘output’ scale - ie how we make decisions.
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Judging vs Perceiving
The J-P dichotomy is is how we live our lives and is the one scale that can change through choice.