MBTI® Introverts and Extraverts in a world where differences matter

In MBTI, Personality Type by Jonathan Bollag, Owner and Founder

MBTI® Introverts and Extraverts

MBTI Introverts tend to keep to themselves, while MBTI extroverts tend to be more sociable, though it is no easy task for introverts and extroverts to be themselves when co-existing with their MBTI opposites in personal settings and at work. So how can introverts and extroverts make the most of their “off time”, re-gain the energy they need to keep up with the “out-of-preference” demands of dealing with opposing types, and how are they different?

Let us first discuss the differences between the Introverted MBTI type preference and the Extroverted MBTI Type preference:

The Introverted MBTI Type prefers to communicate in writing, learns best through reflection, and is generally private and contained. The MBTI Extroverted Type prefers to communicate verbally, works out ideas by talking them through, learns best by doing or discussing, and is sociable and expressive. Unfortunately for introverts, in an extrovert’s mind, introverts can often be mistaken as standoffish or snobbish, while in reality, introverts simply prefer less verbal communication – a fact difficult for MBTI extroverts to understand.  On the other hand, introverts can often see extroverts as “motor mouths” or people who need constant attention, while in reality, extroverts simply prefer to communicate verbally more than introverts. It is important that we understand our differences to avoid unhealthy conflict and deterioration of otherwise promising personal relationships and efficient employee relations.

In order to understand and deal with our differences how can introverts and extroverts re-energize so that they may optimally coexist?

It is important for introverts to take quite time for themselves, partake in mental practice activities which can include reading, writing, working on a computer, or perhaps playing one-on-one board games such as chess or checkers.  Some introverts enjoy quite time gardening or doing household improvements and organizing activities. Extroverts, on the other hand, need to get out and be around people, converse, and mingle. They tend to have a greater number of friends though generally more on a platonic level than introverts who tend to have a smaller number of more intimate friendships. Extroverts gain energy through interaction with others and too much alone time does not prove healthy for them. Therefore, it is vital for extroverts to attend social gatherings so that they may gain the mental energy to cope with introverts, just as introverts need quite time to better cope with extroverts.

With this said, MBTI Introversion and MBTI Extroversion are not the only differences of MBTI Type, though they are two vital preferences that are important to differentiate so that we may have more enriching personal lives and more effective work lives and careers. The more we understand each other the more effective and happy we can be.

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