Are you more introvert or extrovert?

First of all, I am mindful of labels and do not want the terms introvert and extrovert to limit you from achieving certain goals. However, once we become more self- aware, identifying our personality type, values and strengths, we tend to become more selective in our career and life choices. It is useful information so you can make better decisions for you in career and life.

This is a very simple introduction of introvert and extrovert terminology which I will elaborate further in future newsletters.

Where did the terms introvert and extrovert come from?

The terms introvert and extrovert were identified through the work of 20th-century Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. The introversion-extroversion dimension is also one of the four areas identified by the?Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Myers and Briggs believed that they could help people select occupations that were best suited to their personality types and lead healthier, happier lives. This is a very useful tool where they define 16 different personality types. Extrovert and Introvert are terms used to define two ends of a personality spectrum, and there is no-one-size-fits-all approach to anyone. We could have a mix of introverted and extroverted traits in us. There is no personality type better than the other.

What is an introvert or extrovert?

Introverts feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what's happening externally. You tend to focus more inward processing thoughts and feelings. You may disengage in chit chat and enjoy more meaningful conversations. You get your energy from being in solitude. You are ok to be alone and you love your space to recharge and reflect.

Extroverts get their energy from interacting with others. Being more of an extroverted person means you thrive on the energy of the people around you. As an extrovert you might actually feel drained and lonely if you spend too much time alone. You may have struggled away more than introverts during the lockdown. You prefer to discuss ideas and projects in groups as you get inspiration from working with others. Networking and meeting new people comes natural to you.

So, let us pretend we are batteries, introverts recharge alone, but extroverts get energy from other people.

According to many theories of personality, everyone has some degree of both introversion and extroversion. However, people often tend to lean one way or the other. It is useful terminology to use when trying to understand yourself better.

Are you more introverted? Check the introvert trait list below.

• You enjoy spending time in solitude to recharge.
• Your interest is directed inwards at your thoughts and feelings.
• You can disengage from chit chat and prefer deeper more meaningful conversations.
• It matters how your environment looks, the music playing, how many people are present, you don't like crowds.
• You are intrigued by people, fascinated to learn from them, however you won't over do the socialising.
• After socialising with a group of people, you can need alone time to recharge.
• You value close one-on-one relationships and have few close friends.
• You might need to think before you speak. Practice and preparation before meetings and presentations helps you perform better.
• You prefer working in quiet and independent environments which helps you to become deeply focused. Introverts might find they work better at individual projects or proposals first that are then presented to the groups for review.
• You might prefer to write a load of procedures than present at meetings. Introverts find practice and preparation can help them perform well in a presentation.
• You can be seen as more reserved, quiet and introspective. However, that does not mean you are completely closed off. A lot of introverted people can be friendly and chatty especially if they have learnt to navigate being an introvert in an extroverted environment.
• Introverts tend to seek activities and environments where they can escape from over-stimulation. Once you understand yourself, you can pick and choose what

Are you more extroverted? Check the extrovert trait list below.

• The interest of the extrovert is more directed outwards in the environment around them. They enjoy people watching, observing others and talking.
• Extroverts like to talk things out with others rather than process things internally.
• You like to solve problems by talking it through with others.
• You have a large social network and many friends.
• You are okay with crowds, the more the merrier.
• You tend to think out loud and express your thoughts or ask a lot of questions.
• You might even find public speaking comes natural to you.
• You can make quick decisions and you can be impulsive.
• You gain energy from being around other people.
• You can lose energy from too much alone time.
• You are outgoing, enthusiastic, and positive.
• You thrive in team-oriented and open work settings. Working remotely may not suit you.

So are you more introvert or extrovert?

If not, perhaps you can identify with being a bit of both. Ambivert is when you have characteristics of both introvert and extrovert. You often enjoy spending time with others but you also value your alone time and need some time to recharge after social interactions. An ambivert has a good balance of both.

Why is it important to understand your personality traits better?

Becoming aware of your personality type can definitely prove beneficial. Growing in self-awareness can help you make important life choices: the kind of work you do, your self-care routine, the environment you want to work in, even the type of people you want to work with and setting healthy boundaries with others. Understanding the differences between introvert and extroverts, will help you gain more acceptance towards others. It can be particularly helpful to be aware of the different personality types if you are a manager in a team.

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter Daring Career Transitions. If you have any questions or anything to add, please let me know in the comments box below. You can share this article with your friends and colleagues to help them learn if they are introvert or extrovert. Have some fun with it.

While I have you here, let me remind you that I help high achievers in corporate to breakthrough their fear and self-doubt so they can take a daring career leap and enjoy a successful career transition. If you are someone who is looking to make that change for the better, and feeling called to make the leap, then I would love to chat with you in a professional and confidential one to one clarity call that you can book here. https://calendly.com/sakurathinking/claritycall