To do your best work, do you prefer to discuss your ideas with several other people before deciding on a course of action? Or do you prefer to reflect on those ideas on your own and then perhaps check in with one or two trusted colleagues?

These differences typically have something to do with the psychological preferences between Extraversion and Introversion. As described by Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Extraversion and Introversion are terms to explain the different ways in which people direct their energy. These preferences are not mutually exclusive. All of us spend some time in both worlds, but we prefer one over the other.

In looking at communication in the workplace, we see a few differences between these two preferences.

Extraversion:

• Communicate with energy and enthusiasm
• Respond quickly without long pauses to think
• Prefer face-to-face communication over written
• In meetings, like talking out loud to build ideas

Introversion:

• Keep energy and enthusiasm inside
• Pause and reflect before responding
• Seek opportunities to communicate one-on-one
• In meetings, verbalize ideas that have been thought through

Extraversion and Introversion are one of the four MBTI preferences pairs. We will explore the three other pairs in future blogs.

MBTI is a great tool for enhancing effective communication, resolving conflict, and leveraging individual strengths. If you are interested in bringing an MBTI session to your workplace, reach out to us.

If you want to do some of your own research about MBTI, there is a lot of information and assessments online. Caution, some of these sites are not reputable or authorized to use MBTI. To maintain the integrity of the instrument and to ensure you’re accessing accurate information, be sure to limit your search to The Myers & Briggs Foundation, Center for Applications of Psychological Type, and The Myers-Briggs Company.