Introductory Concepts

Introversion and Extraversion

In order to understand the eight function-attitudes in detail, it’s helpful to know a little more about the concepts of introversion and extraversion.

Introversion and extraversion are known as attitudes. They define the flow of energy within us that either directs outward (extraversion) or inward (introversion) at a given moment. We all need both extraversion and introversion, but we tend to lean more toward one or the other.

In a way we’re all ambiverts (both extraverts and introverts) because if our 1st most conscious function is introverted, then our 2nd most conscious function will be extraverted and vice versa. No one’s purely an introvert or purely an extravert.

About half of us tend toward introversion and half tend toward extraversion. There are strengths to both approaches.

The personality types that start with E tend toward extraversion and those that begin with I tend toward introversion.

If you lean toward extraversion

If you lean toward introversion

Most of the time, you will see reality, what’s important, and what’s most energizing as happening outside of yourself. You will want to be around more people more often than those who lean toward introversion.

People who emphasize extraversion tend to:

  1. Prioritize the outer demands over the inner world.
  2. Put themselves out into the world.
  3. Emphasize breadth over depth.
  4. Recharge more often by interacting with others.
  5. Speak as a way of reflecting.
  6. Get energized by large groups.
  7. Focus on more subjects with more people during social gatherings.
  8. Take action as a way of gathering information.
  9. Will get bored if there is not enough external or social stimulation.
  10. Spend more time with more people.

May be judged as:

  1. Superficial/frivolous.
  2. Inconsiderate.
  3. Talking too much.
  4. Overbearing.
  5. Self-centered.

Strengths

  1. Sociability/making new friends.
  2. Transparency.
  3. Action oriented.
  4. Expressive.

Most of the time, you will see reality, what’s important, and what’s most energizing as happening inside yourself. You will want to be around fewer people less often than people who lean toward extraversion.

People who emphasize introversion tend to:

  1. Prioritize the inner world over the outer demands.
  2. Pull the external world into themselves.
  3. Emphasize depth over breadth.
  4. Recharge more often by spending time alone.
  5. Reflect before speaking.
  6. Get overstimulated by large groups.
  7. Focus on fewer subjects in depth with a smaller group during social gatherings.
  8. Take in more information before acting.
  9. Get lost in thought when there is too much external stimulation.
  10. Spend more time alone or in small groups.

May be judged as:

  1. Sticks in the mud.
  2. Dull.
  3. Nonresponsive.
  4. Standoffish.
  5. Self-centered.

Strengths

  1. Reserve/wariness.
  2. Listening.
  3. Depth of focus.
  4. Contemplation.