Friday, October 30, 2015

MBTI: Extroversion

                                (This is the second post in an eight part series on the eight characteristics of the MBTI. Find an introduction HERE, and use the tags at the end to find other related posts.)
As has already been stated, introverts and extroverts[1] are distinguished by how they regain energy. Extroverts do it in the opposite way of introverts – they become energized by contact with people. Groups excite them and they become enthusiastic around others. That is where their energy increases. External stimulation is what recharges them. One website summarized it well: “They are habitually outgoing, venturing forth with confidence into the unknown.”[2] That is an extrovert.
                Extroverts often think out loud and thus tend to talk more than introverts, who process internally. Extroverts also tend to speak louder. They know how to work a room full of people, and they are usually comfortable making small talk and chit-chat for short periods of time with many different people. As big talkers, they are the ones most likely to initiate conversations, and when talking, are often still active and very expressive. They are summed up with the word “gregarious.” Verbalization comes easily to them.
Their knowledge, due to a shorter attention span and less concentration than introverts, often covers many topics, but none in much depth. This is thanks, in part, to a broad span of interests.
The attention of an extrovert is directed externally, to whatever is currently present around them. They focus on people and things, rather than on ideas and impressions. They make their decisions based on people, “watching the choices of people as a reference point for understanding.”[3] An extrovert’s brain works like sonar.
                Extroverts are more likely to enjoy working in a group and being in constant contact with others. Their constant mantra is “the more, the merrier.” If there is one thing an extrovert hates, it is being cooped up alone for long periods of time. They also enjoy jobs that can be done quickly and effectively without in-depth perusals or the like.
Extroverts are more likely to be ready to open up and share their intimate lives with people they do not know as well. Personal relationships are one of the most important things to them, and they are likely to cultivate many. They have many large groups of friends, and not only do they know many people, but they also consider most or all of them to be their friends. They love group interaction and it impacts them positively.
                An extrovert is more likely to take a risk and be daring. Their very personality dictates that they will be more impulsive. This fits precisely with their tendency to speak before thinking.
                Ten tips for caring for an extrovert: respect their independence; compliment them in the company of others; accept and encourage their enthusiasm; allow them to explore and talk things out; thoughtfully surprise them; understand when they are busy; let them dive right in; offer them options; make physical and verbal gestures of affection; and let them shine.[4]




[1] Alternatively spelled “extraversion” or “extraverts” by Carl Jung and the original MBTI test. The more common spelling now tends to be the one used throughout this paper, although either is technically correct.
[2] “Visually,” accessed July 9, 2015, www.visual.ly/introverts-vs-extroverts.
[3] Calise Sellers, “A Little Bit of Personality,” accessed July 9, 2015, www.alittlebitofpersonality.com.

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