thoughts and feelings<\/a> and extroverts as externally focused on people and activities<\/strong>. Introverts focus on analyzing events while extroverts want to be part of events. Introverts draw energy from being alone while extroverts are energized by interacting with others. These are some of the key qualities of introverts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Myers-Briggs personality test used by many organizations is based on Jung\u2019s theories of introversion and extroversion. But today there\u2019s no universally accepted definition based on objective criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some personality psychologists belong to the \u201cBig Five\u201d school, believing that personality consists of five core traits: extroversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. They define introversion by qualities introverts lack<\/em>\u2014assertiveness, sociability\u2014rather than by their attributes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome think Jung\u2019s ideas are outdated, while others still tout them. But many psychological researchers agree on several key qualities of introverts versus extroverts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Introverts and extroverts require different levels of external stimulation<\/strong> to function effectively. Introverts need less outside stimulation\u2014for instance, they prefer to work alone, spend free time alone, or visit with just one or two friends. Extroverts need a lot of stimulation, typically from social activities and busy environments.<\/li>
- Introverts and extroverts have different work styles<\/strong>. Introverts focus on one task at a time, work methodically, and have a great ability to concentrate. They\u2019re not motivated by external rewards. Extroverts jump into jobs quickly, multitask, take risks, and make quick decisions. They may be motivated by factors such as competition and status.<\/li>
- They have different styles of interaction<\/strong>. Introverts can be sociable but soon tire of being in large groups or parties. They listen, think before speaking, and may express themselves better in writing. They dislike conflict and small talk. Extroverts are gregarious, assertive, dominant, and comfortable with conflict. They don\u2019t like to be alone.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Introverts are stereotyped as recluses or loners who dislike people<\/strong>. This may be true of some introverts, but most are as friendly as anyone. Another stereotype is that introverts are shy<\/strong>. Although some introverts may be shy, like T.S. Eliot, there are key differences between introversion and shyness. Shy people dislike social situations because they\u2019re afraid of embarrassment, while introverts dislike social situations because they\u2019re too stimulating. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s actually possible to be a shy extrovert, like Barbra Streisand, who has stage fright, or an introvert who\u2019s not shy, like Bill Gates. To further complicate things, an introvert who\u2019s not speaking because she\u2019s overstimulated and an extrovert who\u2019s not speaking due to shyness can both come across as shy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Introverts also may be \u201chighly sensitive,\u201d which is a psychological term meaning more apt to respond with strong feelings<\/strong> to something\u2014for instance, to be moved by music or a sad story or be upset by violence. Researchers don\u2019t know how many introverts are highly sensitive, but they\u2019ve determined that 70% of highly sensitive people are introverts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n