There are a plethora of differences between introverts and extroverts. While extroverts are typically outgoing, gregarious, friendly, and people-oriented, introverts are more mellow, reserved, and quiet. The main differences between these two personalities arise from how they receive and spend energy. You could be wondering: what makes me an introvert or an extrovert? What are common traits that are shared between extroverted or introverted populations? How do I maximize the positive elements of my extroverted or introverted personality while working on my weaknesses? It can be difficult to understand your own personality type and where you fit on the extrovert/introvert scale. Understanding whether you lean more towards introversion or extroversion is invaluable for personal growth and improving your interactions with others. That’s why taking a comprehensive strengths assessment like the HIGH5 test can provide immense insights.
By identifying your unique personality traits and inherent strengths, you can learn to maximize the positive aspects of your style while addressing potential blind spots. The HIGH5 approach empowers you to embrace your true nature and thrive in all areas of life. This article will explore introverted and extroverted personalities in-depth, but combining that knowledge with a personalized strengths profile can truly unlock your full potential.
What is an introvert?
An introvert is someone who gains energy from solitary activities and internal reflection rather than social interactions. They often prefer quiet environments, deep thinking, and have a smaller, close-knit circle of friends.
What are the characteristics of an introvert?
The characteristics of an introvert include:
- Prefers solitary activities and quiet environments
- A deep thinker with a reflective nature
- Comfortable with a small, close-knit group of friends
- Enjoys deep, meaningful conversations over small talk
- Often feels drained after prolonged social interactions
- Highly self-aware and introspective
What is an extrovert?
An extrovert is someone who gains energy from social interactions and external activities rather than solitude. They thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy being around people.
What are the characteristics of an extrovert?
The characteristics of an extrovert include:
- Sociable and outgoing
- Energized by social interactions
- Enjoys being the center of attention
- Comfortable in large groups and crowds
- Enthusiastic and expressive
- Prefers active and dynamic environments
Differences between introverts and extroverts
The primary difference between introverts and extroverts lies in their source of energy: introverts recharge through solitary activities, while extroverts gain energy from social interactions. Introverts tend to be reflective and prefer deep conversations, whereas extroverts are more expressive and enjoy engaging with many people. Introverts may feel drained after prolonged social activities, while extroverts thrive in such settings. Understanding these differences can help individuals appreciate their unique strengths and preferences.
Sociability
Extroverts are significantly more social and approachable than introverts. This is not because introverts dislike or fear people; rather, introverts simply feel drained after communicating with others for long periods.
On the other hand, extroverts are energized by conversations. Being people-oriented and social is a main trait of extroversion. They actively seek out social events and have a wide social circle. Introverts would prefer to spend time alone in a quiet setting as opposed to in bustling groups.
Communication
Extroverts and introverts have different communication styles. Extroverts naturally enjoy collaboration and do well in teams. They enjoy discussing ideas with others and do not mind being open with their colleagues, at times even about personal matters.
They are also prone to thinking out loud and using speech as a way to organize their thoughts. Introverts prefer to keep quiet whenever possible. They usually prefer written methods of communication as opposed to in-person meetings. When leading, introverts try to form, teams of self-starters, as they thoroughly dislike micromanaging and explaining every small element of a task.
Decision-making
Introverts believe making the smartest decisions requires spending time analyzing all the possible choices. This leads to them taking more time to commit to a final plan. However, introverts are more likely to trust their instinct and less likely to seek approval from outside sources. On the other hand, extroverts are typically more impulsive and make snap decisions without overthinking possible avenues of action. They may sometimes ask team members for input on how to make the best decision. Being in an ever-changing environment usually does not bother an extrovert, as they are able to quickly formulate action plans without much deliberation.
Difference between introverts and extroverts in the workplace
In the workplace, introverts typically prefer independent tasks and quiet environments where they can focus deeply. They excel in roles that require concentration and minimal social interaction. Extroverts, on the other hand, thrive in collaborative settings and enjoy dynamic tasks that involve teamwork and frequent communication. They often take the lead in social and group activities, making them a natural fit for roles that require public speaking and team coordination.
Difference between introverts and extroverts in relationships
In relationships, introverts value deep connections and prefer spending quality time with a close-knit circle rather than large social gatherings. They may need more personal space and time to recharge. Extroverts, conversely, seek out social activities and enjoy engaging in lively conversations with their partners. They often initiate social plans and are comfortable with spontaneity and change in their relationships.
Pro Tip From HIGH5
Lean into your natural strengths – if you’re more extroverted, don’t fight your inclination to think out loud and process information verbally. Conversely, introverts should embrace their strengths like solo problem-solving and writing down thoughts before vocalizing them.
Is introvert better than extrovert?
Introverts and extroverts excel in different circumstances. When it comes to teamwork, extroverts are able to perform better. They are naturally able to connect with team members better than introverts. In public speaking, extroverts are also better orators. This is because of the strong link between extroversion and confidence, the ability to understand the crowd, and quick wit.
Most business leaders are also extroverts. Many of the skills extroverts possess (confidence, assertiveness, outgoing nature, decisiveness, and so on) make them better leaders. The same is true with customer service roles, which involve lots of direct communication. Introverts excel in different settings. In roles where individuals must work independently, introverts are better employees than extroverts.
Such careers include design, computer programming, art, and so on. Also, introverts can make more empathetic and well-thought-out decisions. Such traits make them superior internal medicine physicians, for instance. Introverts can be very creative and original, so they excel in manufacturing and idea creation.
Pro Tip From HIGH5
Don’t get caught up in labeling one style as universally “better.” Through HIGH5, identify your unique blend of introverted and extroverted strengths, then strategically apply the right traits to different situations for peak performance.
Pros and cons of introverts
Both introverts and extroverts have their own unique qualities which make them excellent employees, colleagues, friends, spouses, or leaders. While each personality type excels in different ways, both have a wide list of benefits.
Examples of introvert strengths
Here are a few examples of the beneficial elements of introverts:
- Good listeners.
- Think before they speak.
- Make decisions carefully to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
- Empathetic toward others’ emotions, needs, and thoughts.
- Keep their friends close to them.
- Independent and require little oversight.
- Creative and follow their intuition.
- Can focus deeply on tasks they truly care about.
- Tend to notice details better.
- Self-motivated and do not look for others’ approval.
Examples of introvert weaknesses
Below are a few examples of the pros of extroverts:
- Struggle to expand the social network.
- Prone to being viewed as socially awkward, weird, or snobbish.
- Poor ability to handle stressful situations.
- Overthinking decisions and delaying action; indecisive.
- Tendency to be anxious or nervous under stress.
- Unskilled at small talk.
- Poor at public speaking.
- Cannot concentrate unless the environment is familiar or comfortable.
- Avoid asking for assistance, even if it is helpful or necessary.
- Easily scared in new environments.
Pros and cons of extroverts
Examples of extrovert strengths
Here are a few examples of the advantages of extroverts:
- Understand body language, appropriate eye contact, and social behavior.
- Enthusiastic and energetic.
- Willing to take risks and explore the unknown.
- Can stay positive and motivate others to do the same.
- Charismatic and good at public speaking.
- Easily make friends and have a large friend group.
- Not afraid to stand up for their beliefs.
- Exude confidence.
- Good at leading teams.
- Can communicate effectively and control conversations.
Examples of extrovert weaknesses
Below are a few examples of cons of extroverts:
- Needy of other’s attention, approval, or assistance.
- Often rely on others’ emotions and reactions to stay happy themselves.
- May participate in overly risky behavior.
- Could continue talking, even when it is inappropriate.
- Gives others little time to speak in conversations.
- Can be perceived as disingenuous.
- Sometimes lack emotional control.
- Get lonely and bored easily.
- Could come across as controlling, harsh, or arrogant at times.
- Do not think before they speak.
What do the statistics say about them?
If you are looking to get specific data on the differences between introverts and extroverts, take a look at the shortlist below. If you search the web for this information, you may get multiple contradicting statistics claiming extroverts or introverts perform certain tasks better. In the following list, we will source the data from the most evidence-based institutions possible.
- Statistically, a larger portion of the US population is introverted. The original randomized Myers-Briggs type indicator sample showed that 50.7% of Americans are introverts and extroverts make up 49.3% of the population.
- Women are more extroverted than men. When Myers, McCaulley, Quenk, & Hammer looked at this same sample population, they determined that 52.5% of women were extroverted as opposed to 45.9% of extroverted men. Introverts made up 54.1% of the male population and 47.5% of the female population.
- Most people tend to be ambiverts, or somewhere in between introverts and extroverts. A study conducted by the American Trends Panel found that 77% of people fall somewhere between the two extreme personalities. 12% were very extroverted, 5% were very introverted, and 6% did not indicate a response.
- Certain professions tend to be more introverted. For instance, a survey of slightly over 3,000 lawyers indicated that 56.4% of law professionals were introverts and the remaining 43.6% were extroverts. However, labor law was dominated by extroverts while tax work was more attractive to introverts.
- Librarians are often viewed as logical and introverted. Dr. Scherdin performed a study to see if this hypothesis was correct by surveying librarians for their MBTI type. Indeed, 63% were introverted while only 37% were extroverted.
- Extroverts are more confident in their abilities than introverts. 87% of extroverts agree that they have the skills to be a good leader, compared to only 56% of introverts.
- Introverts are less likely to express gratitude. Only 67% of introverts express gratitude when they feel it, compared to a significantly larger 89% of extroverts.
What is an ambivert?
An ambivert is someone who exhibits qualities of both introversion and extroversion, depending on the situation. They can enjoy social interactions and solitude, adapting their behavior to the context. Ambiverts often find a balance between engaging with others and needing time alone, making them flexible in various social and professional settings.
What are the characteristics of an ambivert?
- Comfortable in both social settings and solitary activities
- Can adapt to different social contexts easily
- Balances listening and speaking in conversations
- Enjoys a mix of deep connections and broad social circles
- Can work well independently and in teams
- Flexible and adaptable personality
Difference between ambivert vs introvert
Ambiverts differ from introverts in their ability to comfortably navigate both social interactions and solitary activities. While introverts predominantly seek alone time to recharge, ambiverts can balance solitude with socializing, adapting to the needs of the moment. Ambiverts may find it easier to engage in social situations without feeling drained, unlike introverts who may require more time alone to recuperate. This flexibility allows ambiverts to thrive in a variety of environments.
Difference between ambivert vs extrovert
Ambiverts differ from extroverts in that they do not rely solely on social interactions for energy and enjoyment. While extroverts thrive on constant engagement with others, ambiverts can enjoy social activities but also appreciate and need time alone to recharge. Ambiverts exhibit a balance between the need for social stimulation and the need for solitude, whereas extroverts typically seek out and draw energy from social environments more consistently. This adaptability makes ambiverts versatile in their social interactions.
Pro Tip From HIGH5
Use your HIGH5 results to build a personal development plan that plays to your strengths while gently stretching you in areas that need growth. For example, an introvert could try small group situations to work on extroverted skills.
Introvert vs. extrovert FAQ
Can your type change over time?
Yes, your personality type can change over time due to life experiences, personal growth, and changing circumstances. It’s possible for individuals to develop traits that are more extroverted or introverted as they adapt to new roles and environments. Regular self-assessment and reflection can help track these changes and guide personal development.
How do I know if I’m an introvert or an extrovert?
You can identify your type by observing where you gain energy: introverts recharge alone, while extroverts thrive in social settings. Personality assessments like the HIGH5 test can also provide clarity.
What are the 4 types of introverts?
There are multiple different types of introverts, contrary to popular opinion. The four major types of introverts include: social, thinking, anxious, and restrained introverts. Each of these different types has its own unique traits, but all of them get their energy from within them, not from the outside world.
Which is better: introvert or extrovert?
This depends on who you are, what your job is, and a multitude of other factors. Extroverts typically make better leaders, for example. They are not afraid of confrontation and enjoy talking with others. However, introverts tend to stay focused for longer. They are more independent, which could lead them to have better critical thinking skills.
What is an omnivert?
An omnivert is neither an introvert nor an extrovert. They combine certain qualities of introversion with other qualities of extroversion. If you feel like you are neither an introvert nor an extrovert, you may be an omnivert. Omniverts are individuals that switch between being introverts and extroverts depending in the situation.
What is an ambivert person?
An ambivert is extremely similar to an omnivert. They are also blends of introversion and extroversion (omnivert and ambivert are used interchangeably, but ambiverts are a blend of introvert and extrovert, which omniverts are one type depending on the situation). If you feel like being extroverted when you know someone, but introverted when you meet a stranger, you could be an ambivert.
