Introversion, Extraversion and the Balancing Act of Ambivalence

The way we respond to situations falls into two different preferred way of behaving according to psychoanalyst Carl Jung- Introversion and Extraversion. These two types of behaviour are part of the four main traits of personality identified by the Clarity4D colour model.   The following headings and bullet points will outlay the differences between both personality types.

Introversion

• Creates their energy from within

• Thinks and reflects first, then acts

• Requires regular ‘private time’

• Prefers one-to-one communication

Extraversion

• Creates their energy from the external world

• Acts first and reflects later

• Enjoys a wide variety of activities

• Is energised by working with other people

There seems to be a contentious disparity about society's preference for the extraverted behaviour type over introversion. As mentioned in Susan Cain’s book “Quiet – the power of introverts in a world that cannot stop talking” – even from early education there is little consideration for the learning environment of children with an introverted preference.  In the business world, growth is the primary concern and many roles are sales and customer service-led which demand a high-level of interpersonal and verbal interactions, and a liking for reaching sales targets – all extraverted attributes.

Introverts meanwhile, work best in environments where their preferences for reflection and analysis allow them to support the business in an unobtrusive way which might involve the use of technology and working remotely. This reduction and simplification of involvement is a double-edged sword for introverts. On the one hand, they can complete their duties in an environment which suits them, but on the other hand this might create a sense of isolation and not being part of the team.