“I” Before “E”, Except After “See”…Seeing Extroverts and Introverts a Little Clearer!

In Psychology, there is a test known as the MBTI which stands for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. It classifies people into one of 16 different personality types based on preferences for introversion v. extroversion, sensing v. intuition, feeling v. thinking, and judging v. perceiving. What many people don’t know is that the test is applicable to the professional world as well. For example, in an Organizational Behavior class that I took, we were asked to take a short version of the MBTI in order to see what personality types existed in the class. The results ran the gamut, but what was interesting was the juxtaposition that emerged between the introverts and the extroverts. The I’s (or introverts) were very quiet while the E’s (or extroverts) expressed their opinions frequently and often passionately. It seemed unspoken that many of the E’s felt that the I’s weren’t participating, or had nothing to offer to the class.

By the third class, however, the professor proceeded to enlighten everyone by explaining that introversion and extroversion is a preference. Introverts get their energy from being alone and having time for introspection, and extroverts get their energy from interacting with others. This can lead to a lot of misunderstanding, because while an extrovert is thinking that an introvert is a “bump on a log”, the introvert has many thoughts running through his or her mind, but their natural preference may be to keep those thoughts private. On the flip side, an extrovert may have no problem at all sharing whatever is on their mind.

From then on in class, the professor made a conscious effort to ask the I’s what their thoughts and opinions were, and also asked that some of the more outspoken E’s give others a chance to speak. His efforts to involve the I’s and push them out of their comfort zone made for a more productive and interactive class in my opinion.

There are more extroverts than introverts in this world, and my advice to any introvert who may be feeling misunderstood in the classroom, at home, or in the workplace would be to realize that you process information and energy internally. There is nothing wrong with this, and with that realization may come the freedom to let people know what you’re thinking. Your academic studies, job search, and career will thrive on communication, and knowing where you’re coming from can only help you to get where you’re going.

If you would like more information about the MBTI and personality types, be sure to walk-in or make an appointment in the Career Development Center located in the Mabee Underground next to the library.

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