An insightful journey into personality
Extraverts have a strong inclination towards people. They are usually happiest in situations where they are surrounded by others and are able to engage in social interaction.
Introverts are generally quiet and reserved. They like to keep to themselves and are quite happy with their own thoughts and feelings.
Extraverts will be socially confident, uninhibited and will generally enjoy initiating and developing personal relationships. In the other hand, because they may be impulsive, they may not always think through the consequences of their actions. This tendency to rush in can often be seen as irresponsible and overpowering or rude.
At work, extraverts definitely prefer to work in teams or groups and do not like working on their own. They will prefer to seek out the views of others and to collaborate on projects. Extreme extraverts can be viewed as outspoken often actively putting their views across rather than assertively. This has obvious advantages where persuasive skills are required, such as in sales, marketing and tough negotiations.
Introverts do not actively need the company of others, will tend to feel uncomfortable in social situations and are unlikely to actively pursue social gatherings. They will not often feel driven to exchange views with others and often are happiest engaged in solitary activities that do not involve constantly having to interact with people.
In the workplace, introverts are often seen as shy, rather restrained and somewhat distant or aloof. Consequently, they are often overlooked. They are usually good at working on their own or in small groups without needing to rely on outside support and guidance. This is an important asset in many jobs. Where they have good knowledge and expertise, introverts can be just as assertive as extraverts.
The result of the extraversion quiz is only a snapshot of your personality. It does not necessarily mean that your behavior reflects any single personality trait.
Nevertheless, from time to time most of us feel we would like to widen our behavioral repertoire and we often show this by admiring the qualities we see in others.
If you examine the table below, you may be able to identify things that you admire in others or areas where you would like to improve. Some development activities are suggested under each personality type.
- I would really like to be a bit more outgoing.
- I would like to have more confidence.
- I would like to be more self-aware.
- I'm a bit lost if I don't have people around me.