The EI preference

(File Last Modified Fri, Oct 25, 2002.)

• The first type dimension: (E)Extraversion / (I)Introversion
• Basic differences
• Example 1: ways of socializing
• Example 2: ways of thinking
• Example 3: attitude toward privacy
• shape of interest
• the EI preference summary

The first type dimension: (E)Extraversion / (I)Introversion

Basic differences

Each of us has a natural preference for either the outer or inner world, although by necessity we all function in both. Functioning in our preferred world energizes us; functioning in the opposite world is more difficult and can be tiring.

Extraverts focus their attention and energy on the world outside of themselves. They seek out other people and enjoy lots of interaction, whether one-on-one or in groups. Because extraverts need to experience the world to understand it, they tend to like a lot of activity. Extraverts get their ``batteries charged up'' by being with others and usually know a lot of people. Because they like to be at the center of the action and are approachable, they tend to meet new people frequently and with ease.

Introverts focus their attention and energy on the world inside of themselves. They enjoy spending time alone and need this time to ``recharge their batteries''. Introverts try to understand the world before they experience it, which means a lot of their activity is mental. They prefer social interaction on a small scale: one-on-one or in small groups. Introverts avoid being the center of attention and are generally more reserved than extraverts. They prefer to get to know new people slowly.

Example 1: ways of socializing

Bill and his wife, both are extraverts, couldn't wait to get to their company's annual holiday party. They'd met many of the employees' spouses last year and they were eager to rekindle these acquaintances. By the end of the evening Bill had talked with a dozen and a half people, covering about twice as many topics. He and his wife were so ``charged up'' by all the stimulation that they moved the party down to the hotel lounge with another group of late-nighters after everyone else left.

Brent, who is quite introverted, feels just the opposite. ``I like people,'' he explains, ``but I don't care for quick, superficial exchanges. My wife loves parties, but I just find them exhausting. To me, it's draining and unsatisfying to have to meet all those people whose names I can't remember and whom I'll probably never see again. What's the point?''

Example 2: ways of thinking

Asked a question, an extravert will usually start talking, because extraverts are most comfortable doing their thinking out loud. In fact, they often need to talk to think. On the other hand, there will often be a pause before an introvert answers a question, because introverts are more comfortable thinking silently. Introverts bake their ideas inside and presented to the outside world only after it is finished. Extraverts only partially bake their ideas inside, preferring to finish them out in the world.

Shawn, an extravert, recalls, ``when I was in elementary school, I used to get all excited and would wave my whole arm so vigorously when I wanted the teacher to call on me. But when the teacher finally did call on me, I often didn't know the answer. Naturally she would say like, ''If you don't know the answer, then why did you raise your hand?`` I didn't know at that time, but I know now: I needed to talk the answer out. I just couldn't think it through quietly in my head.

Unlike Shawn, introverted students need time to form their answers in their minds before they can respond to a teacher's question.

Example 3: attitude toward privacy

Extraverts tend to be much more public than introverts and share personal information freely. Introverts are more private.

``A new co-worker in our department had heard that I was a good cook,'' reported Gerry, an introvert, ``so she kept badgering me to invite her over for dinner. Finally I did, and the meal went fine. But the next day, she began telling everyone at our weekly staff meeting about the great meal I'd made. Her effusive compliments were bad enough, but then she went on to describe in great detail, the contents of my entire house! She talked all about the personal treasures I've been collecting for the past thirty years, I was furious.''

The extraverted co-worker, incidentally, was mortified to learn that she had violated Gerry's privacy. She'd had the best of intentions and thought she'd only been sincerely complimenting Gerry's good taste.

shape of interest

The gift of extraversion is breadth, and the gift of introversion is depth. Usually extraverts are interested in many things, but not necessarily at a very deep level. Introverts have fewer interests, but they pursue them in much greater depth.

the EI preference summary

Extraverts:

    * Are energized by being with other people
    * Like being the center of attention
    * Act, then think
    * Tend to think out loud
    * Are easier to "read" and know; 
    * share personal information freely.
    * Talk more than listen
    * Communicate with enthusiasm
    * Respond quickly; enjoy a fast pace
    * Prefer breadth to depth

Introverts

    * Are energized by spending time alone
    * Avoid being the center of attention
    * Think, then act
    * Think things through inside their head
    * Are more private; 
    * prefer to share personal information with a select few
    * Listen more than talk
    * Keep their enthusiasm to themselves
    * Respond after taking the time to think through
    * Prefer depth to breadth

Sometimes it's hard to decide between these two preferences because of the way we change with age, or because of the demands made upon us by our jobs. To help you decide, think the way you behave, is it because you are encouraged (required) to do so, or is it because you prefer to do so?