Often (we’re about to argue that it’s maybe too often), we hear people label and describe themselves as extroverts or introverts.
Some of them don’t surprise us. There are those verbose people in our classes or our weekly meetings who always have something to share.
When they say, “I’m an extrovert,” we all nod knowingly. Uh, we know.
Likewise, we have no problem describing someone who’s quiet or displays shyness as an introvert. We use being an introvert as an excuse not to go to a friend’s birthday party. Or we use extroversion to explain why we can’t spend a night in or go long without being in a relationship.
But what if you’re not sure if you identify as either? Or what if you’re just not sure what you are, period?
Table of Contents
- What Are The Differences Between Introverts and Extroverts?
- Examples of Introverts Versus Extroverts
- What is an Ambivert? Introducing the Introverted Extrovert
- Examples of How Ambiverts Work
- 10 Signs You Might Be an Introverted Extrovert
- 10 Examples of Introverted Extroverts
With all the talk about extroverts and introverts in workplaces and the likelihood of their success (psst: turns out introverts might have the edge there), does knowing how you identify actually help you? And what does it mean if you can’t?
You Might Also Like These Articles About Introverts:
- How To Be An Introvert In A Workplace Full of Extroverts
- 6 Unexpected Introvert Superpowers at Work
- The Introvert's Guide to Workplace Politics
- The 25+ Best Books for Introverts: Books for All Types of Introverts
What Are The Differences Between Introverts and Extroverts?
We can talk all day about how extroverts are more outgoing or how introverts demonstrate signs of social anxiety, but we’re actually making it more complicated than it is. It doesn’t matter how social you are. It’s about how you derive energy.
According to an article in The Atlantic, “For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating.” On the flip side, extroverts derive energy from being around other people.
Again to be clear, that doesn’t mean that they need to be the leaders of the pack. One of the CC team members, who identifies as a textbook extrovert, pointed out that she doesn’t have to talk to gain energy from a group of people. She just needs to be in the group, present, and watching.
Examples of Introverts Versus Extroverts
Now that we've covered some of the myths that surround being an introvert vs. extrovert, let's also remember that this isn't an "either-or" situation.
If you identify as an introvert now, it doesn't mean you won't feel extroverted at other points in your life, or in different situations.
That's because how you get your energy is on a spectrum. Psychologists have what they call "The Big Five" personality traits that they use to understand a personality type or characteristics better. Each trait is a spectrum meaning you can be on the high or low end of it—or even in the middle. The five traits are:
- Extroversion
- Openness to experience
- Conscientiousness
- Agreeableness
- Neuroticism
As you can see, extroversion is one of the traits on the list. When you're on the higher level of extroversion we often call you an extrovert. When you're on the lower end, we call you an introvert. Where you fall on the spectrum or your "level" of that trait tells us how extroverted or introverted you might be.
The key here is that your personality displays this trait across a variety of situations. In other words, your level doesn't change across different stages or times in your life.
Here’s a more real-life look at what the extrovert-introvert spectrum looks like. Here are the common characteristics and behaviors of each group:
Extrovert Examples
- Draw energy from the outside world: the people, places, and things around them
- Recharge by being around other people and avoid alone time because it drains them
- Looks forward to and enjoys a social event
- Feel most comfortable working in a group setting
- Find it easier to adapt, change plans, and display flexibility
- Tend to be more confident, display assertiveness, and are willing to try something new like a hobby
- Could be described as "impulsive" because you're quick to act vs. think about something for a long time
- Problem-solve by talking out loud or seeking input from others—even strangers
- Feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and opinions
- Lean toward being more optimistic and less overwhelmed when negative things happen
- Generally sociable with a large group of friends and enjoy meeting new people and new social interactions
Introvert Examples
- Your energy comes from within — instead of from people and things around you. You enjoy solitude.
- Introverts often require time to recharge after interfacing with others
- You spend a good amount of time considering options, outcomes, etc. before you make a decision
- Display a higher level of emotional intelligence and are self-aware
- Dislike conflict and are less likely to confront a person
- Prefer to share your ideas in writing vs. speaking up in a meeting
- Great at brainstorming ideas
- Express their feelings via writing, illustration, or set them to music
- Natural listener and absorb what's happening around you
- Generally prefer to have a group of close friends even if you can easily make friends. You prefer to spend time in smaller social situations
- Don't prefer to engage in small talk
What is an Ambivert? Introducing the Introverted Extrovert
How many times have you heard the word “ambivert”? Not often, right?
For those of you who haven’t heard it at all, an ambivert is someone who falls along the middle of the spectrum, somewhere between introversion and extroversion. That means that they may show signs of each personality type depending on the context. So if you’ve ever heard someone describe themselves as an “extroverted introvert” or "introverted extrovert," they’re not totally wrong.
This middle of the spectrum represents introverted extroverts, also spelled extraverts. This naming comes about because "intro" means “inward," and "extra" means “outward,” and "vert" means to “turn.” So, while the vast majority of introverts turn inward and extroverts turn outward, the introverted extrovert turns both ways. This is why they’re also called ambiverts or omnivert (ambi = both, omni = all).
And it turns out most of us are ambiverts.
Think of it this way: on the personality scale, introversion and extroversion are the two extremes. In between those extremes, there are countless varieties of ambiversion. You could be 20 percent introverted and 80 percent extroverted. Or you could fall closer to 50/50.
And that balance, or partial balance, between the two? It’s actually a good thing. According to a Fast Company article, ambivert leaders tend to fare better because they know how to interact with introverts and extroverts alike successfully—and how to best apply their own energy and skills.
Examples of How Ambiverts Work
According to the author, professor, and researcher, Adam Grant, ambiverts might be the group of people who have the traits for career success. Their personality traits make them adaptable, and their social flexibility helps ambiverts stay in sync with a wide variety of people—especially in a work setting when you're dealing with a variety of personality types.
Here’s a more real-life look at what the ambivert personality type looks like with examples.
Ambivert Examples
- You enjoy social settings and being alone
- Can work well on a team or alone at work
- The ability to know when to listen and when to speak without a real leaning in either direction
- Not overly expressive or reserved. You know which types of people need a specific response from you
- You do spend some time considering choices before you make them but generally make a decision fairly quickly
- You're flexible and can adapt quickly, like speaking up at an impromptu meeting or answering a work question when you're in the middle of something else
10 Signs You Might Be an Introverted Extrovert
Here are a few signs that you lean more toward the middle of the ambivert spectrum:
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You're selectively social. You know when and how to "turn it on" socially but also want the option to opt-out from social events that don't excite you. You might feel less like a "natural" at the social event once you're there.
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You need time to recharge after social events or anything where you're around a lot of people.
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You can get talked over or interrupted when you are trying to speak up in a meeting. You consciously have to remember to speak up.
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You don't struggle to network and make new connections, but you might struggle to keep in touch.
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You don't prefer confrontation or to be called out in a group of people, but you're happy to engage in a conversation privately and when it's been scheduled ahead of time.
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You prefer texting and emailing but you do have relationships in your life where you can talk on the phone for hours.
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You don't mind being in the spotlight every now and then.
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You prefer meaningful conversations over small talk.
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You're an active listener and will avoid talking just to talk by asking lots of questions.
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You might change your mind about your plans last minute. For example, before a social event now you want to stay home.
10 Examples of Introverted Extroverts
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You prefer hanging out 1:1 vs. in a large social setting.
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Too much alone time can make you lonely.
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You spend equal amounts of time in your head overthinking as you do being outgoing.
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You don't need constant praise, rewards, etc. at work. Too much praise can embarrass you.
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But you also don't want others taking credit for your work.
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You experience FOMO when you skip a social event.
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You don't share your whole life story with your coworkers—you're more private but share enough to humanize yourself.
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You need time to warm up to your new environment.
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People think you're quiet until they get to know you.
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You're happy working from home as long as you're getting interactions via messenger tool, a few zoom calls, or one day of in-person office work.
Conclusion
It doesn’t really matter if you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or even an ambivert. It’s about understanding how you work best and capitalizing on that.
Instead of asking, “What am I?” ask what situations make you the most productive. Because those really do vary according to your personality type—in fact, study after study shows that introverts and extroverts process stress, workloads, and ideas in different ways.
Knowing where you stand means that you know your strengths and also the areas where you might need the help of someone else. From there? Maybe the best plan is to just roll with it, playing to your strengths regardless of whether they’re introverted or extroverted tendencies.
To quote one of my personal favorite ambiverts:
“In my most natural state, I’ll be introverted for say, six days in a row, and then on the seventh day I’ll become very extroverted...
Then I’ll have to go back inside myself….It’s something I can’t really control. It’s a bit like the ocean and the tides.” -Björk
Then I’ll have to go back inside myself….It’s something I can’t really control. It’s a bit like the ocean and the tides.” -Björk
