As they are popularly used, the term extravert is understood to mean sociable or outgoing, while the term introvert is understood to mean shy or withdrawn. Jung, however, originally intended the words to have an entirely different meaning.

He used the words to describe the preferred focus of one's energy on either the outer or the inner world. People who prefer Extraversion orient their energy to the outer world, while people with an Introversion preference orient their energy to the inner world. Even though they mean different things, many people still use the terms extravert and introvert when talking about type; now, you know the difference!

Everyone spends some time extraverting and introverting their focus throughout their day. Type dynamics shows us how by describing which mental processes (S-N or T-F) we extravert and introvert.

We all access both worlds (Extraversion and Introversion), but most of us will prefer and feel more comfortable with one more than the other.

One of Jung's and Myers' great contributions to the field of psychology is their observations that Extraversion and Introversion are both healthy variations in personality style.

People who prefer Extraversion (E) tend to:

• Focus on the outside world
• Gain energy by interacting with people
• Take action quickly
• Communicate through talking; process ideas outwardly
• Act before thinking it through
• Readily take initiative
• Have many broad interests

Keywords: open, expressive, action-oriented, gregarious, active, enthusiastic

People who prefer Introversion (I) tend to:

• Focus on their inside world
• Gain energy by reflecting on concepts, ideas, experiences, and memories
• Take time for reflection
• Communicate through writing; process ideas inwardly
• Think things through before acting
• Take initiative when it is important to them
• Focus on a few interests in-depth

Keywords: private, quiet, contemplative, intimate, reflective, contained

• How we recharge at the end of a day
• Our approach to meetings
• The work environment we like
• When we get started on a task
• Our interests and hobbies