You’ve probably seen articles like: “Introvert? See how to be more social”. They are quite common, but what is not common are the articles that go in the opposite direction.
It is important to note that, even if you have a preference for extroversion (also known as your personality type according to the MBTI – Myers-Briggs Indicator: ENFJ, ENFP, ENTJ, ENTP, ESFJ, ESFP, ESTJ, ESTP), you may also have an introverted part of your personality.
Visible and invisible parts of your personality and type dynamics
The MBTI personality type goes much deeper than just describing four preferences about your personality type. And the way these preferences interact is called type dynamics.
Let’s use the ENFJ personality type as an example: The letters ENFJ stand for Extroversion, Intuition, Feeling and Judgment. Those with ENFJ preferences represent about 2.2% of the world’s population, and are known to be highly aware of others, find happiness in being part of a group, and are generally friendly. And yes, they prefer extraversion.
Extroversion and introversion are not just how you gain energy, but also how some parts of your personality are expressed.
All MBTI personality types have parts of their personality that prefer introversion and other parts that prefer extroversion. Carl Jung said that: “there is no way for a man to be 100% extrovert or 100% introvert.” Basically, there is a part of his personality that he shows externally to others and another part that is internal.
ENFJ types are typically seen by others as warm, enthusiastic, energetic, and very attentive to others. One of the reasons ENFJ types are seen in this way is because the behavior they express externally to others (also known as extraverted) is a preference for feeling, showing concern for decisions and things that affect other people. It is the strongest part of your personality and the most developed part compared to the rest.
The strongest part of ENFJ’s personality is the outgoing feeling. The second strongest and most developed part of your personality is introverted intuition.
Yes – ENFJ’s (and all “E” types) have an introverted side to their personality. So why don’t we see this side? Why aren’t these behaviors more obvious?
Introverted functions mainly take place within the person’s mind. They are a pattern or way of thinking (according to the Myers-Briggs theory, they are a way of receiving information or making decisions). In addition to this, less developed functions will not stand out when interacting with others.
Extroverted? How to practice your introverted side
Most of us have two ears and one mouth. In your next interaction with another person, try to focus your behavior to match that ratio. Listen to others twice as often as you are used to.
This works on both a group and individual level. Be aware if you are talking too loudly and try to reduce the volume so that you speak only half (or less) of the other person. And don’t worry if there are long breaks or periods of silence. Many of us find silence uncomfortable, and largely culturally influenced.
According to MBTI experts, in a group context, most people with introversion preferences think first before expressing themselves aloud.
Explore your second favorite function (also known as introverted function)
All those with extraversion preferences have a part of their personality that is introverted. If you know your MBTI personality type, check the list below and try to focus on that part of your personality over the next few days. Try to use this inner part of your personality in your daily interactions.
ESTP
His second favorite function is introverted thinking. You usually use this part of your personality when you think quickly and logically to solve a practical problem.
The next time you need to solve a problem, try to solve it internally first, from start to finish, before expressing it verbally. But after solving it, don’t forget to let others know the answer.
ESTJ
Her second favorite feature is introverted sensing. Typically, you use this part of your personality by storing specific, realistic data about the real world to refer to when you need it.
The next time you’re doing something that has a sensory component (exercise, cooking, crafts, etc.), pay special attention to details and try not to think about details.
ESFJ
Her second favorite feature is introverted sensing. You tend to use this part of your personality when storing detailed and specific information about people.
The next time you meet someone in person, take a moment to think about what you did the last time you met them, or the last time you were in a similar situation.
ESFP
His second favorite feature is the introverted feeling. You usually use this part of your personality to set priorities that relate to people and their needs.
The next time you are working with someone else, think about what they might need or what would help them the most. Take a moment to reflect on what might be important to her and to you. However, don’t express it verbally, but make a mental note so you can recall it later.
ENFP
His second favorite feature is the introverted feeling. You use this part of your personality when organizing information and perceptions about other people in order to help them and build a better version of them.
The next time you are in a group context, choose some of the people closest to you and think about what you concretely know about them and how you could help them reach their potential. What can you know about these people that maybe they don’t know themselves?
ENTP
His second favorite function is introverted thinking. Typically, you use this part of your personality to find errors or problems logically.
The next time you’re working on a project, notice when you’re mentally critiquing it. Don’t voice these criticisms at first, but when the time comes, let others point out what problems they see, comparing them to what you thought about.
ENFJ
His second favorite feature is introverted intuition. Use this part of your personality to think about possible ways for people to reach their potential.
The next time you meet someone in person, think about what that person’s ideal future might look like. And what kinds of things do you know about her that can help her get where she wants to go.
ENTJ
His second favorite feature is introverted intuition. You use this part of your personality when seeing patterns and potentials in the present moment and in the future.
The next time you’re working on a project, try to map out the project’s possibilities in your mind. What is the best scenario for success on this project? What’s the point?
