What does an Extrovert look like?

Extroverts tend to be people who draw energy from external stimuli: social environments full of people an action.

WORKING WITH OTHERS

Extroverts look forward to working in a group

Extroverts tend to find that collaboration with others is where they shine and feel most comfortable. Their ideas develop as they interact with other group members and they respond positively to the energy of others. They might find that they are the instigator or even the [self-appointed] leader of most group situations, whether that is social, work or recreational. This type of activity makes them feel energised both during and after the event and they will choose this every time.

DECISION MAKING

Extroverts are happy to jump in

Extroverts gain energy from others, they are more likely to make decisions quickly rather than ponder over the minute detail of a situation. Action is the key for them and having others join in only increases their enthusiasm. When making decisions, they listen to the opinions and advice of others, as long as it is positive and energetic. For extroverts, not making a decision is sometimes worse than making the wrong one. This might make them seem like a risk taker in the eyes of others. As a social being, talking through a problem or idea is almost always preferable when making decisions. Having the interaction is the best part of solving the problem.

CONCENTRATION AND FOCUS

Bright, shiny objects

When extroverts are engaged in a task or activity, especially with others, they can make them feel excited and important. However, an extroverts personal focus and concentration can easily be broken by external distractions. Finding interest in many things at once can be problematic as their attention jumps from one thing to another. An extroverts focus tends to land on the most stimulating idea in the moment, which is not always the task at hand. It is not unusual for them to have multiple tasks going at once, and this usually energises them, rather than wearing them out. Extroverts can tend towards optimism with their enjoyment of social interaction and their short attention span can potentially contributing to this.

COMMUNICATING

Extroverts talk 1st listen 2nd

Extroverts are generally regarded as great communicators especially if it is them doing the talking. They encourage interaction and their enthusiasm for group discussion shines here. They have no problem talking about topics that interest them and are generally good at incorporating the ideas of others. If a group requires a speaker, they often regard this as an opportunity rather than an imposition. This skill in communication doesn’t always extend to listening, as distractions tend to pop up when their turn to talk has finished, especially if the discussion is not overly stimulating or if they are bored.

RECHARGING

External stimulation gives extroverts energy

Extroverts feel recharged during and after periods of significant social interaction. Time spent alone or in low-energy activities can feel draining, not to mention boring. They thrive in company, especially if it is in a high-energy environment. In fact, a day alone on the couch will almost always leave them feel more tired than when they started. In a party environment their energy is contagious and they love being at the centre of attention. After a long day; social interaction with friends or larger groups might be what they seek, rather than quiet time alone.

SOCIALISING

Social interaction is a strength

Extroverts tend to have a fairly broad circle of acquaintances. Their energy in social environments, enthusiasm for meeting people and strong conversational skills make them an engaging friend. Meeting new people and being in high energy environments are generally more appealing to them than sitting in quiet surroundings. Within their broad circle of acquaintances they tend to have a smaller group of people who they regard as trusted friends.