In this article, you’ll discover:

  • What the Introversion (I) preference means in the MBTI® framework
     
  • How to tell whether you’re truly introverted
     
  • How you can evolve and grow as an Introvert

 

You’ll also learn something many people overlook:

We all have both Introversion (I) and Extraversion (E) within us.

There’s no such thing as a “pure” Introvert.

 

What Is Introversion?

What Is Introversion (I) in the MBTI?

Myers and Briggs defined the preference for Introversion (I) as the tendency to recharge by turning inward and connecting with one’s inner world.

By contrast, people with a preference for Extraversion (E) regain their energy through interaction with the external world.

From birth, each of us naturally develops a preference—either for Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I). This preference shows up very early in life and becomes the one we rely on instinctively, effortlessly, and without conscious intention.

 

The definition of Introversion (I) given by Myers and Briggs often leads to confusion when participants try to identify their MBTI profile. After all, we all have moments when we engage outwardly and moments when we withdraw and reflect.

 

In our MBTI® training sessions, using Jung’s Psychological Types (the basis for the MBTI®) original framework helps participants understand their preferences in a clear and practical way. For Jung, an Introvert is someone who developed their introverted side before their extraverted one.

 

The main traits of Introverts

What are the main traits of people who prefer Introversion (I)?

People with a preference for Introversion (I) tend to:

  • Wait for others to take the first step in a conversation;
     
  • Prefer listening over speaking (some introverted therapists, for example, are known for their remarkable listening skills);
     
  • Come across as generally more calm and steady;
     
  • Think before they speak, take time to shape their ideas, and consider their actions carefully before moving forward.

There are also some noticeable differences between individuals, especially when it comes to energy levels and the pace at which decisions are made. The Interaction Styles® model developed by Linda Berens offers useful insights on this topic.

 
That said, Introverts and Extraverts share many similarities when it comes to:

  • Communication;
  • Leadership style;
  • Conflict management;
  • Approaches to change…

 

Among all the MBTI® preferences, the distinction between Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I) is often the one that explains the fewest differences between two people.

 

Am I an Introvert or an Extravert?

How can I tell whether I prefer Introversion (I) or Extraversion (E)?

Identifying whether someone leans towards Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I) is actually the final step we explore during an MBTI discovery interview. We take this approach for two main reasons:

  • This polarity generally has less influence on a person’s natural way of operating;
     
  • Once the other preferences are clearer, the process becomes much easier and more accurate.

When we look at whether someone prefers Introversion (I), we consider several elements, such as:

  • Childhood and teenage years, as Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I) tend to shift in cycles throughout one’s life.
     
  • Decision-making patterns, where the Interaction Styles® model is particularly useful in helping us differentiate between the two.

 

We’re also careful not to draw conclusions based solely on how much someone speaks during a session.

Introverted individuals may, at times, appear more extraverted—especially when they’re discussing a topic they deeply care about or when they feel comfortable with the group.

 

Common Misunderstandings

Watch out for common mix-ups!

One of the most frequent confusions between Introversion (I) and Extraversion (E) comes from Introverts who genuinely believe they’re Extraverts.

It makes sense: introverted people can become incredibly talkative when they’re discussing a topic they truly care about or when they’re surrounded by people they trust.

It’s also quite common to see some Introverts speak at length during a training session, especially when the subject resonates with them.

Another recurring confusion appears with Introverts who also prefer Feeling (F). They often mistake sensitivity or empathy for Extraversion (E) — even though these qualities have nothing to do with one another.

 

All of this highlights an essential ethical principle for any MBTI practitioner:
Only the individual can accurately identify their own type.

 

Stereotypes About Introversion (I)

What Are the Common Stereotypes or Misunderstandings About Introverts?

Introversion (I) is far more widely recognised than other preferences such as Sensing (S) or Intuition (N), and it often comes with a fair number of clichés and misconceptions:

  • An Introvert is not someone who doesn’t communicate:
    Communication involves both speaking and listening.
     
  • Introverts don’t avoid social contact, and they’re certainly not antisocial:
    They usually just prefer that you make the first move.
     
  • Introverts do not lack self-confidence.
     
  • Introversion (I) has nothing to do with shyness:
    Being introverted is a preference; shyness is a difficulty.
    It’s true that we meet more shy Introverts than shy Extraverts, but Extraverts often struggle more when shyness appears in their lives.
     
  • Being Introverted doesn’t mean being closed off from others or lacking empathy.
     
  • Introverts are not more intelligent or more emotionally stable than Extraverts.

 

Introversion (I) is neither a weakness nor a flaw.
It’s simply a preference—one that brings its own strengths and challenges, like any other.

And yes, it is absolutely possible to be a speaker or facilitate large groups while being Introverted.

 

Introversion (I) in the Workplace

How does Introversion (I) show up in the workplace?

Introverts tend to:

  • Prefer work settings that offer moments of quiet:
    Many introverts have shared their frustration with working in open-plan offices.
    We also often hear how much more effective they feel when working from home, where fewer interactions and interruptions help them stay focused.
     
  • Take more time before speaking up, as they usually need to refine their thinking before sharing it.

 

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to be careful when interpreting someone’s behaviour in a meeting to determine whether they’re introverted or extraverted. A reaction alone doesn’t necessarily indicate a preference.

 

For example:

  • Someone whose preference is Introverted Thinking (Ti) may react strongly when a decision feels inconsistent with their internal logic.
     
  • A person using Introverted Feeling (Fi) might respond in a similar way if a decision goes against their personal values.

  • Someone whose preference is Introverted Sensing (Si) could become more vocal if the environment feels chaotic or if established, reliable methods are suddenly overlooked.

 

How to Grow as an Introvert

How can I improve my skills or boost my productivity as an Introvert?

Here are three simple ways to grow and develop with an Introversion (I) preference:

  • Make the most of your ability to step back
    When taking a moment to think before acting can be useful, offer your support. Use this reflective time to reduce mistakes or make more informed decisions.
     
  • Avoid overplaying your Introversion (I)
    Respond when people speak to you, even if your thoughts aren’t fully formed yet. Let them know you’ve heard them and that you simply need a little time before giving a more complete answer.
     
  • Learn from differences
    Instead of seeing your Extraverted colleagues as overly talkative or intrusive, notice what you can learn from them. Their energy and way of engaging can complement your own style.

 

Coaching an Introvert

What Might an Introvert Work on in Coaching?

 
When coaching someone with a preference for Introversion (I), the areas of focus often include:

  • Learning to break the ice and initiate contact
    Introverts often prefer to let others make the first move, which can mean missing out on valuable opportunities to connect.
     
  • Building patience when facing the more “intrusive” side of Extraverts
    Introverts may feel the urge to withdraw when Extraverts come across as too present or too intense. The challenge is that this withdrawal can prompt Extraverts to push even harder to engage, creating a bit of a cycle.
     
  • Avoiding delayed reactions
    Because Introverts like to shape their thoughts clearly before speaking, they may hesitate too long. In a fast-paced meeting or group discussion, that delay can lead to their voice not being heard at all.
     
  • Understanding Extraverts’ needs
    In environments where they regularly interact with Extraverts, it can be helpful for Introverts to work on recognising the needs of people who thrive in more spontaneous, high-energy exchanges.

 

Communicating Better with an Introvert

How to Communicate More Effectively with Introverts

  • Give them enough time to answer.
    If their reply takes a moment, try not to jump in with a second question straight away.
     
  • Be mindful that your energy might come across as intrusive.
    Keep your pace steady and avoid taking up too much space in the conversation.
     
  • Notice your own discomfort if you find them distant, detached, or not fully present.

 

To communicate better with an Introvert, remember that engaging with the outside world or taking the first step can sit outside their comfort zone. It requires real effort on their side, and acknowledging this can make your interactions smoother and more respectful.

 

How Introversion (I) Links to Other Models

What connections can we draw between Introversion (I) and other models?


Taibi Kahler’s Process Com®

In our Process Com® training experience, most people identified as Imaginer tended to show a preference for Introversion.

That said, this doesn’t mean there are no Extraverted Imaginers — just as there are naturally shy Extraverts. It’s simply the pattern we’ve observed most often.

And contrary to what some might assume, Energisers in Process Communication Model® who are Introverts in MBTI® are actually very common.

 

Interaction Styles® – Linda Berens

In this framework, Introverted types typically fall into one of two styles:

  • Chart the Course®: steady, deliberate, and purposeful, with a clear focus on making realistic decisions.
     
  • Behind the Scene®: calm, reserved, slightly distant energy, paired with the need to take time to analyse before choosing the best way forward.

 

David Keirsey’s Temperaments

In Keirsey’s model, Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I) do not define temperament.

This means that this preference has no direct impact on someone’s preferred leadership style, nor on the style their team might expect from them.

 

The Other MBTI Preferences

What Are the Other MBTI Preferences?

Discover the MBTI preferences:

Extraversion (E) Introversion (I)
Sensing (S) Intuition (N)
Thinking (T) Feeling (F)
Judging (J) Perceiving (P)