Every day a person, willing or not, contacts other people. In order to build productive relationships with the interlocutor, it is useful to know about some of the individual psychological characteristics of his personality. In particular, it belongs to one of the psychological types: extraversion or introversion.
An extrovert (from the Latin extra - "outside") is a type of personality with a focus of vital energy in the outside world. He is interested in objects, events and connections of the surrounding world, in contrast to the introvert, immersed in his own inner space of thoughts and experiences.
Distinctive features and merits of extroverts
It's easy to recognize extroverts, they are people of "action." As a rule, they:
- sociable, easily establish contacts with other people;
- adventurous and energetic;
- open and friendly;
- are optimistic and confident.
Since initially the psychic energy of extroverts is directed outward, they cannot be alone for a long time and are looking for communication on their own. As a rule, these are bright, charismatic people who attract attention to themselves. It is fun and interesting with them, they charge others with their energy. It is they who are the formal and informal leaders of the groups, the ringleaders, the “soul of the company”.
Typical representatives of this temperament are characterized by the following model of behavior:
- keen interest in what is happening around them;
- a large circle of acquaintances;
- organizational skills;
- pleasure from public speaking and participation in the organization of public events;
- a tendency to manipulate people.
Among them there are many politicians, public figures, actors, businessmen. This type of personality is inherent, for example, to Peter I, Napoleon, S. Yesenin, I. P. Pavlov, S. P. Korolev, V. F. Zhirinovsky.
Weaknesses of extroverts
The disadvantages of extroverts are the flip side of their merits:
- Since the extrovert is focused on the attention and recognition of others, this makes him dependent on public opinion. In order not to fall under someone else's influence, he must be a developed personality with adequate self-esteem.
- Excessive sociability and openness of an extrovert is often accompanied by the broadcasting of a large amount of personal information about himself and the events of his life. Sometimes information given out without intent can turn against him, make him vulnerable to ill-wishers. Usually such people do not know how to keep other people's secrets. Therefore, it is important for an extrovert to strive for selectivity in communication, control over the manifestation of their emotions.
- An ardent extrovert cannot accumulate his energy, as he wastes it on superficial emotions. He constantly needs recharging from people and events of the outside world. The ability to analyze what is happening around and focus on the main goals is one of the main problems of extroverts starting from childhood.
- Extroverts tend to make decisions quickly, rather than pre-calculating all the moves and options, weighing the pros and cons. Even those of them who know how to analyze do not really like to do this, although they realize all the negative consequences of such haste.
How to properly communicate with an extrovert
In order for communication with a person of such temperament to be effective and conflict-free, psychologists advise:
- be patient, giving him the opportunity to speak;
- listen carefully without interrupting;
- show a genuine interest in his personality;
- to compliment;
- maintain his mood;
- be able to tactfully switch his attention in time.
Is this good or bad?
Strong-willed, purposeful extroverts achieve great heights. They are able to influence others, but they themselves are subject to influence.
An infantile extrovert is in most cases just an energy vampire, consciously or unconsciously taking energy away from people.
Much depends on what character traits the extrovert has.
Research by psychologists has established that there are few "pure" introverts and extroverts in nature. In almost every person, both psychological types live simultaneously to one degree or another.
