Introvert or Extrovert- How Can it Influence Decision-Making Abilities?

Among many other factors like thinking abilities, leadership qualities, etc., introversion and extroversion also influences the decisions of a person. Both types of persons think in different ways and have different approach towards various aspects of life. According to Castro (2013)1, introverts and extroverts not only have differences in opinions, but their brains also operate in different ways. This is the reason that their approach towards dealing the same matter differs drastically.

Here is an overview of various qualities of introverts and extroverts that will help readers understand that how these characteristics influence the decision making abilities of a person.

Difference between Extroversion and Introversion

The research of Castro has highlighted scientific and general differences between introverts and extroverts. According to the study, extroversion is a phenomenon, in which the human brain needs constant stimulation and radiates energy in the form of intense emotions and feelings. Extroverts need a driving force to motivate them and like constant changes.  

On the other hand, Castro defined introvert people as those who have inward energy towards thoughts and ideas. Their brain does not work in hyperactive state and they dot seek inspiration in people. Instead they find refuge in loneliness and learn from ideas and concepts. Moreover, introversion also makes a person inexpressive, so it is relatively difficult to understand an introvert person than an extrovert. However, Castro highlighted the fact that contrary to the normal perception that extroverts achieve more in life, most introverts decide by analyzing every aspect in detail and therefore most of their decisions are reliable. 

Introverts’ Brains vs. Extroverts’ Brains

Cooper (2013)2 highlighted the fact that brains of introverts process thoughts faster than brains of extroverts. This is because introversion trains the human brain to think constantly. Unlike an introvert, an extrovert thinks in multiple directions at the same time. This is because in extroversion, the brain immediately expresses the processed result in the form of opinion or emotion. While an introvert, analyzes all the aspects of everything before concluding anything.

Personality Characteristics that Influence Decision Making

According to Mitchellette (2008)3, introverts and extroverts differ drastically in a number of aspects. Some of the major differences, as highlighted by Mitchellette, are discussed below:

1. Communication

In the book, Mitchellette conducted an in-depth analysis of introversion and extraversion and concluded that extroverts have better communication and interaction skills than introverts. According to the author, extroverts prove to be better public speakers than introverts. However, this does not mean that introverts lack confidence or they cannot face people. They don’t communicate much with people, but their advice has substance. The author said that extroverts have good convincing abilities, but its introverts whose decisions have insight and are reliable.

2. Listening vs. Speaking

Mitchellette has also compared the listening and speaking abilities of introverts and extroverts. According the author, introverts listen 80% of the time and give very precise input in general discussions. On the other hand, extroverts bring life to discussions and prefer to speak more than listen. 

3. Expressing

The book also compares another quality of introverts and extroverts i.e. expressing. Contrary to the perception that extroverts are better at expressing things, introverts are also good when it comes to expressing emotions. Moreover, introverts can also manage to maintain their composure and don’t panic. Extroverts on the other hand, discuss issues with a number of people and therefore don’t have a focused approach towards life.

4. Quality vs. Quantity Preferences

This is another aspect discussed by Mitchellette in the book. Introverts go for quality, while extroverts prefer quantity. The author explained this concept by highlighting the fact that extroverts usually have large social circle, but they don’t have the ability to differentiate between reliable an unreliable people. On the other hand, introverts usually have very few friends but most of them are trustworthy.

What do Experts Think?

According to Brown (2013)4, the recent research on the brain of introverts and extroverts revealed the fact that introverts are better at decision making than extroverts. Although extroverts are always considered good leaders due to their interaction and communication skills, when it comes to making the right decision, introverts have better abilities than extroverts. This is because:

Introverts analyze every aspect of a situation in detail and view a situation from different angles.

The processing unit of introverts’ brains operates faster than extroverts’ brain, thus allowing them to take timely decisions.

Introverts don’t rely on people for making decisions, which means that they have more self-confidence than extroverts.

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1. Castro J. (2013). The Science of What Makes an Introvert and an Extrovert.

2. Cooper B. (2013). ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR CAREER.

3. Mitchellette RJ. (2008). Entrepreneurial Decision Making: A Must-read for Every Aspiring Entrepreneur.

4. Brown M. (2013). Why Introverts Make Better Decisions – and How to Compensate if You’re an Extrovert!