How can I leverage my personality strengths for my career? (Introvert edition)

Posted 14 March 2024 by
Vanessa Bradford

5 min. read

I often envy people with an Extraverted personality type. From my (very Introverted) vantage point, Extraverts seem to have this magically endless supply of social energy and a knack for lively conversation.

As someone who likes to deeply connect with people, I’ve found myself carefully observing Extraverts’ confidence and cadence, eager to absorb what comes so naturally to them. I’ve spoken to enough of my fellow Introverts to know I’m not alone here. But really, the differences between Introversion and Extraversion aren’t all that mysterious. It’s simply about energy. Here’s a quick overview:

People who prefer Introversion (often called Introverts) are energized by spending time alone in their own inner world. They like to think things through. This means they often review ideas and possibilities in their head before sharing them out loud.

People who prefer Extraversion (often called Extraverts) are energized by an outer world of people and experiences. They like to talk things through. This means they often verbalize ideas right away because they’re enthusiastic about the possibilities they’ve come up with.

The differences between Introversion and Extraversion can be especially apparent in the workplace because Extraverts tend to be more outwardly collaborative and social, which often gets rewarded by leaders. Introverts tend to be quieter and need more time to answer questions, which isn’t always conducive to brainstorming sessions or all-hands-on-deck meetings. That said, there are plenty of Extraverts who are thoughtful and reflective. And plenty of Introverts who are collaborative and socially confident. Personality type may be innate, but it’s far from limiting – especially when you learn to grow outside of your comfort zone.

No matter who you are, you have strengths to leverage in your workplace and overall career. If you’re an Introvert and you know your specific Myers-Briggs Type Indicator^® (MBTI) personality type, find yours below to learn what your natural strengths are. And learn a few professional development tips too. Extraverts, we didn’t forget about you. We covered your strengths in the last blog post.

If you have preferences for INFJ, your core strength is integrity.

You’re naturally insightful, inspiring, and innovative
You organize people and processes in a way that benefits everyone and builds mutual trust
You tend to be attentive to group dynamics, so you cultivate cooperative work environments

Professional development tips for INFJ personality types:

Express important thoughts and feelings even if it risks group harmony
State clear expectations for the people around you, and clarify their expectations of you
Identify the realities of the present situation rather than what you imagine might happen next

If you have preferences for INFP, your core strength is idealism.

You’re naturally imaginative, values-focused, and thoughtful
You offer authenticity and compassion to the people and organizations you serve
You often inspire others to start their own journey of personal/professional development

Professional development tips for INFP personality types:

Recognize the importance of turning thoughts and ideas into action
Acknowledge that some projects require more structure and detail than others
Improve your skills in negotiation, sales, and finance to balance your visionary approach

If you have preferences for INTJ, your core strength is vision.

You’re independent, individualistic, and forward-thinking
You use foresight to meet even the most complex challenges
You’re analytical, persuasive, and understand how to stay the course

Professional development tips for INTJ personality types:

When others question you, get curious rather than defensive
Articulate your decision-making process more clearly so others are in the loop
Recognize that other people may need reassurance or feedback to do their jobs well

If you have preferences for INTP, your core strength is logic.

You’re analytical, intellectual, and curious
You know how to solve complex problems with rationality
You can easily pinpoint the long-term consequences of any given strategy

Professional development tips for INTP personality types:

Periodically check in with the people around you
Consider how your critical analyses might impact others
Learn how to move past “analysis paralysis” to meet deadlines

If you have preferences for ISFJ, your core strength is commitment.

You are conscientious, loyal, and dedicated
You have a knack for offering practical help in an encouraging way
You’re considerate of others’ needs and make sacrifices to get a job done

Professional development tips for ISFJ personality types:

Honor your commitments to yourself too
Learn how to delegate and give clear directives
Acknowledge that not every goal must be met through traditional, standard procedures

If you have preferences for ISFP, your core strength is sensitivity.

You’re compassionate, flexible, and sincere
You earnestly provide practical, hands-on support in a crisis
You know how to make the people around you feel supported and respected

Professional development tips for ISFP personality types:

Develop a plan for organization that you can stick to
Take action to meet your own needs, not just the needs of others
Understand that many people need accurate feedback, even if it’s critical

If you have preferences for ISTJ, your core strength is responsibility.

You’re thorough, hardworking, and traditional
You stay on task and don’t shy away from commitment
You know how to develop and maintain efficient procedures

Professional development tips for ISTJ personality types:

Appreciate change as an opportunity to improve traditions
Share more about yourself, and invite others to do the same
Develop your tolerance for people who aren’t as conventional

If you have preferences for ISTP, your core strength is ingenuity.

You’re pragmatic, realistic, and adaptable
You can easily spot inconsistencies and fill in those gaps quickly
You understand the importance of taking a pragmatic, unbiased approach

Professional development tips for ISTP personality types:

Consider the big picture as you assess the facts
Explain a plan’s strengths before verbalizing its flaws
Let others know you appreciate them for a job well done

Not sure what your personality type is? Take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator^® (MBTI) assessment to find out. And be sure to read these blog posts about Introversion and career development: