Introverted Extroverted: Signs + Benefits of Being an Ambivert at Work

People often describe their personality as either extroverts or introverts. But increasingly, more and more are now identifying as a combination of the two—or, in other words, as an introverted extrovert.

Introverted extroverts (also known as ambiverts) are extremely common. “Most of us are a balance of the two,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Nancy Irwin. How common? Some estimates claim that ambiverts make up almost 70 percent of the population. You might even be one of them! 

But what, exactly, is an introverted extrovert? How can you tell if you fall under this personality structure? And how can being an ambivert help you at work?

Extroverts vs. Introverts: Differences

Before we jump into all-things introverted extroverts, let’s quickly define what introverts and extroverts actually are.

“The terms extroverts and introverts, which were coined by Dr. Carl Jung, literally mean ‘turned outward’ or ‘turned inward,’” says Irwin. As such, “Introverts and extroverts look to obtain energy in different ways,” says Eden Garcia-Balis, an LA-based therapist and CEO of Airport Marina Counseling Service.

So, what does that look like in practice? “Extroverts' hallmark trait is that they get energized by being around others more than alone,” says Irwin. “Introverts, on the other hand, need ‘down time’ and alone time to recharge.”

Introversion and extroversion can manifest in different ways. Introverts “tend to be quiet and sometimes shy,” says Irwin. They also “tend to be more private, introspective, and their motivation comes from within.”

“Introverts require less stimuli and like to reflect in quiet, as well as seek more one-on-one time with friends,” says Garcia-Balis. “They are usually seen as ‘shy.’” 

On the flip side, “extroverts thrive with more stimulation and boost their dopamine by reflecting outwards when processing feelings, spending time with others and meeting new people in larger groups,” says Garcia-Balis. “They are often seen as ‘outgoing.’”

So, what is an introverted extrovert?

An introverted extrovert is a balance of introversion and extroversion; typically, an introverted extrovert is someone “who presents as sociable, outward-tending, but also is quite comfortable with solitude,” says Irwin.

Introverted extroverts are also generally “more flexible and adaptable,” says Irwin; because they have both personality traits, they’re able to adapt to a wide variety of things—including different types of people, jobs, and social structures.

Socially, introverted extroverts “do not present as a ‘wallflower’ who is pathologically shy or socially anxious—nor are they the histrionic over-the-top ego of an extreme extrovert who demands constant attention,” says Irwin.

In a work environment, “they are comfortable as a follower or as a leader, and typically make great team players,” says Irwin.

Basically, introverted extroverts have both qualities of an introvert and an extrovert—and the balance of the two allows them to thrive in a variety of situations.

10 signs you may be an introverted extrovert

Not sure if your personality falls under the “introverted extrovert” umbrella? Here are some key signs to look out for:

1. You’re just as comfortable by yourself as you are being with other people

2. You enjoy social situations—but need alone time to recharge afterwards

3. You’re flexible and can easily adapt to a wide variety of situations 

4. You’re successful working on a team—but are also successful when working alone

5. You interact well and can relate to both introverts and extroverts

6. You’re adept at both listening and speaking

7. You may find yourself leaning more towards introversion or extroversion depending on the situation (for example, if you’re feeling well-rested, the idea of going to a party might sound great—but if you’re not feeling your most energized, you might prefer to stay home and recharge by yourself)

8. You can handle being the center of attention—but you’re also fine to have someone else take that title

9. You can talk to pretty much anyone—but you prefer to spend time with people you have deep, meaningful relationships with

10. You’re both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated (for example, if you’re trying to start a new workout routine, having an accountability partner is helpful—but you can also get yourself to the gym regularly on your own)

The benefits of being an introverted extrovert at work

Does the introverted extroverted title resonate with you? If so, you’re in luck, as this personality type offers a variety of benefits—including in the workplace.

Some of the benefits of being an introverted extrovert at work include:

• They have flexibility to work behind the scenes or “in front of the camera”. Often, work requires the ability to work both behind the scenes and in a more visible way—and ambiverts thrive at both. “An ambivert can work in the back office all alone—and then give a dynamic presentation at a board meeting or seminar,” says Irwin.

• They’re self-reliant. Some people need a lot of hand-holding and micromanaging to get things done. But not ambiverts! “Introverted extroverts are self-motivated and reliable,” says Irwin. “They don't need anyone checking in on them or reinforcing them with praise. The work is the reward.”

• They have the ability to connect with different types of people. In addition, virtually every job requires you to work with other people—and thanks to their flexibility and understanding of different types of people, introverted extroverts generally work extremely well with others. “They work well with both extreme introverts and introverts because they understand the dynamics and can ‘pivot’ easily,” says Irwin.

• They make great leaders. The introverted extrovert personality type also tends to jive well with leadership responsibilities. “They make ideal bosses,” says Irwin. “They understand that balance is key, and tend to treat followers as well as they treat leaders.”

Bottom line? “Extroverts traditionally bring vision, assertiveness, energy, and the ability to network easily in the workplace. Introverts are traditionally the team members who tend to take initiative to introduce change and promote better strategies, as they are typically hyper-focused and can work independently with ease. Introverts are also good at problem-solving, as they can think through a problem with more ease than an extrovert,” says Garcia-Balis. 

“So, if you have a team member who is a leader, looking to make ongoing work connections but also has the personality trait to focus on the task at hand and problem-solve? It’s a win-win workplace situation!”