If you’re curious about Extraverted Thinking, also known as Te, this is the guide for you. We’ll explore everything related to this cognitive function, including how it manifests, real-life examples, and famous people who primarily use Extraverted Thinking.
So whether you’re new to cognitive functions or just want to delve deep into Extraverted Thinking, keep reading.
What is Extraverted Thinking?
Extraverted Thinking is one of eight cognitive functions, which are modes of processing information and making decisions based on our personality types. They form the basis of how we think and draw conclusions.
Extraverted Thinking is one of the processes that help us make decisions based on the outer world. It’s about taking into account objective criteria and external metrics.
Extraverted Thinking is all about understanding and organizing the external world. It’s associated with structure, sequences, and categorizing information. Those who use it as a primary cognitive function tend to be adept at coming up with frameworks and plans to achieve a goal.
If Extraverted Thinking was a question, it would be: does this make sense objectively?
Defining ‘Extraverted Thinkers’
In this post, when we talk about ‘Extraverted Thinkers,’ we are primarily talking about personality types who use Extraverted Thinking as their dominant cognitive function. So, these would be ENTJs and ESTJs.
Within the term ‘Extraverted Thinkers’, we also include personality types who use Extraverted Thinking as their auxiliary function, which are INTJs and ISTJs. But they will relate to the content of this post to a lesser extent.
How Extraverted Thinking manifests
Let’s take a look at how developed Extraverted Thinking manifests.
Summary
Extraverted Thinkers are naturally task-oriented individuals who value productivity and efficiency. They tend to be very fair people who have a strong sense of justice. In addition, they are systematic and analytical in their thinking. Extraverted Thinkers often have a strong need for order in their lives, and they allocate their time efficiently.
Extraverted Thinkers are talented at managing resources in order to reach a goal. They can often quickly understand complex systems. When it comes to making decisions, they prioritize objective criteria. They may be seen as “cold” or “impersonal” by others, but this is simply because they focus on metrics and facts rather than on emotions and relationships.
Problem-solving
Extraverted Thinkers are naturals at troubleshooting problems. They typically approach problem-solving in a step-by-step fashion, and they like to have a clear plan of action before beginning the task at hand. When thinking about potential solutions, they primarily consider logic and objectivity over emotions and relationships.
Extraverted Thinkers use deductive logic to solve problems. This means they start with the facts, then go to the theory, and then return to the facts. Essentially, they use logic that is based on what is verifiable in the outside world. They tend to focus on the end result they are looking to achieve and work backward from there in order to decide on the best decision to get to that point.
Communication
Extraverted Thinkers are direct in the way they communicate. Seeing as they focus heavily on facts, they see the world as relatively black and white. This means they are clear about what they think and, in turn, what they say. Extraverted Thinkers often look for one answer based on facts.
Additionally, Extraverted Thinkers like to get to the point when they communicate because they are so focused on efficiency. This can also mean that they can feel that it’s inefficient going back and forth discussing different points of view. Ultimately, they don’t like to waste time so they tend to be articulate. They can struggle when it comes to verbalizing their emotions. Plus, they can sometimes find it hard to communicate with people who are highly emotional.
Memory
Extraverted Thinkers remember things in a very systematic and orderly fashion. When it comes to recalling past events, they typically remember metrics and timelines. They also tend to be good at remembering facts, particularly if they have some relevance to a goal they are currently working toward or one that they pursued in the past. They can be less likely to remember personal information that they don’t view as useful.
As highly logical people, Extroverted Thinkers might not remember the emotions they felt during certain situations as vividly as some other people, but they often remember how they reached a goal or conclusion. In other words, they remember the steps they took to achieve something and how the journey played out. But the key focus of their memory will be the conclusion and how things ended.
Real-life examples of Extraverted Thinking in action
Here are some real-life examples of Extraverted Thinking so you can think about it in a practical and relatable way.
- Drawing up a timeline of exactly what has to be done in order to meet a deadline and allocating the necessary roles.
- Making a list of all of the criteria for a new car so you can be sure to buy one that is suitable.
- Choosing your new sports teammate purely based on the number of goals they have scored per match this season.
Weak Extraverted Thinking
Weak Extraverted Thinking manifests as a lack of organization and structure.
People who have inferior Extraverted Thinking tend to struggle to follow a linear plan. They might find it hard to understand complex systems. In addition, they might not see the point in having structure in the outer world such as rules and procedures.
They might shy away from making set plans and struggle to stick to them. In fact, they can come across as chaotic or disorganized. In addition, they might find it hard to think about objective criteria when making decisions because they are so focused on the personal side of things. They may have exciting plans and visions but not know what steps to take to achieve them.
These are just a few examples, but hopefully, they give you a flavor of what weak Extraverted Thinking looks like.
Strengths of Extraverted Thinkers
Here are some of the strengths associated with Extraverted Thinkers:
1. Objective: They tend to make decisions based on logic and objective criteria rather than emotions.
2. Organized: They are often very organized in the way they live and plan their lives.
3. Strategic: They have a knack for thinking ahead and planning for future contingencies.
4. Direct: They are typically direct and clear in their communication style because they are focused on efficiency.
5. Decisive: They are often able to make decisions quickly and with confidence.
Weaknesses of Extraverted Thinkers
Extraverted Thinkers can have some weaknesses, too:
1. Impatient: They can sometimes be impatient with people who do not think as quickly as they do.
2. Insensitive: They can sometimes be insensitive to the feelings of others.
3. Rigid: They may sometimes be inflexible due to their need to stick to a set plan or roadmap.
4. Single-minded: They can be single-minded because they are often very focused on achieving certain goals.
5. Overly critical: They may sometimes be overly critical of others or even of themselves.
Famous people who use Extraverted Thinking
Now, let’s look at how Extraverted Thinking manifests in real celebrities.
1. Simon Cowell, ENTJ
Simon Cowell is the very definition of an Extraverted Thinker. He’s decisive, strategic, and charismatic – but he’s also ruthless in certain situations. He can definitely be critical and impatient. We have seen many examples of these traits during his time as a judge on X-Factor. Extraverted Thinkers are known for their calculated logic, and Simon Cowell is the living embodiment of that reputation. So if you’re looking to do business with him, be prepared to bring your A-game. Otherwise, you’ll be out of the picture before you know it. Simon Cowell is all about winning, and he’ll stop at nothing to make sure that he comes out on top. This is very typical of Extraverted Thinkers. They’re always striving to be the best, and they have the drive and determination to make it happen. If you’re ever up against an ENTJ, you better be prepared for a battle.
2. Kris Jenner, ESTJ
Kris Jenner is the classic Extraverted Thinking matriarch and the ultimate Momager to the Kardashian clan. She’s always looking out for her daughters and making sure they’re taken care of. She’s also known for being a straight shooter who tells it like it is. Extraverted Thinkers are known for their organizational skills and tactical thinking. They’re always looking ahead and making sure everything is in order. This is typical of Kris Jenner. She’s practical, driven, highly structured, and always looking out for her family. She’s an Extraverted Thinker through and through.
3. George Clooney, ENTJ
George Clooney is an Extraverted Thinking celebrity. He works hard and makes strategic decisions to better his career, which is typical of people who primarily use this cognitive function. Not only is George Clooney a successful actor, but he’s also a successful businessman. In 2018, Clooney was the highest-paid actor in the world, earning $239 million. This income was predominantly from his tequila business. George Clooney is the epitome of a successful Extraverted Thinker. He’s hardworking, ambitious, and always strives to be the best. Whether he’s acting in a movie or running his tequila company, Clooney is always thinking one step ahead. Thanks to his strategic planning and quick thinking, Clooney has built an impressive career and life for himself. We could all learn a thing or two from this Extraverted Thinker.
4. Michelle Obama, ESTJ
Michelle Obama is a famous Extraverted Thinker. She’s also a gifted and direct communicator in the sense that she is able to articulate her thoughts and ideas clearly. And she’s not afraid to take charge and get things done. All of these qualities make her an excellent leader and a typical Extraverted Thinker. Michelle Obama is also a fair, logical person. She believes in justice and equality for all, and she isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She is a strong and confident woman who speaks her mind. And she is a role model for many young women today. Michelle Obama is an excellent example of an Extraverted Thinking leader. She is intelligent, articulate, and confident.
5. Steve Jobs, ENTJ
Steve Jobs was another famous Extraverted Thinking business person. He was determined and never gave up. In addition, he was decisive when it came to making decisions involving Apple. These are just a couple of the reasons why Jobs was such an effective leader. He was always willing to take calculated risks. This combination of traits made him a true visionary. Jobs was also incredibly charismatic. He had a way of captivating an audience and motivating them to believe in his vision, which is typical of Extraverted Thinkers. He was a master at persuasion and could get people to buy into his ideas, even if they seemed impossible at first. Jobs was a true pioneer in the tech industry, and his impact is still felt today.
How to develop your Extraverted Thinking skills
The key to developing your Extraverted Thinking skills is to focus on metrics milestones and objective criteria. Here are some things you can do to work on your Extraverted Thinking.
1. Set tangible goals. Having a plan, either in your professional or personal life, will help you stay focused and on track. It will also help you know what you need to do next instead of having to stop and pause. Once you have your roadmap, you can work on hitting milestones in certain timeframes. It will also help you anticipate future problems and challenges.
2. Map out specific steps. This will help you stay focused on what you need to do in order to achieve your goals. Instead of jumping right in, take the time to understand the specific steps involved in a task or process. When you break something down into its component parts, it will be easier for you to see how to complete it.
3. Plan before you start. While some people like to jump right in, Extraverted Thinking involves coming up with a clear plan before you start working on a task. You need to give yourself time to think things through and come up with a plan. This can be difficult if you are used to acting on impulse, but in the long term, it can be worth it when it’s used in the right way.
4. Make to-do lists. To-do lists have Extraverted Thinking written all over them. They is a great way to keep track of what needs to be done, and they help you to approach day-to-day tasks in a structured, logical manner. In addition, to-do lists can help you stay focused on track to reach your goals. They are essentially mini roadmaps.
5. Delegate. If you find yourself with too many tasks, delegate some of them to others if possible. This will help you focus on the tasks that are most important and leave the rest to other people. Delegating and managing resources efficiently are key aspects of well-developed Extroverted Thinking. It’s not always easy if it doesn’t come naturally, but you can improve with time and effort.
Extraverted Thinking is a valuable skill that can be further developed with the right approach and some effort. By maintaining a sense of structure in your environment and making sure you’re always thinking about facts, you can continue to grow as an individual and make the most of your Extraverted Thinking.
Personal growth tips for Extraverted Thinkers
If you’re an Extraverted Thinker who is looking to develop different aspects of yourself, here are some tips for you.
1. Write a list of your values. While the ability to remain logical is an incredible trait, it’s also important to be in touch with who you are as a person. One way to help you stay true to yourself is to write a list of your values. This means knowing what is important to you and what you stand for. When you have a clear understanding of your values, you will be better able to make decisions and set goals that are in line with them.
2. Set aside time to relax. When you’re constantly on the go, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Make sure to put aside time for relaxation and fun activities that you enjoy. This will help you to recharge and come back to your tasks with fresh energy. A great way to ensure balance as an Extraverted Thinker is to schedule time for having no schedule. Block out an afternoon on a weekend day or a whole day to just go with the flow.
3. Practice acceptance. One of the challenges of being an Extraverted Thinker is that you can sometimes be too critical, both of yourself and of others. Learning to accept people and situations as they are is an important step in personal growth. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with everything, but it does mean letting go of judgment and criticism. Try to see the good in people and situations, even when they’re not perfect.
4. Embrace your emotions. As an Extraverted Thinker, you may tend to intellectualize your emotions or try to ignore them altogether. However, it’s important to acknowledge and embrace your emotions. They are a part of who you are, and they can provide valuable information about your needs and wants. If you’re struggling to get in touch with your emotions, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor who can help you understand and express them in a healthy way.
5. Take time to reflect. Extroverted Thinkers are drawn to take action and get things done. However, it’s also important to take time to reflect on your experiences and learn from them. This reflection can be done in many ways, such as journaling, meditating, talking to a friend, going for a walk, or doing a solitary activity such as swimming. Taking time to reflect will help you to grow and develop as a person.
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We hope that this post has helped you understand what Extraverted Thinking is, how it manifests, and how you can develop as a person. If you found it helpful, please share it with others who might benefit from our deep dive into Extraverted Thinking.
If you’re interested in other cognitive functions, you can read about Introverted Thinking, too.
