How Extraverted Thinking Works | EgoHackers

Summary

In this video, Ben explores extroverted thinking (Te), a cognitive function used by types like ESTJ, ENTJ, ISTJ, ISFJ, ESFJ, INFJ, and ENFJ. Te relies on external data and group consensus for decision-making, valuing credibility and dismissing non-expert opinions. It seeks status and influence to validate self-worth. Ben advises helping Te users verify their information and encouraging their pursuit of credentials to enhance their influence, which is crucial for organizing and educating effectively.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Te, or extroverted thinking, is one of the four judgment functions used by eight of the 16 personality types.
• 📊 Te users include ESTJ, ENTJ, ISTJ, INTJ, ENFP, ESFP, INFP, and ISFP, all of whom use Te in their top four cognitive functions.
• 🔍 Te focuses on external information and group consensus to form decisions, valuing data, studies, and credibility.
• 📚 Te users are concerned with credibility, using it to filter information and opinions, which can be both beneficial and limiting.
• 🕸️ Te operates by gathering reference points and comparing them, similar to forming a 'spider web' of information.
• 🤝 Te users are conscious of how others perceive them and seek status, achievement, and credentials to validate their worth.
• 🔄 Te exists on a cognitive axis with Fi, introverted feeling, meaning Te users want others to think highly of them to feel good about themselves.
• 🏛️ Te users can be effective organizers and educators, using rationality to structure and manage various aspects of life.
• ⚖️ The natural blind spot for Te users is verification; they may not always check the accuracy of their research or justifications.
• 🤗 To support Te users, help them verify information, encourage the pursuit of credentials, and publicly acknowledge their achievements to bolster their influence and self-worth.

Q & A

What is extroverted thinking (Te)?

Extroverted thinking (Te) is one of the four judgment functions within the cognitive functions of personality types. It is a decision-making process that uses external information to determine the accepted truth of a group.

Which personality types are known to use Te as one of their top four functions?

The personality types that use Te as one of their top four functions include ESTJ, ENTJ, ISTJ, INTJ, ENFP, ESFP, INFP, and ISFP.

How does Te gather information?

Te gathers information through research that appeals to data, studies, and other credible resources. It uses the filter of credibility to decide if something is worth accepting as true or not.

What are the benefits of the credibility filter used by Te users?

The credibility filter allows Te users to clear out distractions, focusing on information from certified and professional sources, which can lead to more efficient decision-making.

What are the potential dangers of relying too heavily on the credibility filter?

The danger lies in dismissing valuable insights from people without formal credentials, potentially overlooking the contributions of many brilliant minds who are not certified in their areas of mastery.

How does Te use reference points to form opinions?

Te users gather a variety of reference points, comparing and contrasting them to form a 'spider web' of information. They siphon the most rational points into their personal knowledge base.

Why are Te users concerned with credibility?

Te users are concerned with credibility because they want to be regarded as credible themselves. This allows them to gain influence, which is a key motivator for Te users.

How does Te relate to the cognitive axis with Fi (Introverted Feeling)?

Te exists on a cognitive axis with Fi. Te users seek status and achievement to validate their own worth, and if others think highly of them, it can lead to a positive self-image.

What is the natural blind spot of Te users?

The natural blind spot of Te users is verification. They may not always verify their research or ensure that their justifications are based on factual truth.

How can one help Te users in their pursuit of credibility and influence?

One can help Te users by assisting them in verifying the information they gather, encouraging them to pursue credentials and degrees, and publicly acknowledging their achievements to boost their status and influence.

What is the role of rationality in Te decision-making?

Rationality is the guiding principle for Te users. They process the world through a rational lens, using reasons to justify their decisions, which makes them effective organizers and educators.