Exploring Extraverted Thinking (Te)

Extraverted Thinking, or Te, is one of the eight cognitive functions laid out by Carl Jung. The cognitive functions are the basic building blocks for each of the 16 personality types. Exploring Extraverted Thinking (Te) is the fourth installment of this series. If you want to read the previous ones, check out Exploring Extraverted Intuition (Ne), Exploring Extraverted Feeling (Fe), and Exploring Introverted Sensing (Si). Eventually, we aim to cover each of the eight functions via this series. I’m hoping to get this accomplished within the next few months, but we’ll see what happens. We’re also referencing Carl Jung’s Psychological Types as we work through this. The aim is to provide a realistic picture of each cognitive function, that covers both the core underlying rational and possible external manifestations.

Who uses Extraverted Thinking?

Every personality type has a cognitive function stack made up of only four cognitive functions. In other words, since there are eight functions in total, only half of the 16 personality types have Te, namely the TJs and the FPs. However, with that in mind, the FPs often devalue Te, since it is either in the third or fourth slot of their function stack. (Their Introverted Feeling, or Fi, often overrules their Te.) Therefore, this article primarily applies to the TJ types, which are ENTJ, INTJ, ESTJ, and ISTJ.

The TJ types will be the ones prioritizing Te, and thus will lean on it heavily in their daily lives. They will have the greatest range of use for the function, in both the positive and negative directions, although they will be the most apt of all the types to use it in a healthy, and positive way.

The Core of Extraverted Thinking

Extraverted Thinking, or Te, is an extraverted judging function based on thinking. Extraverted functions in typology are objective, which means externally focused. (Read more here: Objectivity vs. Subjectivity) In other words, TJs prioritize objective data as means to draw conclusions and establish a universal formula for life.

10 Characteristics of Extraverted Thinking

Bear in mind, that some of the information below will describe core cognition, while other parts will describe common behavioral trends. You don’t have to relate to everything 100% in order to be an TJ.

1. TJs orient their thinking to the external world

This is a key point, because of the confusion between Ti and Te. Ti logic is more idea focused, in a sense. Te logic elevates the external above subjective ideas. Therefore, their logic will more readily align to verified facts and generally accepted ideas. Bear in mind, I’m not saying that they’ll naively accept whatever they’re told. Many TJs have a rigorous process for verifying data and checking sources. However, they will highly value external data when forming their conclusions. TJs are often the ones to reference sources when sharing information or proving a point.

2. TJs naturally see the world in terms of cause and effect

Extraverted thinking allows TJs to be good at recognizing the real world effect of their actions, in the physical sense (not the emotional sense). For instance, many TJs excel at time management. MBTI stereotypes generally describe judgers as the ones who are structured and always on time. However, TJs specifically are the ones who excel at recognizing exactly how long a task will take. Whereas, in my personal experience, FJs seem to always be running late. (I’m sure this doesn’t apply to all FJs, but it’s definitely a trend that I’ve noticed.) A TJ’s ability to see cause and effect is what makes them good at optimizing external systems in order to make them more efficient.

3. TJs use their thinking to solve real world problems

A natural result of how TJs approach reality, as described above, is their tendency to use their logic to provide solutions for the problem they see around them. This includes other people’s problems. The TJ that is looking to help someone typically does so in a solution-focused way. If you vent to a TJ, their natural impulse is to respond with a practical, real-world solution. Some may even take it upon themselves to enact the solution for you, for better or worse. It’s also worth noting that many TJs will miss (or dismiss) the emotional or subjective context of a person’s problem, so the solution they provide, while technically “correct”, may be over-simplified or not catered well to the individual.

4. TJs value and form objective standards that they believe everyone should adhere to

Carl Jung describes every function in an extreme manner for the sake of demonstrating a concept. However, in regard to Te, he describes the user as someone who “elevates objective reality, or an objectively oriented intellectual formula, into the ruling principle not only for himself but for his whole environment.” This is likely the reason why TJs are known for being commanding or domineering. Carl Jung goes on to say that a Te user will use this “formula” to determine right and wrong. Everyone who agrees with and adheres to the formula is judged correct, while those who oppose it are deemed wrong. However, not all TJs will appear to be this extreme, which will be discussed further down.

5. TJs are usually structured individuals

As a byproduct of forming objective standards, TJs tend to approach life in a structured way. Sure, they can have their impulsive moments. EXTJs specifically can be quite impulsive, especially the ENTJ variant. However, they usually have a concrete plan they’re putting into action. In addition, while a TJ doesn’t have to be perfectly organized to qualify as one, their standard for what organized means is usually objectively correct. Unlike the TP who claims that there is an order to their chaos, the TJ will readily identify chaos for what it is. Order will look like order. Chaos will look like chaos. In a work environment, they often value having an external standard to adhere to so order and structure can be effectively maintained.

6. TJs often define themselves based on their capabilities

This will be especially the case for a Te dominant, or an EXTJ. IXTJs will have a more rigid and personalized sense of self. However, they will still be prone to defining themselves based on their real world value. (This is the result of low Fi using Te metrics rather than relying on subjective introspection.) It makes sense that the stereotypical TJ is known for being productive, ambitious, and achievement-oriented, given this tendency. However, in spite of the stereotypes, it is possible for a TJ to be truly lazy. (Any type can be lazy.) But, a TJ that is truly lazy will struggle with low self-esteem, due to their failure to prove their own value to themselves.

7. TJs, due to extraverted thinking, are goal-oriented

As a result of the previous point, TJs naturally establish concrete goals that they believe to be achievable. Despite common belief and the extreme stereotypes, these goals do not have to be remarkably ambitious. Not every TJ wants to be a manager or a world dictator. The goal can be modest or humble, so long as it’s something to work toward and provides the TJ what they want. Due to a variety of reason, it is possible for a TJ to not know what they want, whether that be due to an irreversible disruption to their current course or simply immaturity. (Many teenagers and young adults struggle with choosing a life path.) However, until the TJ establishes a clear, concrete goal, they will feel lost, purposeless, and even anxious.

8. TJs value efficiency and competency

Obviously, other personality types can have these values as well. However, TJs specifically prioritize these values in their daily lives. They’ll find ways to optimize their processes and routines to make them take as little time as possible. When dealing with others, many TJs will struggle with impatience, because they hone in on how inefficient everyone else is. They’ll be prone to judging people based on their competency at specific tasks, whether at home or in the workplace. The TJ that is dealing with someone they deem to be less capable may feel compelled to take over the task so that it is done correctly.

9. TJs have a heightened awareness of external hierarchies and systems

I struggled to label this point, because TJs can respond to external hierarchies in drastically different ways, in spite of their natural awareness. The ambitious TJ will use their natural awareness to climb the ladder within whatever hierarchy they choose to be a part of. The conflict avoidant TJ will use their awareness to avoid making waves and maintain a desirable state. Some TJs will lash out against the hierarchy in a desire to assert control or fix a perceived problem. Too often, people assume TJs will always be extremely aggressive and abrasive, disliked by all those around them. On the contrary, some TJs actually turn into people-pleasers, as a way to win favor, bolster their image, and achieve whatever goal they have set. Many are actually genuinely caring individuals intent on doing some good in their environment.

READ MORE: The Dual Nature of Extraverted Thinking (Te)

10. TJs, due to prioritizing extraverted thinking, devalue emotions

As with all thinkers, TJs tend to devalue emotions, in themselves and others. This is due to prioritizing extraverted thinking over introverted feeling. Unless looping or gripping, TJs don’t typically see a point in spending too much time dwelling on feelings. Instead, they focus in on physical tasks or problems, so they can work toward concrete solutions. As a result, they can appear cold or abrasive at times, because they failed to address or value the emotional context. (Some TJs even view emotions in an extremely negative light, possessing an attitude that is “anti-emotion”, because they see emotions as a hinderance or a weakness.) However, with that being said, that doesn’t mean that TJs are inherently mean. Think of it more like a struggle to tap into the emotional atmosphere. A healthy TJ is certainly capable of empathy, especially with those close to them, but since their default response is to fix problems, they may have to learn to allow people space to vent and process their emotions.