Internal processors (IPs) work through problems very differently than do external processors (EPs), which frequently leads to miscommunications. IPs often need time and space to sort through their internal world, internal thoughts, and arrive at a conclusion they’re ready to share. When they do share them, they’re often fully fleshed out, well-formed concepts. EPs (I’m an EP) on the other hand often prefer to sort through things real-time, out loud, and usually with another. Their first idea is often half-baked, and they get to better ones by sorting through them and brainstorming.
You can see the potential for conflict – in marriage, at work, in life. EPs can feel shut down and shot down by IPs, and IPs can easily feel exhausted and confused by the random ideas that come flowing out of EPs. IPs can also feel unheard in a team setting where EPs do all the talking.
If you’re an EP, just know that the IPs in your world are not abandoning you or giving up on the discussion when they step away to process. It can be a sign of their commitment to figuring it out! Slow down, give them time and space to process. And alert them to what you’re doing when you need help processing out loud. And IPs, give some grace and know that an EPs aim is not to overwhelm or confuse as they sort through all the options out loud. It’s a brainstorming phase, not a planning phase.
In a team setting, be sure to slow the team down and give space for all types to share. Both types benefit from slowing down and writing. For both, it provides more effective processing, aka more clarity. So slow down, write, then connect.
BUILT TO LEAD 
Well written, Rachel. As always, whether I or E (introvert/extrovert etc) there is power