On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
Studies also show that introverts are more verbally intelligent than extroverts. It's not like if you're an unfunny, right handed extroverted morning person that means you're not smart. These are just some traits that could possibly indicate you're smarter than average. You can read the full list here.
Quiet people are natural learners, and they have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Their curiosity draws them to learning as much as they can. Just because they're quiet doesn't mean they're antisocial; they just prefer to expand their minds more than they like to open their mouths.
Not only is Einstein one of the most famous scientists in history, but he was also a known introvert. Leaning into his introverted nature, Einstein believed that his creativity and success came from keeping to himself. He said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
One study found that introverts may actually have better interpersonal skills than extroverts. Since they often spend their time observing others, they are usually better at predicting reactions from others in social situations. This allows them to read others and respond appropriately.
You're an introvert.
It gets better. As an adult, you now leverage your strength for processing, contemplating and thinking things over, which is a trait of highly intelligent people. In fact, more than 75 percent of people with an IQ above 160 are introverted.
No correlation (positive or negative) exists between intelligence and shyness. Research indicates that shy children have a harder time expressing their knowledge in social situations (which most modern curricula utilize), and because they do not engage actively in discussions teachers view them as less intelligent.
Throughout history and in business, introverts have been exceptional leaders. For instance, as many know, Bill Gates is an introvert, yet he built Microsoft and is one of the wealthiest people in the world.
Introverts are actually great team leaders, but they are also successful when working independently. Since introverts have often struggled to get their true talents seen and appreciated, they are generally quite respectful of the different working styles and preferences of others. Introverts don't give up easily.
If you look at some of the world's preeminent inventors, writers, and entrepreneurs, most of them are introverts.
You're the silent type
You'll find plenty of misconceptions about quiet people, e.g. being labeled as introverts, socially awkward and so on. This isn't necessarily true, and while not all quiet people are necessarily smart, highly intelligent people will often refrain from speaking if they are accessing a situation.
Relationally intelligent introverts are often highly self-aware, observant, and are excellent listeners. In fact, one study conducted in 2018 by Newport Healthcare found that introverts tend to make more accurate observations about human behavior than extroverts. Introverts tend to “read” people and situations better.
Introverts gain energy from quiet reflection and isolation. Both personality types can be equally creative, passionate and articulate leaders. So, don't overlook the quiet ones in the corner. They may harbor just the leadership qualities your company needs to succeed.
Introversion isn't totally genetic. It gets influenced by your environment at a young age, and our genes allow a certain amount of flexibility in response. This happens through “set points,” which are the upper and lower limits of how much extroversion your brain can handle.
Around one-third to one-half of all people in the U.S. are introverts. Though it looks different in everyone, introverts have many of the same patterns of behavior.
Strong observational skills: A 2018 study found that introverts tend to make more accurate observations about human behavior than extroverts. In other words, they may be able to "read" people and understand them better.
On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
You might not have expected a founder of a social network to be an introvert. But Mark Zuckerberg is a classic example of an introverted leader.
Introverted leaders are more accepting
And they're more likely to accept those differences and work with people, rather than continue to state how they'd prefer to get work done. They are more likely to understand someone and understand how to get that person to feel included as a member of the team.
Leaders are often described in terms synonymous with extroversion: outgoing, gregarious, forceful, dynamic. But often, the best leaders are introverts who possess a quiet power. Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Warren Buffett, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg are just a few examples.
Extrovert or introvert—we all have our special abilities. Its important to realize the quiet one in the office is just as smart, productive, and able for success as the most charismatic. And Steve Jobs wouldn't have been the apple of everyone's eye without a powerful introvert by his side.
Research has suggested that introverts and extroverts are equally effective as leaders. Some of the world's most successful business people, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, have been described as introverts.
Women report themselves to be higher in neuroticism, agreeableness and more shy and anxious, whereas men report themselves to be higher in assertiveness (Costa et al., 2001). It is postulated that gender creates a huge amount of difference between male and female.
Whenever we think of introverts, we usually think of someone with a shy nature, who is not quite chatty or talkative. Yet, some introverts seem to be pretty talkative. Still, this kind of introvert needs personal time to recharge their batteries. There are many reasons why introverts are chatty.
Our genes determine our physical traits, like height, eye color, skin color, and body type. But genes also influence certain personality traits, including shyness. About 20% of people have a genetic tendency to be naturally shy. But not everyone with a genetic tendency to be shy develops a shy temperament.