One study found that more extroverted people — those who were more confident, sociable or assertive — had a 25% higher chance of being in a high-earning job.
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.
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.
An academic study* found that extroverts were 25% more likely to be in a high-earning job than those who were less outgoing.
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.
The short answer is that you can be successful whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. You don't have to change who you are to win. Let's look at some different areas of success to understand why different personality types tend to achieve more.
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 tend to be more prone to overthinking than extroverts, but it's possible for anyone to fall into this trap. Being an introvert means you have a tendency towards self-reflection that can take its toll if you're not careful.
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.”
Their silence allows them to take more time to process what's happening and take in more information. This is why, when faced with a problem, they will often take time to think things through– enough time that they can come up with a strategy.
Current tests consistently rate extroverts higher on the happiness scale than introverts. However, many of these tests measure degree of happiness using activities like socializing and interacting with the outside world, both of which extroverts need to thrive!
You're introverted.
There's a lot of evidence out there that shows introverted people are more intelligent on average. For example, a study done by The Gifted Development Center showed that 60 percent of gifted children are introverts. Studies also show that introverts are more verbally intelligent than extroverts.
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.
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.
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.
“Being an introvert is actually a strength because they do take that time to process and filter their responses,” says Owens. “And they tend to be better active listeners and strategic thinkers.”
While extroverts tend to have a trickier time listening to the ideas and thoughts of others, this comes naturally to introverts. In fact, introverts are way more likely to be able to listen and take in the ideas of others truly.
Introverts are sometimes looked down upon for being shy and timid, however, one should not be ashamed of being an introvert. In fact, being comfortable with self and enjoying being alone can be looked at as a strength.
Many of the world's most successful leaders such as Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates are considered introverted. The assumption that outgoing extroverts make better leaders can lead you to give fewer opportunities to introverted employees.
Yet despite his electric performances on the screen, Reeves is well-known for his Introverted nature. He is not the type to be seen at Hollywood parties or in the company of other celebrities. Many photographs have been taken of him sitting alone, seemingly content to reinforce his reputation as an Introvert actor.
Steve Jobs and Sheryl Sandberg tend to be extraverts. They enjoy addressing an audience, being visible; they seek encounters and action.
Introverts are looked down upon for lack of good 'communication skills'. Right from an early age, introverts have to compete very hard with peers, who seem to have no problem in public or interpersonal speaking. What seems to be effortless for peers is actually the most difficult task for an introverted child.
Perhaps the toughest part of being an introvert is not so much talking about yourself, but rather wishing you were better at talking about yourself.
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.
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.