Why are the most intelligent people more honest?
There seems to be a tendency for people with a high IQ to be more honest and straight-talking than most. At any rate, this applies to the hundreds of bright (top 3-10%) and most gifted (top 2%) people who I have met over the years. There is no direct research to support this, and I am fully aware that those who consult me might not be entirely representative of the most intelligent group. It is striking nevertheless, and for that reason I am taking a closer look at it here.
Perhaps these people are more honest simply because lies and dishonesty don’t make sense. On the contrary, they feel it’s a waste of time. Because they can figure out how things really are; what can be done and what cannot be done; what is right and what is wrong. And that means there’s no need to waste any more time talking about it.
However, the ways in which honesty presents itself can vary greatly.
Do you sometimes find yourself being slightly too honest?
Check for yourself whether you are Impedingly intelligent
High IQ and giving honest opinions
Sometimes you give honesty free rein when expressing your opinions. This is more likely if the personality test gives you:
- a high score for Communication volume – in that case you talk a lot and have plenty to say
- a high score for Open communication – you can talk about almost anything and don’t have any taboos as such
- a high score for Social interface – you find it easy to start conversations with others.
If you tick all the boxes here, your honesty may mean that you end up saying far too much about all sorts of things to everyone you happen to meet.
High scores in these three areas are usually seen in extroverts. In meetings at work, in social contexts and in all conceivable situations where someone is listening. That’s when they like to talk – a lot.
However, high scores for Communication volume and Open communication may also occur in introverts, and in those cases, few people actually discover this. The reason is that honest introverts prefer talking to only one person or a few persons at a time. But once they really get talking about a subject that interests them, they can actually be almost unstoppable. Otherwise, introverts are more inclined to write than to talk when they need to communicate their many thoughts.
This tendency is also clear among those who get in touch with me: the extroverts call and the introverts write to me. And when they do, they are brutally honest.
High IQ and particularly honest in a positive way
What you talk about so honestly may also be influenced by your personality:
- A high score for Expressed positively means that you are coaching and encouraging
- A high score for Diplomacy – you try not to offend others or tread on their toes
- A high score for Optimism – you have a positive attitude to life and other people.
If you also score low for self-control and/or above average for dominance, you cannot hold it back.
You are generous with praise and compliments.
You just have to share your excitement about something!
Your good mood is infectious for everyone around you.
If there is something or someone you like, the world needs to know about it. You share your thoughts and opinions about this and that with great enthusiasm. This means that you regularly bend the ears of your colleagues, friends, partner and family. In the introverted version, you share all this in written form on social media, where you can get positive reactions and responses.
You may also offer advice and encouraging comments – that no one’s asked for – if someone is having a hard time. You tell them that they just need to have a more positive outlook, tackle their challenges and believe that everything will work out. After all, life is basically good, and springtime is here!
High IQ and particularly honest in a slightly negative way
Unfortunately, many people with a high IQ have felt that they were not being heard, accommodated or understood, and this may have taken their life and attitude to the world in a negative direction.
In the personality test, this presents itself as:
- a low score for Expressed positively – which means that you may seem sceptical or even critical in what you say
- a low score for Diplomacy – your views come across as untempered
- a low score for Optimism – practically speaking, you are a pessimist.
If you also score low for self-control and/or above average for dominance, this too will be evident – when speaking or writing as well as in your body language.
You point out mistakes and express your criticism unreservedly.
Everything can always be done better!
You are worried about all the things that could go wrong in future.
If you also score low for empathy, you could be a verbal bull in a china shop. And you won’t even notice until everyone around you goes quiet…
You may find it difficult to keep your observations and concerns to yourself, and therefore your colleagues and others around you may think you’re a bit of a nag. But you’re like a dragon that isn’t allowed to breathe fire – it gets terrible heartburn! In the introverted version, you’ll maybe write harsh comments in debates or long e-mails to whom it may concern… because you have to share your honest opinion. Otherwise, you’ll become increasingly exasperated and bitter as the years go by.
Why is being honest such a problem?
Because of your high IQ, you know what you’re talking about. You can argue. You’re articulate. You also talk really fast.
Some people might find this extremely annoying. Because they want to be right, be in charge and have things their way.
To others you’re a competitor. Because they need all the attention, want to be the smartest person around and preferably no. 1.
Your boss might see you as an extremely annoying competitor – for all of these reasons.
Consequently, honesty is one of the reasons why the most gifted people do not progress in their careers. They rarely understand this themselves. Because surely their colleague who gets promoted is less skilled and often talks nonsense, saying stuff that isn’t true. A lot of hot air – whatever the boss prefers to hear. But that won’t do! You might be thinking this, or saying it out loud. And from that moment, all hell breaks loose…
That is why your honesty becomes a problem for both yourself and for others.
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