Loud ≠ Smart: The Bias Of Extroversion In The Workplace

We’ve all seen it happen. Someone walks into a room with confidence, expresses a bold idea with conviction, and instantly earns the label: very smart. And maybe they are. But maybe we’re not just applauding the insight—we’re responding to the energy. The enthusiasm. The presence.

In our excitement to reward charisma, we often conflate extroversion with intelligence.

This isn’t a criticism of extroverts. Their ability to articulate ideas clearly, connect quickly, and energize a room is a huge asset in many business contexts. But it becomes a problem when visibility is mistaken for value—and when being quiet is mistaken for lacking it.

What Smart Looks Like

Smart doesn’t always speak up in the first five minutes of a meeting. It doesn’t always crack a joke or hold court at the lunch table. Sometimes, smart is quiet. Thoughtful. Observant. Sometimes it’s the person who listens carefully, synthesizes complex information, and drops a deeply strategic insight just before the meeting ends.

Over the years, I’ve worked alongside some incredibly bright minds who might have been described as “reserved” or even “withdrawn.” But behind those quieter exteriors were professionals who could model multi-year strategic scenarios, build nuanced investment cases, or present highly effective board-level policies.

They didn’t need to fill the room. Their work spoke volumes.

The Introversion Paradox

There’s another layer here: not all introversion is innate. Sometimes people appear quiet because they’re not sure how to connect with a group, particularly one with established cliques. Language barriers, cultural differences, or even just a bad day can shift someone’s behavior from outgoing to reserved. They may be extroverts at heart, but context has put them on pause.

Assuming someone is less intelligent or less capable because they aren’t contributing vocally, especially in early interactions, misses the point entirely.

Smart Isn’t Loud. It’s Layered.

As leaders, colleagues, and collaborators, we need to check our bias. Not just for the loudest voice or the most polished presentation, but for the underlying substance.

True intelligence shows up in diverse ways:

• Through deep analysis, not just fast answers.

• In written clarity, not just verbal fluency.

• As quiet conviction, not just vocal persuasion.

Smart is the capacity to add value—whether by speaking, building, solving, or rethinking. And when we only listen to those who talk the most, we risk missing the brilliance sitting right next to us.

Being A Better Leader Means Looking Deeper

Creating space for all kinds of intelligence is a core part of inclusive leadership. While the term “DEI” may have been derided by the loud people in the room, the principle of inclusion—particularly for different communication styles—remains essential to building high-performing teams.

Understanding others and harnessing their excellence starts with paying attention to more than what’s loudest in the room.

At Startup Partners, we help founders become stronger, more inclusive leaders. Our HR & Workforce Planning services include leadership training, communication coaching, and team development programs tailored for startup environments. If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your team—not just the most vocal parts—get in touch.