Psychologists affirm it: people of above‑average intelligence share these two remarkable abilities
In psychology there’s growing interest in what sets people with above-average intelligence apart. Over the years plenty of theories have floated around, but psychologists tend to agree on two competencies that consistently mark these people, especially at work. This angle speaks to employers who want to develop talent and to individuals looking to sharpen their professional skills.
Taking criticism on board
The first thing that stands out is the ability to accept criticism constructively. Even when it’s awkward, criticism is seen as a key part of personal and professional development. Intelligent people don’t avoid feedback; they treat it as a chance to learn rather than a personal attack. That mindset lets them use criticism to their advantage and keep moving forward.
You can spot this in their behaviour. They practise active listening (really trying to understand the other person’s point before replying). They don’t just wait for feedback but go and get it from colleagues and superiors (managers or team leaders). By asking plenty of questions they dig into detailed evaluations of their performance and find where they can improve.
The benefits of this approach are varied. By adjusting their methods based on feedback, they fix weaknesses and build trust with peers and leaders. These people tend to be seen as open, approachable and mature professionals who are committed to getting better — a quality that employers value highly.
Working on analytical thinking
The other major trait is the ability to work on analytical thinking. This goes hand in hand with accepting criticism: once they’ve got feedback, they think it through carefully. Intelligent people analyse critiques thoroughly, reflecting on them before taking action.
They don’t just hear suggestions and shrug them off; they put recommended changes into practice, which helps correct faults and keeps their performance high over the long run. This analytical habit also spills over into day-to-day work. With the clarity that comes from careful thought, they’re calmer and more organised, able to tackle tasks with a measured approach and better problem-solving.
How they put it into practice at work
To handle the twists and turns of the workplace, these individuals use strategies driven by those two skills. They stay open to all kinds of feedback, positive and negative, knowing every comment can help them improve. They use active listening and take time to appreciate different viewpoints, which makes their interactions with colleagues richer.
They’re proactive about getting feedback, asking for others’ perspectives and posing questions to get detailed assessments that help them progress. By analysing criticism and acting on it, they set themselves up for sustained success.
These behaviours bring plenty of benefits: they win respect from managers and colleagues, and their openness builds trustworthy relationships. They’re viewed as mature, ready to talk things through and eager to improve — a mix that goes down well with employers and peers.
This blend of taking criticism on board and sharpening analytical thinking offers a clear roadmap for anyone wanting to boost their professional abilities. These skills not only help personal development but also strengthen a person’s reputation, making them valuable members of any workplace as competition grows.