The Adaptability Quotient
Adaptability Quotient (AQ) measures the ability to adjust to change in real-time. Employees who want to continue to prosper in their work contexts must be able to adapt. For some, this may imply learning new skills or adjusting their social interactions.
When it comes to people, those with a high AQ:
- Keep an open mind to see the world through new eyes and be open to new possibilities.
- Maintain an open heart so that they can try to perceive any circumstance through the eyes of another individual.
- Maintain an open mind, letting go of your identity and ego in order to sit with the discomfort of the unknown.
Those with a high AQ are also more likely to be motivated by curiosity and to explore the world around them. Adaptable people seek out a wide range of skills and information to better prepare for the unpredictable occurrences of the future. Naturally, their forward-thinking approach enables them to support their company's changing and growing needs.
AQ is about figuring out what's essential, overcoming obstacles, and dismissing irrelevant information. It's about being able to recognize and act on early warning signs, as well as making a conscious attempt to change. This is especially crucial in our contemporary environment when so many of us are bombarded with useless data. We must filter through the clutter and concentrate on what is truly important.
As a result, we understand that the importance of AQ cannot be overstated. But how can we make it better?
Your personality influences your AQ to some extent. After all, although some of us thrive on change and new challenges, others would rather things stay the same. But just because you're naturally wary of change doesn't mean you can't improve your AQ. Like your IQ and EQ, your AQ may be enhanced with dedication and practice. Consider it as a muscle: the more you use it, the more powerful and efficient it becomes. 2
1Forbes, 20 Dec 2019, Robert Cerone, How and Why to Boost Your Adaptability Quotient, Accessed 19 Dec 2021,https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertcerone/2019/12/20/how-and-why-to-boost-your-adaptability-quotient/?sh=7d8c81b86918
2 Timely, 24 Sep 2021, Adaptability Quotient: what is it and why it matters, Accessed 17 Dec 2021, https://memory.ai/timely-blog/adaptability-quotient
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