Over the years, we have sought out people with high IQs and EQs but due to the speed of change that is going on right now in this current business environment, Adaptability Quotient or AQ is the skillset that organisations are looking for in their leaders. You could say, AQ is the new black.
Adaptability Quotient (AQ) is about adapting to change, picking up new skills, and moving forward even when things get wobbly. Professionals with high AQ are like gold. They don’t just cope—they innovate, adapt, create, take smart risks, and proactively strive for better results. These professionals can adjust their strategies, goals and ideas more easily in response to unanticipated (and sometimes unwelcome) change.
We know that so much is out of our control – global economic instability, regulation compliance, technology disruption, cybersecurity threats, differing generational values and new consumer expectations. What we can control though is how we react and respond, and this is where building our AQ becomes so important.
According to McKinsey & Company, research shows that "adaptability is the critical success factor during periods of transformation and systemic change. It allows us to be faster and better at learning, and it orients us toward the opportunities ahead, not just the challenges".
Adaptable professionals seek out education, processes, people and models that allow them to quickly and efficiently make thoughtful choices when change and challenges arise, rather than having knee-jerk reactions.
A person with a high adaptability quotient will:
- Experiment more regularly
- See opportunities where others see obstacles
- Be resourceful in the face of adversity
- Be future-focused, not stuck in the past
- Avoid complaining – who listens anyway?
- Think strategically about hypothetical situations
- Take ownership of mistakes
- Hone their problem-solving abilities
- Choose optimism over overwhelm
- Remain humble and leave their ego at the door
- Be curious about what’s possible
- Embrace diversity in all its shapes and sizes
- Take action quicker
- Stay up-to-date on current trends and thought leadership practices
- Be purposeful and value-driven
The great news about AQ is that it is a muscle that we can build and nurture, as long as we have the right tools.
The Magic of Becoming More Adaptable
Build Resilience, Spark Change
Embracing challenges doesn’t just sharpen your problem-solving skills—it transforms your brain! Practising adaptability by tackling diverse challenges and devising unique solutions can train your brain to see every obstacle as surmountable. As you conquer each hurdle, you’ll teach yourself that nothing can hold you back.
Stand Out and Shine
Adaptable folks are like rare gems—they stand out effortlessly. Instead of feeling overwhelmed under pressure, try brainstorming new approaches and creative solutions. This not only boosts your confidence but also makes you the go-to person for tough decisions. Show the world that you thrive where others stumble!
Feel-Good Adaptability
Change at work can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but as you become more adaptable, you’ll start to see solutions everywhere. Optimism will become your default mode. Suddenly, those stressful situations will turn into exciting challenges you’re eager to tackle. Adaptability isn’t just practical—it’s downright fun!
Cultivate a Leadership Superpower
Adaptability is a sought-after leadership skill. When you can navigate your team through various challenges with grace, you enhance critical thinking and effective communication. Embracing each team member’s uniqueness, you’ll build stronger, more cohesive teams. It’s a leadership quality that everyone values.
Boost Productivity Like a Pro
Worry less, do more! When you’re not bogged down by project anxieties, you can focus on moving things forward. Channel your energy into actionable steps and watch your efficiency soar. Plus, your newfound productivity will inspire your team to step up their game, too.
Cultivate Adaptability
As important as it is to build a strong team of people with a high adaptability quotient, it is equally important to develop your own adaptability so you can lead by example.
Here are the top five ways to successfully cultivate adaptability:
Be Curious
Never reach a place where you stop asking questions. Be proactive in seeking people and programs to expand your leadership knowledge and gain new skills.
Experiment Regularly
Prepare ‘What If’ scenarios for yourself and your team. Be willing to consider other paths and methods for getting the result you are after.
Create Micro-Steps
When overwhelm takes over, break things down into smaller micro-steps that you can accomplish (and celebrate) along the way.
Choose Realistic Optimism
During tough times, look to find an upside. This helps to view problems more objectively, rather than emotionally.
Make It Safe to Learn
When we fear making mistakes it prevents us from stepping outside our comfort zones and trying new ways. Embrace the idea that as leaders, we learn from all outcomes – the good, the bad and the ugly.
So how can you tell if you’ve made progress on increasing your adaptability quotient? Some solid indicators include the following:
- You think positively and stay calm under pressure.
- People respect you.
- Members of your team confide in you and ask for your advice.
It was Gandhi who said, “Be the change you want to see”. This famous quote has long been an inspiration for positive change and it’s certainly true that if you want your team to become more adaptable, you’ll first need to model this behaviour yourself.
During my Professional Resilience Program, we unpack ways that you can build the Adaptability Quotient in yourself and your teams so that you can continue to adapt to the unexpected and see opportunities that the unexpected brings. By doing this, you set yourself up for success.
