Adaptability Quotient (AQ) – boosting careers in a changing world of work

In the volatile and uncertain economic landscape that has come to characterise the past few years, a new kind of intelligence has emerged as the one that sets apart those who adapt and grow in their careers – Adaptability Quotient, or AQ for short.

In the past, Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was considered a major differentiating factor, and for the past decade or so, Emotional Quotient (EQ) has been that differentiating factor. Given developments of the past decade and in particular the past four years, Adaptability Quotient (AQ) has now become a key part of the mix.

Within the workplace, we are faced with continuous change – whether it is due to macro- or micro-environmental factors. Add that to all the changes requiring adaptation at home, in the community, within relationships and the way we perceive things, we need to start developing responses that become more adaptable, pivot quickly and with resilience, and lead the way within the change to stay on top of things.

The concepts of IQ, which signify mental potential and efficiency, such as the ability to understand things, and EQ, which is the ability to understand and manage emotions positively, and deal with emotional issues in one’s life effectively and positively, are not new concepts.

However, in today’s uncertain environment, the concept of Adaptability Quotient (AQ), which is a measure of…

Talita van Wyk | Head of Programme | Faculty of Finance and Accounting | The Independent Institute of Education | mail me |