How is your adaptability quotient?
Beyond IQ and EQ, leaders need AQ — Adaptability Quotient. In a world of constant change, the ability to adapt is a muscle that can be trained through new routines and calculated risks.
Boardrooms are littered with the remains of once-great strategies that failed not because leaders weren’t smart or emotionally aware, but because they couldn’t adapt when the world changed overnight.
Everybody agrees that you need to have minimal intellectual capacities to be able to run a company. That's why companies are still selecting people for their highest education. Assessment agencies therefore have an outstanding business to measure the IQ of applicants.
Key takeaways
- If you want to lead strategic change from the top, your Adaptability Quotient matters just as much as your IQ and EQ—especially when the pace of transformation keeps accelerating.
- Adaptability is not just a personality trait; it’s a set of behaviors you can actively develop, much like training your muscles through consistent practice and deliberate change.
- Leaders who regularly challenge their routines and learn from the stories of innovative entrepreneurs build the resilience and flexibility needed to thrive in uncertain environments.
In the mid 60's we first heard of something new: Emotional Intelligence. In the 90's this became more and more popular. It says something about: are you able to understand your own feelings and those of others? By now we know, for your impact as a manager it is important to understand yourself and others.
In recent years the world seems to have accelerated. Moreover, we are in the middle of a global pandemic. Smart, but rapid change is needed now more than ever.
Leading change from the top
In a company, every strategic change starts at the top. But is the CEO and her team capable of taking the lead? To initiate the change, to push it through when the going gets tough, to develop speed and, in the meantime, just keep the store open during the transformation?
Of course, a minimum IQ and a well-developed EQ are important. No doubt about that. But let's take a closer look at the adaptability of senior managers. Popularly said: what about their Adaptation Quotient. Their AQ?
There is a difference in character between people. One person has a more natural interest in change than another. But for another part it is also a matter of behavior. And behavior can be influenced perfectly well. Not easy, but it's possible. Compare it to exercising your muscles.
Behavior can be influenced. Not easy, but it's possible. Compare it to exercising your muscles.
Train your adaptation muscles
Take a look in the mirror and judge what more you can do to train your own adaptation muscles.
Changing something in your daily routines.
Read biographies of innovative entrepreneurs.
Participate in strategic business workgroups when opportunities occur.
Take one calculated risk each month more than you've been taking so far.
What do you think? Discuss with us.
Hopefully this will inspire you.
Over to you.