What is the difference between IQ - EQ and now AQ?
Let me tell you all about it.
Growing up everyone spoke about IQ - Intelligence Quotient, the focus on measuring intellectual abilities and potential. There were tools designed to uncover a range of cognitive skills; reasoning, logic, and problem solving. It felt like all we cared about was how smart you are. In saying that important skills that come in handy in a business environment to include logic and problem solving in your day to day management.
Then in the past ten to fifteen years the shift happened and we wanted everyone to have EQ - Emotional Quotient, also known as Emotional Intelligence. The focus this time was on the ability to understand, use and manage your emotions in a positive way to relieve stress, effectively communicate, have the ability to empathise, the confidence to overcome challenges and defuse conflict. It shifted to be more about caring and connection over intelligence and logic. In recent studies having EQ is considered essential for a leader in the Top 10 Traits they should display. You would know yourself when you have a manager who genuinely cares for you, how that makes you feel and the respect you have for them.
The latest move is to AQ - Adaptability Quotient this time our focus is on measuring someone’s ability to adapt. This seems a critical skills after the past few years with the pandemic. Another term for this is Adversity Quotient which is a true measurement on resilience and adaptability. Paul Stoltz in 1997 coined this term. The one constant thing in our lives is change and to embrace this movement becomes the best way to navigate the challenges we face.
With AQ your mindset is always looking for ways to adapt.
Curiosity is one skill you can build out. What do you want to learn about?
Accountability is all about taking charge and own your actions and behaviours.
Focusing where you have the ability to say no to something not serving you and can redirect your attention to that moment.
Courageous not on the world scale, instead learn to be uncomfortable. Do a daily small task to push you further each time.
Connection is incredibly important. Human connection, talking to others, is an opportunity to learn, grow and feel supported.
Reflection is taking that moment to look back and consider your learnings - What worked? What didn’t? What could we improve? Do not spend hours or days in this mode, you need to look forward to see where you are going.
The perfect outcome is you have all three - IQ, EQ and AQ in play. Lean into EQ more and AQ is now necessary to thrive. There is plenty to read in this space to learn how you can build on these traits. I thought it helpful you know the difference between them.
