Cross icon used for closing or dismissing elements.
Start your professional journey as an AQ Practitioner by enrolling now on our upcoming Certification Programs!Enrol Today!
3
3
Cross icon used for closing or dismissing elements.

Understanding The AQ® Model

based on academic and organisational research plus 100+ scientific publications in the Financial Times top 50 journals

Get In Touch With Us
Find out more

The power of the A.C.E. model inside AQ

AQ, or Adaptability Quotient, is a holistic measure of workplace adaptability. The higher your AQ, the more likely you will be able to recover from setbacks, find alternative solutions to problems and embrace change. AQ is measured across three key core dimensions:

AQ-ability (1).png

how and to what degree do I adapt?

Gr.pngMf.pngMi.pngReUn.png

1. Grit

2. Mental Flexibility

3. Mindset

4. Resilience

5. Unlearn

AQ-character (1).png

Who adapts and why?

Er.pngExHo (1).pngMs.png10.png

6. Emotional Range

7. Extraversion

8. Hope

9. Motivational Style

10. Thinking Style

AQ-environment (1).png

how and to what degree do I adapt?

Cos.pngEhTs.pngWe.pngWs.png

11. Company Support

12. Emotional Health

13. Team Support

14. Work Environment

15. Work Stress

AI Predictive Optimization
Cri.png Rsi.png

16. Change Readiness Index

17. Re-skill Index

Group-30.pngAq-ability-c.png
Gr.png

1. Grit

i-pink@2x.png
Gr.png

2. Mental flexibility

i-pink@2x.png
x
1
Grit

mastering adaptability skills to navigate change effectively

Gr.png

3. Mindset

i-pink@2x.png
x
1
Grit

mastering adaptability skills to navigate change effectively

Gr.png

4. Resilience

i-pink@2x.png
x
1
Grit

mastering adaptability skills to navigate change effectively

Gr.png

5. Unlearn

i-pink@2x.png
x
1
Grit

mastering adaptability skills to navigate change effectively

Aq-ability-c-(2)-1.png

Mastering adaptability skills to navigate change effectively

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Explore the AQ Model® Sub-Dimensions

Mastering adaptability skills to navigate change effectively

It represents your adaptability skills and how effectively you respond to change. This dimension includes resilience, mental flexibility, grit, mindset, and unlearning.

Developing your AQ Ability helps you face challenges, grow professionally, and thrive in ever-evolving environments.

Gr.png

1. Grit

i-pink@2x.png
x
1
Grit

Grit, a key aspect of adaptability, measures your ability to stay committed to long-term objectives, driven by consistent interest and persistent effort. This distinct skill involves a blend of passion and perseverance. It is distinct from resilience, resilience (recovering from setbacks) and is considered a learnable skill.

Mf.png

2. Mental flexibility

i-pink@2x.png
x
2
Mental Flexibility

Mental Flexibility is the ability to observe the current situation and create new pathways, adapting effectively as needed. It involves embracing competing demands and seeing tensions as opportunities for learning and growth. This skill is vital for individual and organizational adaptability, allowing exploration, experimentation, efficiency, and refinement. It goes beyond open-mindedness to actively pursue opposing behaviors and thoughts for greater success through adaptive experiments.

Mi.png

3. Mindset

i-pink@2x.png
x
3
Mindset

The sub-dimension Mindset, under AQ Ability, refers to your beliefs and outlook on change. It captures your optimism, and ability to visualize positive outcomes. A growth mindset, crucial for thriving in a changing world, embraces the idea that human attributes can be developed through effort and hard work. Your AQ Mindset score offers insight into your attitudes towards change and helps identify areas for growth, determining whether you have a fixed, pessimistic mindset or a flexible, optimistic one.

Re

4. Resilience

i-pink@2x.png
x
4
Resilience

Grit, a key aspect of adaptability, measures your ability to stay committed to long-term objectives, driven by Resilience is your capacity to recover swiftly from setbacks, adapt effectively, and navigate challenges. It is a crucial aspect of adaptability, allowing you to process new information and environmental changes. While often considered an innate trait, resilience can in-fact be developed. Highly resilient individuals recover rapidly, experience less stress, and embrace significant transformations.

It's essential to differentiate resilience from grit: grit focuses on consistency of interests and goals over time, while resilience remains neutral concerning the stability of one's interests. interest and persistent effort. This distinct skill involves a blend of passion and perseverance. It is distinct from resilience, resilience (recovering from setbacks) and is considered a learnable skill.

Un.png

5. Unlearn

i-pink@2x.png
x
5
Unlearn

Unlearning refers to the ability to intentionally let go of outdated information, beliefs, and practices, paving the way for new ideas and approaches. In an ever-changing world, unlearning is a vital component of adaptability, enabling individuals and organizations to remain agile and competitive. This conscious process involves re-evaluating based on new data and environmental factors, often causing discomfort as it requires parting with past experiences and beliefs. Highly adaptable individuals can identify areas of struggle and uncertainty, updating perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors as needed.

Aq-ability-c-(2)-2.png

Mastering adaptability skills to navigate change effectively

It represents your adaptability skills and how effectively you respond to change. This dimension includes resilience, mental flexibility, grit, mindset, and unlearning.

Developing your AQ Ability helps you face challenges, grow professionally, and thrive in ever-evolving environments.

Your AQ Character dives into the core elements of your personality to determine your profile preference, character approach, and character style in navigating change.

Unlike conventional personality models, we believe that character traits can evolve through learning, experiences, and shifting contexts. Recognizing your AQ Character enables effective communication, personalized feedback, and progress towards desired outcomes. These dimensions are measured on a preference scale, incorporating research from two of the Big Five personality traits, while specifically focusing on work and change.

Er.png

6. Emotional Range

i-aqua@2x.png
x
6
Emotional Range

Emotional Range, derived from the concept of 'neuroticism', measures one's predisposition to psychological stress. It examines how individuals experience emotions due to situations in their environment, particularly in the workplace. High neuroticism is typically seen as a predictor of depression, anxiety, and strong reactions to uncertanty.

This dimension is crucial during times of significant change and uncertainty. Emotional Range, scored on a sliding scale between Reactive and Collected, isn't about good or bad but rather understanding the appropriate response to different situations.

Ex

7. Extraversion

i-aqua@2x.png
x
8
Extraversion

Extraversion preference is an aspect of adaptability that influences your enthusiasm and energy in social situations, affecting decision-making and adaptability. High extraversion scorers thrive in social interactions, while low scorers are more reserved.

This dimension relates to the Big Five personality traits, with both introverts and extroverts capable of adapting successfully in the right environments and with the right support.

Ho (1).png

8. Hope

i-aqua@2x.png
x
8
Hope

Hope, a measurable psychological state, is the mindset to pursue goals and the ability to create alternative ways to reach them when challenged. Rooted in positive psychology, hope consists of agency (goal-directed energy) and pathways (planning to meet goals).

It resembles self-efficacy and optimism but uniquely emphasizes generating strategies to overcome obstacles. In the AQ model, hope is a powerful dimension associated with self-esteem, positive affect, and self-efficacy, while negatively correlated with negative emotions and burnout.

Ms.png

9. Motivational Style

i-aqua@2x.png
x
9
Motivation Style

Motivation Style explores what drives you to achieve goals and adapt to change. It's based on regulatory focus theory, which has two main systems: "promotion" (maximizing opportunities) and "prevention" (fulfilling duties and minimizing errors).

AQme assessment measures your preference on a continuum from "play to protect" (motivated by preserving what you have) to "play to win" (motivated by potential gains). Knowing your motivation style helps you better understand how to adapt and succeed in changing environments.

Ms.png

10. Thinking Style

i-aqua@2x.png
x
10
Thinking Style

The Thinking Style sub-dimension within AQ Character explores how you process information, categorize, and make sense of the world in your work environment. It is influenced by theories from Dr. Robert J. Sternberg and Dr. Fiona Beddoes-Jones, focusing on the balance between big-picture and detailed thinking.

As you progress in your career, you may develop a more ambidextrous thinking style, allowing you to better adapt to change and seize opportunities by effectively combining broader perspectives with attention to detail.

AQ-character-c-(1)-1.png

Your AQ Character dives into the core elements of your personality to determine your profile preference, character approach, and character style in navigating change.

Unlike conventional personality models, we believe that character traits can evolve through learning, experiences, and shifting contexts. Recognizing your AQ Character enables effective communication, personalized feedback, and progress towards desired outcomes. These dimensions are measured on a preference scale, incorporating research from two of the Big Five personality traits, while specifically focusing on work and change.

AQ Environment explores when and to what degree you adapt, considering the importance of context.

It encompasses factors like Emotional Health, Team Support, Company Support, Work Stress, and Work Environment. Your AQ Environment profile reflects how these interconnected dimensions influence your ability to thrive, navigate change, and respond to various situations at work. Supportive environments can boost adaptability, mental well-being, and positive attitudes towards change, while unsupportive ones may hinder progress and growth.

Cos.png

11. Company Support

i-blue@2x.png
x
11
Company Support

The Company Support sub-dimension of AQ Environment focuses on employee perceptions of how their organization values their contributions and cares for their well-being. Research has shown high levels of company support correlate with job performance, satisfaction, and lower staff turnover.

When employees perceive their organization as supportive and caring, they're more likely to adapt to changes and align their goals with the company's.

Eh

12. Emotional Health

i-blue@2x.png
x
12
Emotional Health

Emotional Health measures your ability to thrive at work by experiencing positive emotions while limiting negative ones. It's crucial for adaptability since it influences your energy and engagement in continuous change.

An environment with poor emotional health impacts work performance and adaptability, leading to sustained anxiety, worry, and nervousness. Thriving individuals experience vitality and learning, which is essential for adaptability. A low Emotional Health score risks struggling with changes, while a high score indicates better adaptation in the organization.

Ts.png

13. Team Support

i-blue@2x.png
x
13
Team Support

Team Support in the AQ model represents the extent to which employees feel comfortable sharing knowledge, addressing challenges, and expressing their opinions within their team. A supportive team environment is crucial for building psychological safety, trust, and connection among team members.

An absence of team support can hinder adaptation and innovation within an organization and might indicate diversity and inclusion issues. As a dynamic aspect of adaptability, team support should be reassessed regularly to maintain its positive impact on organizational adaptability.

We.png

14. Work Environment

i-blue@2x.png
x
14
Work Environment

Work Environment assesses the systems, processes, and methodologies in your organization that influence adaptability. It evaluates whether your organization fosters self-disruption, experimentation, and adaptation or hinders them. This sub-dimension considers rewards, observable acts, punishment, space, process and forums, and public celebration.

A beneficial Work Environment for adaptability is one where failures are viewed as learning opportunities, openly discussed and celebrated company-wide. A closed and pragmatic environment hampers adaptability, whereas an open and experimental environment nurtures it.

Ws.png

15. Work Stress

i-blue@2x.png
x
15
Work Stress

Work Stress in the AQme assessment gauges the sense of task overwhelm. Managing work stress effectively is crucial for adaptability. High levels of stress can limit adaptability, while low levels may reduce the motivation to adapt.

A balance of healthy stress, or "eustress," is vital for growth, adaptation, and change. Long-term high work stress can lead to negative consequences such as high employee turnover, poor sleep, sickness, and burnout. Understanding and optimizing work stress is essential to maintain a productive and adaptive workforce.

AQ-environmrnt-c-(1)-1.png

AQ Environment explores when and to what degree you adapt, considering the importance of context.

It encompasses factors like Emotional Health, Team Support, Company Support, Work Stress, and Work Environment. Your AQ Environment profile reflects how these interconnected dimensions influence your ability to thrive, navigate change, and respond to various situations at work. Supportive environments can boost adaptability, mental well-being, and positive attitudes towards change, while unsupportive ones may hinder progress and growth.

Hear from Dr. Nicholas on the
science behind AQai's Adaptability Model

playarrow
15 min watch

Download sample white papers

adaptabilty_superpower.png

Adaptability - An Organisational Superpower

Hacking-HR.png

Adaptability - AQ Superpowers Inside the Hacking HR Community

vivid-vision.png

AQai's Vivid Vision 2023

Download the pack for FREE

See the power of the AQai Assessment Platform in action through our individual & team sample reports.

Thank you! Your submission has been received! We have sent you an email with your download link. please check your emails.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

How the AQ Model brings value to people

comprehensive-tools-icon.png

Comprehensive Assessment Tools

Interactive and engaging conversational assessment experience delivers personalized dashboard reports to every user. Covering 15 dimensions of adaptability.

team-performance-icon.png

Team Performance Reporting

Highly customizable and filterable data reporting, highlighting team insights to increase efficiency and targeted development plans.

insights-icon.png

Optimised insights & strenthening tools

Global benchmark data, and actionable development activities directly inside the platform.

global community-icon.png

Global community & comprehensive support

Find and engage with our partner success team who can help you select from our network of over 150 AQ Certified™ practitioners from over 20 countries.

onboarding-icon.png

Super Easy On-Boarding

Your platform access and setup is supported by our global team of practitioners, together with simple video walkthroughs and resources.

comprehensive-tools-icon.png

Comprehensive Assessment Tools

Interactive and engaging conversational assessment experience delivers personalized dashboard reports to every user. Covering 15 dimensions of adaptability.

team-performance-icon.png

Team Performance Reporting

Highly customizable and filterable data reporting, highlighting team insights to increase efficiency and targeted development plans.

comprehensive-tools-icon.png

Comprehensive Assessment Tools

Interactive and engaging conversational assessment experience delivers personalized dashboard reports to every user. Covering 15 dimensions of adaptability.

team-performance-icon.png

Team Performance Reporting

Highly customizable and filterable data reporting, highlighting team insights to increase efficiency and targeted development plans.

insights-icon.png

Optimised insights & strenthening tools

Global benchmark data, and actionable development activities directly inside the platform.

global community-icon.png

Global community & comprehensive support

Find and engage with our partner success team who can help you select from our network of over 150 AQ Certified™ practitioners from over 20 countries.

onboarding-icon.png

Super Easy On-Boarding

Your platform access and setup is supported by our global team of practitioners, together with simple video walkthroughs and resources.

Learn more about how our platform works
Learn more about certification

Jump on a Discovery Call and uncover the benefits of being AQ Certified

If you want to learn more about our AQ Certification Programs and how it could fit your business' goals book a discovery session with one of our co-founders
s
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Book a call
Back to top

Organisation Solutions

Assessments
AQMe
AQ Practitioner
AQ Level 2 Certification
AQ Pilot
The AQ Model & Science

Coaches & Consultants Solutions

Assessments
AQ Level 1 Certification
AQ Level 2 Certification
AQMe
The AQ Model & Science

Company

Our Purpose
Vivid Vision
Meet the Team
Security
Join our community and get access to exclusive discounts, webinars and downloads.
Transforming the mental health and wellbeing of 100M people by 2030
Contact us
hello@aqai.io
Certification badge indicating ISO 27001 compliance by URS.

Copyright adaptai Ltd. All rights reserved. AQ® and AQai® are registered trademarks of adaptai Ltd.

Cookie policyPrivacy policyTerms & Conditions + Privacy Policy

Want to discover more about the how AQai can empower your organisation?

We have a range of free tools designed to help you get started on your journey with AQai. Select the ones of interest below and dive in!

We’re seeing more change in ten years than we saw in the last one-hundred, and we’re swiftly approaching the “singularity”

Learn seven powerful principles that will allow you to begin your journey to harness your own adaptability and drive incredible client value.

Leadership has been shown to be one of the most critical factors in navigating change. That’s why our mission is to help leaders become their most inspirational and transformational selves by harnessing AQ

Sample AQ Assessment Platform Reports

Transforming the way people adapt to change

The AQ Individual Report Sample

The AQ Team Report Sample

Thank you for registering your interest in AQai

You can download our free resources below. We hope you enjoy and benefit from the enormous potential that AQ offers your organisation

We’re seeing more change in ten years than we saw in the last one-hundred, and we’re swiftly approaching the “singularity”

Learn seven powerful principles that will allow you to begin your journey to harness your own adaptability and drive incredible client value.

Download

Leadership has been shown to be one of the most critical factors in navigating change. That’s why our mission is to help leaders become their most inspirational and transformational selves by harnessing AQ

Download

Sample AQ Assessment Platform Reports

Transforming the way people adapt to change

Download AQ Individual Report Sample
Download The AQ Team Report Sample
Download One
Download Two
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
By clicking “Accept ”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy for more information.
PreferencesDenyAccept
Privacy Preference Center
When you visit websites, they may store or retrieve data in your browser. This storage is often necessary for the basic functionality of the website. The storage may be used for marketing, analytics, and personalization of the site, such as storing your preferences. Privacy is important to us, so you have the option of disabling certain types of storage that may not be necessary for the basic functioning of the website. Blocking categories may impact your experience on the website.
Reject all cookiesAllow all cookies
Manage Consent Preferences by Category
Essential
Always Active
These items are required to enable basic website functionality.
Marketing
These items are used to deliver advertising that is more relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. Advertising networks usually place them with the website operator’s permission.
Personalization
These items allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your user name, language, or the region you are in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. For example, a website may provide you with local weather reports or traffic news by storing data about your current location.
Analytics
These items help the website operator understand how its website performs, how visitors interact with the site, and whether there may be technical issues. This storage type usually doesn’t collect information that identifies a visitor.
Confirm my preferences and close
;