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CAREER DEVELOPMENT
What's your AQ? How adaptable are you to change in your career? By Melanie Hayes
MOST OF US have heard of IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) – but what is AQ? AQ is Adaptability Quotient, and it is gaining increasing attention due to the everchanging nature of work. While IQ focuses on knowledge and facts, and EQ on emotional awareness and abilities, AQ focuses on one’s ability to be agile and adapt to change. It should be noted though that these metrics don’t function in isolation from one another - research has highlighted the importance in developing emotional intelligence to strengthen career adaptability.1 To be adaptable, it is necessary to have a strong sense of self-awareness, to be able to regulate your own emotional responses, and to empathise with others. AQ is not a new concept in career development literature. Some 40 years ago, Super and Knasel (1981) defined the term career adaptability as one’s “readiness to cope with changing work and working conditions”.2 More recently, Savickas (2005) has identified four core competencies for career adaptability: concern, control, curiosity, and confidence. These reflect an individual’s ability to be aware of and prepare for the future, to take personal responsibility for their career, to explore and learn, and to successfully overcome obstacles.3 AQ helps individuals to adapt to unpredictability, changing demands, and career transitions throughout their life.4 Further, research has shown that career adaptability is important for career satisfaction.5
How can you develop your AQ? Here are some simple activities that might help you respond positively to life and work changes: • Take time to consider your values and motivations, and how you would like them to influence your work • Plan how to achieve the goals you have for yourself • Learn new skills (continuing professional development) • Boost your resilience by identifying examples of change in your life, and how you positively responded to this change (or alternatively, how you would behave differently next time) There are also Career Development resources in the Members area of the DHAA website, which may help you learn about career development across the lifespan, and how to work towards fulfilling and meaningful careers.
Dr Melanie Hayes (PhD) is a dental hygienist who has enjoyed a diverse career in clinical practice, teaching, research and management. She has a Master of Education majoring in Career Development, and is now working in an interdisciplinary role at the University of Sydney.
