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AQ Is the New Superpower for Innovation

Why Adaptability Beats Intelligence in a World of Constant Change

change jason a hunt


You’ve probably heard of IQ — your intelligence quotient.


And EQ — your emotional intelligence.


But there’s a new player in town. And in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, it might just be the most important quotient of all: AQ: The Adaptability Quotient.


AQ is your ability to thrive in an environment that constantly changes. It’s what keeps you grounded when the tech updates (again), the policies shift (again), or your boss keeps talking about AI. It’s not just about survival. It’s about learning to bend without breaking—and maybe even having fun while you do it.



Why AQ Matters More Than Ever


According to Harvard professor Amy Edmondson, AQ is rapidly becoming more valuable than either IQ or EQ. Here’s why:


  • Technology evolves fast.

  • Jobs evolve fast.

  • Expectations evolve fast.


The World Economic Forum estimates that 65% of kids in elementary school today will eventually hold jobs that don’t even exist yet. Think about that! Preparing people for “the right career” is nearly impossible. But preparing them to adapt? That’s the secret weapon.


What High-AQ People Do Differently


People with high AQ:

  • Stay calm when plans change.

  • Get curious instead of frustrated.

  • Learn, unlearn, and relearn.

  • Solve problems on the fly.

  • See change as the pathway to innovation.


In short, they adapt faster, smile more, and often see change as a chance to make things better. They are often the most fun people to have on a team—because they just understand that without change, innovation doesn't happen.



change - jason a hunt

Change = Innovation


Here’s the truth: change isn’t the enemy. It’s the birthplace of innovation. But only if we approach it the right way. Here are five principles to help leaders and teams turn change into a creative advantage:


1. Create Safe Spaces to Experiment

Encourage “micro-innovation.” Let people try something new—even if it fails. Remember the story of the ceramics teacher: one group was graded on the number of pots they made, the other on quality. Guess who made the best pots? The quantity group. Why? Repetition builds mastery. Innovation loves iteration.


“The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.” – Linus Pauling


2. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Outcomes

The best ways to support innovation is to celebrate the small wins. Celebrate the risk, the mindset shift, the lesson learned. Are you more focused on perfection or progression?



3. Reframe Resistance

Pushback doesn’t mean failure—it means friction. And friction means movement is happening. Like Newton’s Third Law: for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction. So instead of bulldozing through resistance, get curious. Ask, “What’s behind this?” Fear? Uncertainty? Lack of clarity? Every objection is an invitation to innovate with empathy.



4. Tell Innovation Stories

Seek experiences where someone tried something new and it worked. Highlight those who have pivoted creatively, solved a problem in a new way, or took a risk. Innovation becomes contagious when people see it in action.



5. Question Everything

Ask, “Why do we do it this way?” and follow it up with, “What if we tried it differently?” Elon Musk famously questioned the need for five lug nuts on a Tesla wheel and went with three. Sometimes the simplest questions lead to the biggest breakthroughs.



Ready to Increase Your AQ?


Start by asking yourself:

  • What’s one small thing I’ve adapted to recently that I’m proud of?

  • Where is change happening around me right now?

  • How am I responding—and what could I do differently?


Remember, the future doesn’t belong to the smartest or the strongest. It belongs to those who adapt. So here’s your challenge: Raise your AQ. Embrace the chaos. Bend without breaking. And lead the way forward.



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