Tara M. Sims, author of The Evolved Assistant, explains the Adaptability Quotient and why Assistants need it
Recently, I was on a virtual call with a group of administrative professionals. We were deep in conversation about leadership, strategic support, and what it really takes to thrive in this ever-changing workplace. That’s when someone mentioned a term that instantly got my attention: AQ. Not IQ. Not EQ. AQ = Adaptability Quotient.
I paused because, wow, I had never heard of that before. And I could tell from the looks of “tell me more” on the screen that it was a new concept for a lot of us.
Adaptability Quotient (AQ) is a measure of how well someone can adjust to change, bounce back from setbacks, and thrive in dynamic environments. This is beyond being flexible and more about being resilient, forward-thinking, and future-ready. It’s your ability to navigate uncertainty, embrace new tools or processes, pivot when the priorities shift (again), and stay grounded and effective even when the world is anything but.
‘Where IQ measures intelligence and EQ measures emotional intelligence, AQ measures your capacity to adapt. And in today’s workplace, that might be the most valuable skill of all.’
Administrative professionals are often the first to feel the ripple effects of change within our organizations and the ones expected to help steady the ship; this is why AQ is something we should master. Here’s why you should focus on your AQ.
1. Change Is Constant and Fast
When we consider things like tech tools, reporting structures, return-to-office plans, and executive priorities, everything is moving at lightning speed. You can’t afford to get stuck in “the way we’ve always done it.”
Example
Maybe your executive just started working with a new cross-functional team that uses Asana instead of Outlook tasks. Instead of resisting the change or waiting to be trained, an Assistant with high AQ jumps in, learns the platform, and becomes the go-to resource for others.
2. You’re Managing Across Multiple Worlds
Many Assistants today support hybrid teams, global executives, or multiple business units. That means you’re working across cultures, time zones, and expectations. Adaptability is how you survive.
Example
One executive wants everything in Slack. Another prefers flagged emails. A high-AQ Assistant doesn’t get frustrated. They adjust communication styles to match each executive and keep the wheels turning.
3. You’re the Calm in the Chaos
The truth is, when things go sideways, people turn to us. The Assistant is the unofficial therapist, tech troubleshooter, travel emergency hotline, and schedule whisperer. The higher your AQ, the more you can respond, not react, under pressure.
Example
Flights canceled. Back-to-back meetings with no buffer. A client is irritated, and your executive is in another time zone. High AQ means you don’t panic. You pause, prioritize, and pivot.
4. You’re Building the Workplace of the Future
Assistants are often early adopters. Whether it’s AI tools, task automation, or better ways to manage team operations, we’re in the perfect position to influence how work gets done.
Example
Your team still uses outdated manual processes. Instead of complaining, you research better options, bring a proposal, and lead the rollout of a new tool that saves everyone time. In that scenario, you actually led the adaptation.
5. You’re a Strategic Partner
Being a strategic partner means helping your executive think ahead, avoid bottlenecks, and operate at a higher level. That only happens if you can adapt to shifting goals and business needs without waiting for step-by-step directions.
Example
Your leader is suddenly pulled into a new corporate initiative. Instead of waiting to be told what to do, you proactively clear their calendar, anticipate what prep materials are needed, and make sure follow-ups are tracked. That’s AQ in motion.
And for the record, exhibiting low AQ is a risky professional stance. In fast-moving organizations, low AQ can leave you behind and unnoticed. For Assistants, that’s especially dangerous because when you’re not seen as adaptable, you’re not seen as essential.
How to Build Your AQ
1. Get comfortable with discomfort
Stop waiting for perfect clarity. Learn to act when you only have 80% of the picture. Start with: What’s my first best move based on what I know right now?
2. Ask better questions
When change happens, don’t just say “okay.” Ask: What’s the goal here? Who needs to be informed? How does this impact timelines or resources? Smart questions = smart pivots.
3. Make learning a habit
Stay curious. Whether it’s a LinkedIn post, a podcast, a platform tutorial, or asking another Assistant how they do things, make adaptability part of your daily practice.
4. Reframe setbacks as data
Did a process fall apart? Did your suggestion not get approved? Don’t shut down. Treat it like data. What can you learn? What would you do differently next time?
5. Practice scenario planning
Think ahead: If this meeting gets canceled, what’s plan B? If my executive misses a deadline, what are the downstream effects? If this platform gets retired, what’s our backup? High-AQ Assistants always have a next move, and that’s what sets them apart.
Here’s the trifecta that separates Assistants who survive from those who lead:
AQ + EQ + IQ = your administrative power stack.
The most effective Assistants I know blend all three:
- IQ helps you solve problems and think critically.
- EQ helps you build trust and manage relationships.
- AQ helps you stay ready and move with the moment.
And that last one, AQ, is what keeps you relevant and resilient in today’s world of work.
