Measuring Your Adversity Quotient
Below is a short sample of an adversity response profile. It provides a snapshot into how you respond to adversity, but it does not provide a complete measure of your “adversity quotient,” or AQ. Some employers are using AQ to predict employees’ levels of success, stress threshold, performance, risk-taking, capacity for change, productivity, perseverance, improvement, energy and health.
Imagine the following situations as if they were happening right now. Then circle your answer to each one.
1) You suffer a financial setback.
How much control do you feel you have in this situation?
No Control 1 2 3 4 5 Complete Control
*
2) You are overlooked for a promotion.
To what extent do you feel responsible for dealing with this situation?
Not responsible at all 1 2 3 4 5 Completely responsible
*
3) You are criticized for a big project you just completed.
The reason I was criticized is something that:
Relates to all aspects of my life 1 2 3 4 5 Just relates to this situation
*
4) You do not help a co-worker who needs your assistance.
The reason I did not help will:
Always exist 1 2 3 4 5 Never exist again
*
5) The highest priority project you are working on gets canceled.
How much control do you feel you have in this situation?
No Control 1 2 3 4 5 Complete Control
*
6) Someone you respect ignores your attempt to discuss an important issue.
To what extent do you feel responsible for dealing with this situation?
Not responsible at all 1 2 3 4 5 Completely responsible
*
7) People respond unfavorably to your latest ideas.
The reason people responded unfavorably is something that:
Relates to all aspects of my life 1 2 3 4 5 Just relates to this situation
*
8) You are unable to take a much-needed vacation.
The reason you are unable to take this vacation will:
Always exist 1 2 3 4 5 Never exist again
*
Scoring Instructions:
Add together all the numbers you circled to get your overall AQ. Insert your total in the box:
Low AQ (8-18) indicates that you have a difficult time dealing with adversity, and/or adversity takes an unnecessary toll on your energy, performance and spirit. Strengthening your AQ can improve your natural resilience and lessen the fallout from adversity.
Moderate AQ (19-31) indicates you deal with adversity fairly well, however your performance can be enhanced with a higher AQ.
High AQ (32-40) indicates a high tolerance for adversity and the ability to persevere through changing times. You may be strengthened by adversity, especially over time. You probably embrace the right kind of change and take necessary risks.
Source: PEAK Learning Inc.
