For over a century, IQ defined our intelligence. Eventually, EQ arrived to center our emotional world. But in today’s volatile landscape, a new metric is non-negotiable for leaders: AQ (Agility Quotient).
AQ is the measure of your ability to navigate change, uncertainty, and the unknown. In my work coaching founders and CEOs, I’ve seen that AQ isn’t just a “soft skill”—it is a survival requirement. In my new book, AQ: A New Kind of Intelligence for a World That’s Always Changing, I outline the four archetypes of agility.
1. The Nice Butcher
The Anchor of Excellence
-
You are this type if: You rely on proven habits, value long-term loyalty, and only take calculated risks backed by a solid plan.
-
The Reaction: Unexpected change triggers worry: “How can I fix this?”
-
The Driver: Excellence. You move with diligence and hard-won expertise.
-
Strengths: Steadfastness and determination. You are a stabilizing force who never gives up on a commitment.
-
Challenges: Perfectionism can morph into a fear of failure. Skepticism may lead you to say “no” to change too quickly.
-
The Antidote: Befriend discomfort. Practice making decisions faster than feels “safe” to expand your comfort zone.
2. The Storyteller
The Architect of Autonomy
-
You are this type if: You constantly iterate on your habits and require a high degree of freedom and “blank space” in your schedule.
-
The Reaction: Unexpected change triggers annoyance: “This wasn’t the plan!”
-
The Driver: Freedom. You thrive when you have the agency to pivot and write your own story.
-
Strengths: You are future-forward and inspiring. Your enthusiasm for proactive change keeps you at the leading edge of your field.
-
Challenges: You may use “pivoting” as an escape from difficult follow-through. When change is forced upon you, you may lash out.
-
The Antidote: Surrender expectations. Growth comes from embracing reality as it is, rather than how you planned it to be.
3. The Reactor
The Master of Impact
-
You are this type if: You get calmer as a situation gets wilder. You live in the “now” and often skip long-term planning because “everything changes anyway.”
-
The Reaction: Unexpected change triggers calm: “Life is flux; I’ve got this.”
-
The Driver: Impact. You love fixing what others think is unfixable and seeing immediate, tangible results.
-
Strengths: You see possibility where others see paralysis. You are undeterred by setbacks and stay sharp under extreme pressure.
-
Challenges: Constant crisis management leaves no room for strategy. You may inadvertently create chaos because that is where you feel most comfortable.
-
The Antidote: Proactive Planning. Challenge yourself to be as adept at strategy as you are at triage. Schedule dedicated time for “big-picture” goals.
4. The Trekkie
The Visionary of Passion
-
You are this type if: You value imagination over knowledge, see risk as essential for progress, and believe your willpower can move mountains.
-
The Reaction: Unexpected change triggers acceptance: “Not what I wanted, but I’ll make it work.”
-
The Driver: Passion. Your intense curiosity drowns out fear, allowing you to breeze through shifts that derail others.
-
Strengths: Speed and authenticity. You are the fastest to evolve and pivot, moving with a bold, unapologetic decisiveness.
-
Challenges: You may overlook the “boring” details required to launch. Your goals can stall if you fail to bridge the gap between your vision and reality.
-
The Antidote: Slow down. To maximize your agility, you must translate your grand aspirations into logical, digestible steps—and finish the tedious tasks that fuel the mission.
Mapping Your Growth
Think of these archetypes as maps, not portraits. You might not see a 100% likeness, but these categories serve as a lens for self-observation. The goal isn’t to pigeonhole yourself, but to appreciate your natural style while identifying the tools you need to survive—and thrive—in the unknown.
