AQ LEADERSHIP – Adaptive Intelligence for Leadership
How leaders can recognize changes early, act flexibly, and guide teams safely through uncertain times.
How can we react quickly to change? How can we act in uncertainty? Where do we find the strength for a world facing multiple crises? This presentation shows, in an entertaining and practical way, how it's done. #weadapt
AQ? WHAT IS THAT?
AQ Leadership means using adaptive intelligence as a leadership resource. Leaders learn to act flexibly, recognize trends, and guide teams confidently through uncertainty.
AQ combines key dimensions that shape leadership in the 21st century:
Situational awareness: Perceiving signals early and recognizing changes in a timely manner.
Calmness in crises: projecting stability and conveying security.
Social flexibility: Constructively integrating different perspectives, cultures, and expectations.
Proactive goal pursuit: Don't wait for the future, but actively shape it.
Continuous learning and adaptive performance: Building and utilizing competencies in the flow of change.
ALL FAILURE IS FAILURE TO ADAPT
McKEOWN
STAY STRONG - WHEN YOU
EVERYTHING CHANGES
Why is AQ crucial for leaders?
The studies show:
High AQ increases performance, innovation, resilience and career satisfaction – both on an individual and organizational level.
Adaptive intelligence means more than simply reacting. It combines adaptability, goal-orientation, and proactivity – and it is precisely this combination that makes organizations future-proof.
Leaders with high AQ strike a balance between their own values and company goals, build trust, and guide their teams safely through change.
Conclusion: Leaders who develop adaptive intelligence provide guidance, build trust, and ensure the future viability of people and organizations.
HOW DO I INSPIRE ADAPTIVE INTELLIGENCE IN LEADERS?
I present AQ not as an abstract concept, but as a tangible leadership principle. The presentation combines scientific findings with concrete practical exercises and examples.
The five dimensions of AQ-Leadership ( Situational Awareness , Prudence , Social Flexibility , Competence Growth , Adaptive Performance ) are made tangible through surprising psychological mini-experiments .
Using company examples ranging from Steiff animals to Microsoft's resurgence, I demonstrate how situational awareness and adaptive performance can lead to the creation of new business models .
In addition to ease of use and research , the focus is on practical application: tools such as the Socratic dialogue , Smart-Risk or the Momentum Map for tailored change interventions are naturally part of the initiative.
Instead of dry theory, I offer interactive insights, storytelling, and applicable tools. In this way, AQ transforms from a research concept into a tangible skill for leaders who want to provide guidance, build trust, and secure the future.
CHANGE SUCCESS FROM RESEARCH:
THE MOMENTUM MAP ©
The Momentum Map is based on Prochaska's Transtheoretical Model (TTM). We applied it to organizational change in our studies . Unlike traditional change management, the Momentum Map uses stage-specific diagnoses and interventions. These are tailored to both individuals and organizations.
What makes this approach special is that employees and organizations are not addressed with "one size fits all" solutions , but rather met where they actually are in the change process. Resistance is thus understood causally and addressed in a targeted manner – for example, through information sessions in early phases or action-oriented support during implementation.
The advantages : The process becomes measurable, progress transparent, and risks such as stagnation or regression are recognizable early.
Why is this model from research so relevant to practice? Superior ? It is evolutionary and cyclical rather than linear : relapses and repeated cycles are accepted and integrated.
The interventions are evidence-based, realistic, and highly individualized , which has been proven to increase the likelihood of successful transformations.
Conclusion: The Momentum Map provides a scientifically sound, differentiated and flexible framework that enables sustainable and effective change better than classic change approaches.
THE TAKEAWAYS
In this presentation, managers will learn…
how they utilize minority power and strengthen innovation and future viability through differing perspectives.
…how to recognize early signs of change and turn their team into a radar for change.
…how they make prudent decisions in multiple crises and provide security and guidance.
…how to establish a culture of experimentation instead of a culture of failure , thereby promoting learning and innovation.
…how they build trust through social flexibility and adapt their leadership behavior to different people and situations.