Psycho-Cybernetics Part 15 of 30: Raising your AQ
May 28, 2009 by dr. lam · 2 Comments
We all know of our IQ (intelligence quotient). You may also know the term EQ, or emotional quotient, or EI, emotional intelligence, that have been of recent interest. Maltz cites Paul Stoltz, a management consultant, who in 1967 came up with the idea of AQ, or adversity quotient. Stoltz believed that the successful person had a high AQ, i.e., could handle adversity, and Maltz sees the congruity with his own thoughts on how he envisions a successful person with a good self image. Stoltz outlined three attributes of the person with a high AQ:
1. They do not blame others for the adversities or setbacks they confront.
2. They do not blame themselves either; they do not see setbacks that occur as reflecting poorly on themselves.
3. They believe the problems they face are limited in size and duration, and can be dealt with.
Many individuals see their problems as insurmountable. They feel helpless. They cannot overcome their situation in life. They are subjugated by a victim mentality. They are burdened by mounting shame and guilt. They blame others for being weak. They blame God or destiny. They blame themselves.
Stoltz worked to help organizations move people from this victim mentality to see obstacles as small speed bumps rather than brick walls. He found that by helping people raise their AQ to deal with life circumstances, they could help themselves achieve their goals and be happier. Maltz’s view of a high self image is in accordance with the principle of a high AQ. When we have a solid self image, we can then allow our sub-conscious to work its magic by overcoming obstacles without us having to even try in many cases.