3 ways to measure your adaptability -- and how to improve it | Natalie Fratto

Summary

In this talk, the speaker emphasizes the importance of adaptability (AQ) over IQ and EQ for startup founders and individuals in today's fast-paced world. They introduce three key methods to assess adaptability: asking 'what if' questions, encouraging unlearning of outdated knowledge, and fostering a mindset of exploration rather than exploitation. These strategies help individuals, especially founders, prepare for inevitable changes. The speaker believes adaptability is a muscle that can be developed over time, and it plays a crucial role in navigating the accelerating rate of technological and societal shifts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Adaptability is the most important trait for startup founders, according to the speaker.
• 😀 While IQ and EQ are often considered in assessing potential, the speaker prioritizes adaptability (AQ) above all.
• 😀 AQ is the ability to react well to change and is essential not only for founders but for everyone in today's rapidly changing world.
• 😀 The world is changing faster than ever, with technology, geopolitics, and social dynamics all contributing to this change.
• 😀 To assess adaptability, the speaker uses 'what if' questions instead of traditional interview questions about past experiences.
• 😀 'What if' questions encourage people to think about different possible futures, testing their ability to adapt to change.
• 😀 Unlearning is a key element of adaptability, as it involves letting go of old knowledge to embrace new insights.
• 😀 The example of Destin Sandlin and his 'Backwards Brain Bike' illustrates the power of unlearning to increase adaptability.
• 😀 Gandhi's concept of reducing oneself to 'zero' symbolizes the mindset of unlearning and being open to new experiences.
• 😀 The tension between exploration and exploitation highlights how overvaluing past successes can hinder adaptability, as seen with the Blockbuster vs. Netflix story.
• 😀 To improve AQ, one must consistently explore new opportunities, avoid complacency, and embrace the unknown.
• 😀 Over time, practicing 'what if' questions, unlearning, and prioritizing exploration can help individuals and organizations improve their adaptability quotient (AQ).
• 😀 Adaptability will become more crucial than IQ and EQ in the future as the speed of change accelerates.

Q & A

What is the main trait the speaker looks for in a start-up founder?

The speaker primarily looks for adaptability, which is the ability to react effectively to change. They believe that adaptability is a form of intelligence and a crucial factor for success.

How does the speaker differentiate between IQ, EQ, and AQ?

The speaker distinguishes IQ (intelligence quotient) as a measure of cognitive ability, EQ (emotional quotient) as the ability to understand and manage emotions, and AQ (adaptability quotient) as the capacity to deal with change. AQ is presented as the most important for start-up founders and individuals facing rapid change.

Why does the speaker believe adaptability is the most important trait for success?

Adaptability is seen as crucial because the world is changing rapidly, driven by technological advances, automation, and shifting global dynamics. Those who are adaptable are better equipped to navigate these changes and seize opportunities.

What are 'what if' questions, and how do they help assess adaptability?

'What if' questions are used to simulate possible future scenarios. These questions force the brain to think ahead and explore different possible outcomes, which helps in assessing how well a person can adapt to future changes.

What is the concept of 'unlearning' and why is it important for adaptability?

Unlearning involves challenging what one already knows and replacing it with new information. It's important for adaptability because it allows individuals to update their mental models and remain open to new ideas and approaches, which is crucial for coping with change.

Can you explain the example of Destin Sandlin's 'Backwards Brain Bike' and its relevance?

Destin Sandlin's 'Backwards Brain Bike' is an example of unlearning. It took him months to reprogram his brain to ride the bike with opposite controls, illustrating that adaptability can be developed through effort and persistence. This is an example of how unlearning can help enhance adaptability.

What does the speaker mean by 'returning to zero' as discussed in Gandhi's autobiography?

The speaker refers to Gandhi's idea of constantly striving to reduce oneself to zero, which means maintaining a beginner's mindset and being open to unlearning and relearning. This mindset fosters adaptability as it encourages continuous growth and openness to change.

How does the speaker contrast exploration versus exploitation in business?

Exploration refers to seeking new opportunities, while exploitation involves focusing on and optimizing existing resources or methods. The speaker argues that overvaluing exploitation can hinder adaptability, as it can prevent individuals and companies from anticipating future changes, as demonstrated by the Blockbuster and Netflix example.

What was the outcome of the meeting between the Blockbuster CEO and Reed Hastings?

Reed Hastings, the CEO of Netflix, proposed a partnership to Blockbuster's CEO, but was rejected. Blockbuster's CEO was focused on exploiting their existing business model, which ultimately led to Blockbuster's bankruptcy, while Netflix thrived. This highlights the dangers of neglecting exploration in favor of exploitation.

What are the three tricks the speaker uses to assess adaptability in founders?

The three tricks are: 1) Asking 'what if' questions to test how a founder imagines and prepares for future scenarios. 2) Looking for signs of unlearning, where a person challenges their assumptions and embraces new ideas. 3) Observing how much exploration a founder incorporates into their life and business, ensuring they don't rest on their past successes.