OLQ’s
Factor – I (Planning and Organising)
(a) Effective Intelligence
(b) Reasoning Ability
(c) Organising Ability
(d) Power of Expression
Factor – II (Social Adjustment)
(e) Social Adaptability
(f) Co-operation
(g) Sense of Responsibility
Factor – III (Social Effectiveness)
(h) Initiative
(i) Self Confidence
(j) Speed of Decision
(k) Ability to Influence the Group
(l) Liveliness
Factor – IV (Dynamic)
(m) Determination
(n) Courage
(o) Stamina
What are 15 OLQs required in Officers:
1.Effective Intelligence: Is the intelligence utilized in coping with
practical situations of varying complexity. It is different from basic
intelligence which is the capacity to perceive relations or to do
abstract thinking. Basic intelligence is assessed by the use of
intelligence tests may be verbal or non-verbal effective
intelligence includes the following:
(a) Practical intelligence. The capacity to evolve independent
solutions of practical problems and situations.
(b) Resourcefulness. The capacity to use the available means for
the desired end with the help of improvisation of resources and
finding a solution when in a tight corner.
* Generally, students with higher effective intelligence are bright,
mentally sharp, penetrating, innovative and inventive.
2. Reasoning ability: The ability to grasp the essentials well and
to arrive at conclusions by rational & logical thinking. It includes
receptivity, inquiring attitude, logical reasoning and seeing the
essentials of a problem.
(a) Receptivity. The ability to understand and absorb new
impressions. It involves interest, attention and grasping power.
(b) Inquiring attitude. Healthy curiosity resulting in an urge to
increase one’s general knowledge and experience in life.
(c) Logical reasoning. The ability to arrive at conclusion or
judgment based strictly on a process of rational thinking and
excluding emotional factors.
(d) Seeing essentials of a problem. The ability by which the
individual is not only clear in his knowledge of the situation at
hand, but also is able to analyses various factors, shift them in
order of importance and make best use of them towards
achieving a solution.
* Students with higher reasoning ability are exceptionally sharp,
analytical, highly imaginative, logical & practical.
3. Organising ability: The ability to arrange the resources in a
systematic way so as to produce effective results. It can also be
defined as the ability to put to the best use of the available
means for attainment of a desired objective.
* Students with higher organising ability are very meticulous in
planning est dealing with complex issues without overlooking
details, use commonsense, original in actions and quick in
comprehension.
4. Power of expression: This is the most important tools of
personality where his/her ability to put across ideas adequately
with ease and clarity are assessed.
* Students with this quality are more eloquent, forceful, lucid,
precise & effective in their expression.
5. Social adaptability: The ability of an individual to adapt himself
to the social environment and adjust well with persons and social
groups, with special reference to superiors, equal and
subordinates. Social adaptability includes social intelligence,
attitude towards others, tact, and adaptability.
(a) Social Intelligence. It is the intelligence ability applied in
social field. It is the ability to understand people & adjust well in
new surroundings.
(b) Attitude towards others. The ability to put oneself into the
other man’s position so as to appreciate justifiable difficulties, to
enable rendering help in a proper way.
(c) Tact. Skillful management of the feelings of the persons dealt
with.
(d) Adaptability. The ability to adjust to the environment with
special reference to the social situations in that environment.
When considering service aspect, it involves not only a resilient
nature shown by and accommodative tendency but also keenness
and interest in service life.
* Persons with higher adaptability are genial, very spontaneous in
adjusting well in short time, outgoing, amiable, accommodative,
flexible understanding, friendly & sympathetic.
6. Cooperation: The attitude of an individual to participate
willingly in harmony with others in a group, in achieving the
group goal. This implies a belief in the collective effort being more
productive than the individual effort. Cooperation includes the
element of joint effort and team spirit. Team spirit indicates
loyalty to the aims and objects of the group to the extent of
subordinating individual aim to the group aim.
* Such persons are altruistic, selfless, volunteers workers with
tremendous esprit – de corps. They are also humane, warm
hearted, spontaneous and group minded people.
7. Sense of Responsibility: It enable a person to be dependable
and to willingly discharge his obligation. It includes sense of duty
but is much more comprehensive in meaning and scope. It
implies:
(a) Sense of duty Faithfully and firmly doing what one is ordered
to do.
(b) Discipline. A trained sense of acting strictly in accordance with
rules, regulations and conventions. This factor promotes
development of self-control and keeps one within bounds of social
and normal standards.
Sense of responsibility therefore means:-
(a) A thorough understanding of the values of duty, social
standard, and of what is required of an individual and then to
give it his energy and attention of his own accord.
(b) Doing one’s best, carrying out even unspecified and probably
unforeseen duties and obligations rather than faithfully carrying
out what one is told to do. It demonstrates moral willingness to
bear the consequences.
* Persons with higher sense of responsibility are exceptionally
dutiful, faithful and respectful to authority. They are very
conscientious and go out of the way to soldier responsibilities.
8. Initiative: The ability to originate purposeful action. It has the
following aspects:-
(a) Ability to take the first steps in an unfamiliar situation.
(b) In the right direction.
(c) Sustain it, till the goal is achieved.
* Persons with higher initiative display plenty of originality in
thoughts & actions. Persons with positive initiative never get
stuck, they are pushing, enterprising, persistent and will come
out with numerous fresh ideas.
9. Self-confidence: It is the faith in one’s ability to meet stressful
situations particularly those that are unfamiliar.
* People with higher self – confidence are totally composed,
rationally active, have abundant faith in their abilities, self-reliant
and constructive in difficulties.
10. Speed of decision: The ability to arrive at workable decisions
expeditiously. It comprises:-
(a) Then appropriateness and cost-effectiveness.
(b) Feasibility & practicability.
(c) The quickness in arriving at the decision. * Persons with this
ability are Infallible, prompt, judicious and take sound decisions
with a considerable sense of urgency. They are never wavering,
impulsive, hesitant, erratic in their decisions.
11. Ability to influence the group: The ability which enables an
individual to bring about the willing effort from the group for
achieving the objective desired by him. This influence is the prime
cause of cooperative and willing effort of a group towards the
achievement of a set objective.
* Persons with this quality are highly inspiring with magnetic
charm, indispensable, impressionable, assertive, persuasive, firm
& have considerable capacity to overcome opposition.
12. Liveliness: The capacity of an individual to keep himself
buoyant when meeting problems and bring about a cheerful
atmosphere
13. Determination: A sustained effort to achieve objectives in
spite of obstacles and setbacks. It implies fixedness of purpose:
mental concentration and strength of will. It includes:-
(a) Application to work. The capacity of physical application to
work.
(b) Drive. The inner motive power at the disposal of an individual.
It is the capacity to force oneself along when under pressure and
urgency, towards the achievement of the object. It may inspire
energetic action in others towards the achievement of a common
goal.
* They are highly resolute, unwavering, advent, industrious, firm
and steady, persevering and persistent.
14. Courage: The ability to appreciate and take purposive risks
willingly. It includes:
(a) Ability to meet appreciated dangers.
(b) Spirit of adventure, and enterprising spirit and a willingness to
dare or risk a hazard.
(c) Capacity to keep oneself composed in adverse situations
enabling to be steady in facing and handling such situations.
* They are doubtless risk takers, daring, aggressive, creative,
bold & plucky with tremendous physical & moral courage.
15. Stamina: The capacity to withstand protracted physical and
mental strain. It emphasizes endurance.
* Such persons possess Herculean physical & mental capabilities
& can withstand plenty of physical & mental stress. They are
indefatigable, calm & are very tough individuals.
Importance of 15 OLQs Leadership
Potential:
OLQs help identify candidates with the potential to lead and
inspire others, a crucial requirement for officer positions.
Decision-making Abilities: OLQs such as effective intelligence,
reasoning, and speed of decision-making assess a candidate’s
ability to make sound and prompt decisions in various situations.
Teamwork and Cooperation: The OLQs related to social
adaptability, cooperation, and team spirit evaluate a candidate’s
inclination and capability to work effectively in a team and
collaborate with others.
Responsibility and Integrity: OLQs like sense of responsibility and
integrity are essential to gauge a candidate’s commitment to
upholding ethical standards and fulfilling the duties and
obligations of an officer.
Effective Communication: The OLQ of effective communication
assesses a candidate’s ability to convey ideas clearly and
confidently, which is crucial for effective leadership and
coordination.
Initiative and Self-Confidence: These OLQs determine a
candidate’s willingness to take charge, show confidence in
decision-making, and exhibit proactive behavior. Physical and
Mental Attributes: OLQs like courage, stamina, determination,
and emotional stability assess a candidate’s physical and mental
capabilities, which are essential for facing the challenges of
military service.
Adaptability and Flexibility: OLQs related to adaptability and
dynamism evaluate a candidate’s ability to adjust to changing
circumstances and demonstrate flexibility in their approach.
Positive Attitude: OLQs regarding a positive attitude help gauge a
candidate’s ability to maintain optimism, resilience, and
motivation even in adverse situations.
