The PQ Index is a science-backed diagnostic measuring the physical and psychological capacity that underpins sustainable performance across an organisation.
What is the PQ Index?
The PQ Index, or Performance Intelligence Quotient, is a proprietary diagnostic developed by Andrew May and Professor Tom Buckley at the PQ Research Institute. It measures performance capacity across four interconnected physical and psychological domains and provides an overall score out of 100.
Unlike traditional leadership assessments, the PQ Index measures the biological and psychological conditions that determine how leaders show up, giving a precise read on the Physical and Psychological dimensions of Leadership Capacity. It identifies specific performance gaps, tracks change over time, and provides organisations with objective data of performance improvement rather than anecdotal feedback.
The PQ Index is used before, depending on program length during, and after every Performance Intelligence program. Pre-event data shapes the content. Individual data personalises the coaching. Post-event data measures genuine behavioural shifts and target areas to focus on next.
The Four Domains
1. Energy Management
Physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and recovery. The physiological foundation of sustained leadership performance.
2. Biological Age
How well your body is functioning relative to your chronological age. A leading indicator of long-term leadership capacity.
3. Strategic Recovery
Physical recovery and psychological detachment interspersed between high-demand periods. The capacity to restore, not just push through.
4. Mental Agility
Emotional regulation, psychological flexibility, and the ability to perform under pressure. The cognitive conditions for sound judgement and adaptability.
Who is the PQ Index for?
The PQ Index can be used across an entire organisation, from senior leaders and leadership teams to large employee cohorts at every level. Each participant receives personalised insight into their performance capacity, while aggregate data helps organisations identify patterns, target support and measure change over time.
How it works?
1
Complete the diagnostic
Participants complete a 7-minute online assessment covering the four PQ Index domains. Individual and aggregate data is generated immediately.
2
Receive personalised PQ Report
Each participant receives a personalised report with domain scores, performance tier (Struggling, Surviving, Performing, or High Performing), and specific recommendations for the highest-priority gaps.
3
Track change over time
After a Performance Intelligence program, the PQ Index is repeated to measure genuine behavioural shift. Providing objective data on what changed, what improved, and where further work is needed.
Built on science. Validated in the field.
The PQ Index was developed in collaboration with Professor Tom Buckley at the PQ Research Institute. It draws on exercise physiology, performance psychology, neuroscience, precision medicine, behaviour change dynamics and longitudinal data from leaders across corporate Australia, elite sport, and the military.
PQ Index and the LiveLife Score
The PQ Index replaces the LiveLife Score as Performance Intelligence’s core diagnostic. The underlying assessment data, research foundation, and four-domain structure remain. What changed is the name, the reporting interface, and the integration with the updated Leadership Capacity framework.
If your organisation has completed a LiveLife Score assessment, your data remains valid. The PQ Index uses the same methodology with an improved reporting and benchmarking system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PQ Index?
The PQ Index (Performance Intelligence Quotient) is a science-backed diagnostic developed by Andrew May and Professor Tom Buckley at the PQ Research Institute. It measures physical and psychological performance across four domains and produces an overall PQ Score out of 100.
What does the PQ Index measure?
The PQ Index measures four domains: Energy Management (physical activity, nutrition, sleep and recovery), Mental Agility (emotional regulation, psychological flexibility, and hardiness), Strategic Recovery (physical recovery and psychological detachment), and Biological Age. The three core domains combine to produce an overall PQ Score, with performance tiers from Struggling (below 50) to Surviving, Performing, and High Performing (85+).
Who is the PQ Index designed for?
The PQ Index is designed for use across entire organisations, including senior leaders, leadership teams, large employee cohorts at every level, HR and L&D initiatives, and conference audiences. Participants receive personalised insight, while aggregate reporting helps organisations understand performance patterns and measure change over time.
Can the PQ Index be used at conferences and events?
Yes. Andrew May uses the PQ Index at conferences and keynote events to personalise content to the specific audience’s performance profile. Pre-event data informs the keynote and post-event data measures impact. Contact us via the contact form to discuss event options.
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