"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else: you are the one who gets burned' — this famous quotation came to my mind when I read psychologist Daniel Goleman's book "Emotional Intelligence – Why it can matter more than IQ".

Emotional intelligence or known as emotional quotient (EQ) is the ability to identify and regulate one's anger, and emotions and understand the emotions of others. A high EQ helps to build relationships, reduce tension and resolve conflicts. Goleman believes, "What matters for success, character, happiness, and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ — not just purely cognitive abilities measured by conventional IQ tests."

IQ stands for 'intelligence quotient'. IQ tests are tools to measure intellectual abilities and potential. EQ is a skill too. It is the ability to understand and manage our emotions better to relieve stress and anxiety, communicate affectionately, empathise with others, and overcome the social complexities we face in everyday life. Today researchers are arguing, 'IQ testing is now an industry in itself, but is it fair to the creatively minded?' According to one recent study, IQ tests are misleading because a minimum of three different exams are needed to measure someone's brainpower.

However, studies found that there are more factors to achieve the feeling of happiness and fulfillment as Goleman indicated that lifetime success depends 20% on a person's Intelligence Quotient (IQ), 40% on their Emotional Quotient (EQ), and the last 40% on their Adversity Quotient (AQ).

E-mail: rubaiulmurshed@shomman.org