MOST of us have heard of intelligence quotient, commonly referred to as IQ, a score used to measure intellect in terms of numerical figures. It’s a controversial procedure and many people don’t consider it a good measure of intelligence.

Less well known is EQ (emotional quotient), which is sometimes referred to as the “wisdom index”. It is similar to IQ, in that it uses a score to rank emotional intelligence.

Dr Aung Thet Htun, a former professor at the UN Staff College, says emotional intelligence is measured through observation.

“The EQ of children can be studied from their infancy. This is useful because, in the long term, we can see what kind of character traits exhibited in children equate to later success in life,” Dr Aung Thet Htun said.

An EQ is derived by measuring ability in four areas; perceiving emotions – in both people and objects; using emotions – for activities such as thinking and problem solving; understanding emotions and the complicated relationships between emotions; and managing emotions, which is the ability to regulate emotions in both ourselves and in others.

He said that EQ is not related or affected by age, sex, race or religion and people can be trained to enhance their EQ.

This last point is important, he says, because the majority of “successful leaders in the workplace have good EQ”.

If EQ can be nurtured in Myanmar children from the earliest possible age, Dr Aung Thet Htun said, it will be beneficial for the country in the future and assist in development.