Readers Review

The ABC of Leadership Development is great not just for students, but for
all aspiring leaders who may face doubts or challenges -that includes every
one of us- at some point in our workplace or organization. Even if you have
just started out on your leadership journey, this eBook will help you
tremendously to further strengthen your confidence as a leader and sharpen
your focus on developing the necessary traits
John Lim (Student)

In this report, David once again shows his passion for leadership and
readily gives you the steps for you to kick-start your leadership journey

Esther Ling (Founder of The Pencil Box)

A birds eye view report for students and growing leaders, The A-B-C of
Leadership Growth and Development captures in no better way the
relationship between self-concept and leadership growth and development.
This eBook is ideal for everyone who may have thought leadership is a term
for a special group of people and challenges you to start off your leadership
journey by conquering fear and self-doubt.
Steven Okorafor (Student)

So many of us grow up telling ourselves that we can't be leaders because we

aren't the leadership type or we aren't born to lead. But that's a myth.
Leadership can be learned and built. In this e-book Nelson shows you how
you can change from a person who thinks he/she cannot be a leader to
someone who thinks he/she can. If you are looking to learn to become a
leader, this e-book will be a handy guide.
LuWee Tang (Founder of Entrepreneur Campfire)

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No factor is more important in peoples psychological development and motivation than

the value judgments they make about themselves. Every aspect of their lives is impacted by
the way they see themselves Nathaniel Branden

Isnt this statement also true for leadership development and motivation? Yes, it is!
I couldnt agree more with Nathaniel Branden who is a psychiatrist and expert on the subject
of self-esteem. As I grew and developed in leadership, through my various learning, speaking
and experiences, I have come to realize that the foundation of every successful leadership
development program begins with addressing how the individual perceives himself/herself.
This is the first step that must be taken for us to change our lives.
You have heard my story, how my life was radically transformed from the ordinary student
who focused only on his studies, who believed that leadership is something for other people,
to becoming an author, leader and speaker helping young people transform their own lives
through leadership. If we want to change our lives, we have to change the way we think of
ourselves. If we want to change the way we think of ourselves, we need to change the way
we talk to ourselves. This is the A-B-C of leadership growth and development, and is the
thesis for this report.

I am deeply fascinated about the idea of self-concept. Have you heard of that term before?
Its fascinating because it helps us understand why we perceive ourselves the way we do. It
does not only provide the reason why we think the way we think, or see ourselves how we

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do. But it helps us predict, to a reasonably high degree, whether our future will be what we
want it to be or otherwise.

Your self-concept can be viewed as the knowledge you have about yourself.
This knowledge about the self may cover many different areas; for instance,
knowledge of the competencies you have and do not have, and of what you aspire

to become.*
*D. van Knippenberg et al. / The Leadership Quarterly 15 (2004)

Self-concept is not something that falls on anyone like a Boeing 747 making a swift descent, by
accident. Neither is it passed from generation to generation by way of genetics. It is a
communication between your past experiences, how you perceive and view them, which mold
your present, and impact your future. You cannot not have a self-concept. You can either have
a negative self-concept, a positive self-concept, or be somewhere in-between both ends of the
spectrum (See Figure 5: The Leadership Self-concept Spectrum). The more positive your selfconcept, the better! And Ill show you why, now.

Herere two illustrations to give you a quick understanding on the causes and implications of
both a negative and a positive self-concept:

Past

Discouraging Environment.
Negative Experiences
interpreted as tragedy.

Present

Future

Low self-esteem. Weak

belief in ones ability. Lack
of confidence.

Pessimistic
about the
future

Figure 1: Negative Self-Concept

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People with a negative self-concept, view themselves as victims of their past. They perhaps
grew up in discouraging environment that told them that they were victims and failures, or at
least, didnt tell them that they are winners. They have had bad experiences in certain areas
of their lives which they interpreted as limitations or bad-luck. This may be failed
relationships, poor academic performance, being less preferred in the sport of their choice or
having always lived with criticism. They have come to accept the status quo and believe that
they are disadvantaged due to their past negative experiences.

As a result of this attitude in the present, they have placed a low value on themselves. They
have a low self-esteem. They think they cant do something because they have been told they
cant. Hence, this affects the result they see in their lives, which then negatively impacts their
vision of the future.

People with a negative self-concept are usually pessimistic about the future, or at least, not
hopeful about it. They seem doomed to believe that they will not succeed in their future
relationships, in their academics, or will not be chosen for their most desired opportunity,
however hard they try. And the sad news is that unless they change this attitude, it will
eventually become their reality. But the good news however, is that they can change this
attitude and change their future. This is exciting!

Past

Encouraging Environment.
Negative Experiences
interpreted as opportunities

Present

Future

High self-esteem. Strong

belief in ones ability.
Strong self-confidence.

Optimistic
about the
future

Figure 2: Positive Self-Concept

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On the other hand, people with a positive self-concept are more likely to succeed in the
future. They are more capable to rise above temporary failures and learn from their mistakes.
They know fully well that failure is an event and not a person.
They perhaps were raised in an encouraging environment that told them Yes, you can! And
they have carried this optimism throughout their lives. When seemingly bad things happen to
them, they are able to see the bright side of it and remain positive. They believe that all
things work for the good.

By bringing this attitude into their life experiences, they are very confident in the present,
more optimistic and hopeful about the future. They place a high value on themselves. They
are often assertive, and are not afraid to try new things and to fail. They see failure as a
learning process, and thus move forward faster and succeed!

The next most important question you must answer is this:

If you put a small value on yourself, rest assured the world will not
raise the price John C Maxwell.

People are never able to outperform their self-image said John C. Maxwell.

Branden says If you feel inadequate to face challenges, unworthy of love or respect,
unentitled to happiness, and fear assertive thoughts, wants or needs if you lack basic selftrust, self-respect, and self-confidence your self-esteem deficiency will limit you, no matter
what other assets you possess.

Notwithstanding, both you and I know the truth of the matter

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No mentally sound person wants to be limited in life. Everyone wants to be successful, have
more, do more and become more. (This is especially true for me, and I do not know of
anyone yet who wishes otherwise.)

But until we begin to change the way we see ourselves, the way we think of ourselves and
how we consider ourselves, we will remain hooked to the limitations we have placed on our
very own shoulders. Until we begin to take the necessary actions/steps to develop a more
positive self-concept, both our present and future will be dominated by the negativity of our
past and thoughts.

Think of it. You deserve the best in life. You do not deserve to be hooked or tied down by
any limitation. So what? Get off the hook, already! You have come so far in life

As a leadership speaker, writer and trainer, I am very interested in helping people grow and
develop their leadership potential.

And this is what I believe:

I believe that leadership is an important factor in unleashing the inherent
potential in every youth, the key to addressing most of the worlds greatest
challenges, and a vital element to prepare our generation for the New World.

My fascination about the knowledge of self-concept thus led me to conduct a research

(YOUth & Leadership: Understanding The Perception of Young People About
Leadership), applying the exact theory of self-concept into leadership. I called it
Leadership Self-Concept.

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Despite the fear of stepping out to conduct this research, I chose to do it anyway! And I am
glad I did, because the data has provided me with a deeper insight and understanding on how
to better help young people in their leadership development journey, and how I can help
them transform into outstanding and growing leaders. If you desire to grow and improve the
quality of your life, the following two discoveries might interest you:
1. I discovered that people with a Positive Leadership Self-Concept, have the
following traits in common:
Present

Past
Encouraging Leadership
Environment. Identified as
leaders. Served leadership
roles. Recognized as leaders

Sees oneself as a leader.

Thinks of oneself as a leader.
Considers oneself a leader

Future

Optimistic about
becoming a
Great Leader.

Figure 3: Positive Leadership Self-Concept

a) They SEE themselves as leaders irrespective of how other people see them in the
present. This is because they have been in an environment that encourages leadership,
and affirms this quality in them. They have come to accept that they are leaders.

b) They CONSIDER themselves leaders whether or not someone else acknowledges

them as one. Owing to their strong belief and acceptance of the fact, they do not need
someone else to validate them as leaders. They consider themselves leaders and thus
they act and behave as such.

c) They THINK of themselves as leaders in the present and as potential great leaders in
the future. And they are absolutely right!

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2. I also discovered that people with Negative Leadership Self-Concept, share the
exact opposite traits:
Past

Present

Discouraging Leadership
Environment. Not identified
as a leader. Never served
leadership roles. Not
recognized as a leader.

Does not see oneself as a

leader, thinks of oneself as a
leader, or considers oneself a
leader

Future

Pessimistic
about the idea
of becoming a
leader

Figure 4: Negative Leadership Self-Concept

a) They DO NOT SEE themselves as leaders or potential leaders. This is because they
havent been told (or rarely) that they are. They may have been told otherwise, or
quieted in times when they took initiative to show leadership. Thus they have come to
accept the fact that they are not leaders and do not deserve to be called one.

b) They CONSIDER themselves bad leaders, or not as one entirely even when
acknowledged as a leader. Because of their belief which has been molded by their
own interpretation of past experiences, they place a lid on their ability. This lowers
their leadership confidence and as a result they resent or fear to assume leadership.

c) They DO NOT THINK of themselves as leaders, and doubt their ability to become
one in the future. And, guess what? They are right, too!

He who says he can, and he who says he cant are both right - Unknown

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My research sampled 282 young people between the ages of 13 and 28, from 34 countries across
North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia. This included high school
students, university students, fresh graduates and NEETs (Not in Employment, Education or any
Training).

Negative

Leadership Self-Concept
Spectrum

Positive

1,350,000,000 Youths
Figure 5: Leadership Self-Concept Spectrum

The data which I collected in a period of 3 months showed that over 45 percent of our youth
population have a negative leadership self-concept. More than 30 percent think they do
not have the qualities of a leader, and about 25 percent think they do not have the ability to
become a great leader. Isnt this troubling? Read it again! Were talking about people, not just
numbers!

This means that in a world population of over 3 billion youths, 1.35 billion have a weak
leadership self-concept. More than 0.9 billion think they do not have the qualities of a leader, and
0.75 billion youths are in doubt of their ability to become great leaders. (See Figure 5:
Leadership Self-Concept Spectrum) Now, think again on the consequences of a negative
leadership self-concept and tell me, what is the future of these people and our society?

But(thank heavens) there is a solution!

The key to developing a more positive self-concept is as simple as A-B-C, which is as follows:
1. ACCEPTING the truth that you are a leader. Because, you really are!
2. BELIEVING for yourself (in your heart) that you are a leader. Because youre right!
3. CONFESSING with your own mouth that I am a Leader! Because it is by the
confession of our mouth faith is developed and we reach for the invisible.

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You may ask me, is that all, David?! Yes. Thats as easy and difficult as it gets! No rocket
science stuff.

I know that for a long time we have been taught that a leader is the person at the top position in
any system of hierarchy, or the person in the suit. Furthermore, due to the influences of the
media, we may have come to believe that leadership is about position or control, genius or the
fortunate 1 percent of people who have great standing and connection in society, the know it all
or sometimes the guru. Even worse, some have associated leadership with greed, and people who
treat others as cogs in the machine.

Consequently, because we do not see, think or consider ourselves as such, we disqualify

ourselves from the opportunity and permission we need to become that great leader that we truly
are. What a sad thing to hear! But, heres my mission:

To change this notion! To help students understand the true meaning

of leadership, embrace it wholeheartedly and grow their value and
influence through it, so that they can live a life of purpose and total
fulfillment through and beyond university/college.

Although I may be super motivated about this mission, the result of this change is in your hands.
It is you who can change you, no one else can. I have developed this blueprint to help you get
started.

Before I give you my 6-step blueprint, I encourage you to carefully follow the recommendations
for the next 6 months and experience your life transform. Sadly, most people will not do it. They
dont do this kind of stuff, which is why they wont get the kind of results you will get. They
simply breeze through simple guides such as this, or they think, six months! Woah, thats a
looong time!
Yes it is. But pause for a sec. Think about the wonderful rewards that come, for a lifetime,
with an increased self-esteem, an increased self-confidence and positive self-concept; the
confidence to undertake that big project you always wanted to do. The confidence you need to
overcome that fear that keeps you in the incompetency zone, and thus puts you on the wanting
side in the future. The confidence you need to step up and start that club at your university, or

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run for the position of president, and thus restore your own confidence in yourself. My list could
go on and on. The benefits are enormous, like the respect you get to earn, people no longer
underestimating you etc.! Count on them.
Now, herere 6 simple steps I recommend for a more positive leadership self-concept:

Step 1:

GUARD your self-talk. Interrupt the tape in your mind that is saying
No, you cant! Say to yourself Yes, I can. I am a leader!

Step 2:

STOP comparing yourself to others and thinking gosh, my life sucks or

I can never lead like that. Know that however good a leader is, they
were some time where you are now, but learned to become more effective
leaders. You can do it too! Trust me.

Step 3:

MOVE beyond your comfort zone. Start learning more about honing the
great leader in you.

Step 4:

WAKE UP each morning and before you get out of bed, say I am a
leader! fifty times.

Step 5:

AT THE END OF THE DAY before you go to sleep, the last thing you
should do is say I am a leader fifty times.

Step 6:

TEACH these steps to your closest friends, spouse, children, students or

colleagues. Let them also begin to acknowledge you (as well as
themselves) as a leader.

You have done well to read this report thus far.

Now, take the next step to apply it.
Yes you can!
I hope you will, because I believe in you.

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Follow the popular Nike slogan, Just do it!, and watch how your self-esteem skyrockets.
Watch and see how your leadership self-concept strengthens and your competencies grow.
You will no longer be the same, because you will begin to see yourself in a different light!
I hope that this report gets you on track for a new start. Dont worry about motivation.
Motivation only comes when you take action. So, act now. Start with your first leadership
affirmation. Say out loud, as loud as you possibly can, with power and conviction, I AM A
LEADER! Say it again, and again! Congratulations, you have already taken three steps today
to a more positive leadership self-concept! Now, your journey has just begun. Continue, and I
look to seeing you in the leaders circle.

God bless!
David

If reading this e-book has inspired or impacted you in any way, I would love you to
share your experience with me. Its always encouraging to hear how I contributed to
improving someones life in one way or another.

Feel free to send me an email, video, or images detailing how your life has been
impacted at sc.david43@gmail.com or via my website at tngleadership.weebly.com

As a way of showing my appreciation for your feedback, I have a free gift I would like
to send you. I am really looking forward to hearing from you!

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A Report by
Nelson David Bassey
Author | Speaker | Student

Nelson David Bassey is a B.Eng. (Hon) Mechanical

Engineering student, speaker and author. David helps
students understand the true meaning of leadership,
embrace it wholeheartedly and grow their influence
through it, so that they can live a life of purpose and
total fulfillment through and beyond university. For
this, he has been featured on national publications such
as News Straits Times and The Star.
He is the author of The New Generation of
Leadership and has spoken to students in educational
institutions across Malaysia including a non-profit
organization. These include Nilai University, INTI IU
SLC, and Swinburne University of Technology. For
more about leadership and other works by David, visit
his website at tngleadership.weebly.com

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