Leader Possible Selves: A New Motivational Construct to Consider in College Student Leader Development?

Using Avolio and Vogelgesang's (2011) Leader Possible Selves (LPSs) model as a guide, this research further defines LPS, explores predictors of LPS in college students, and determines if LPS is associated with development of the leader self-concept via participation in college leadership development opportunities. We tested hypotheses derived from the model using three secondary databases. Previous leadership experience and psycho-social development predicted LPS in all three studies. LPS was associated with leadership development in all three studies. This research suggests that LPS should be included in research geared towards understanding leadership development.