A leader with high self esteem does not feel threatened by others ideas. A person with high self esteem will not have a problem with letting the subordinates be empowered and accomplish great things. High self esteem makes the leader want to see the best in others as they see in themselves the good in the world.

A leader with low self esteem will feel threatened by ideas and empowered employees. They will tend to try and control people. They are often afraid that if they do not control people that they will lose their leadership role. A better leader may emerge forth and that would be bad. That is why the leader with low self esteem will often try and hire people just a little below their ability. In that way, a low self esteem person will not feel threatened.

SOURCE: http://respectandleadership.net/selfesteemandleadership.html

RECOMMENDED READING: Navy SEAL LEADERSHIP Presents “Unbeatable”: Recreate Your Life As Extraordinary Using the Secrets of a Navy SEAL
Most people are intrigued by what SEALs do — like dangerous and secretive missions. But what they DO is only part of the equation. Who do SEALs have to BE to carry out these impossible missions? While Navy SEALs are effective commandos, they possess an attitude and a set of attributes (the 12 secrets) that EVERYONE can attain to utilize in their home and work lives. Through extensive research and study, Jack Schropp, a former Commander of the Navy SEALs, believes that SEALs are trained to possess SEAL Secrets to be elitist in their field. In Unbeatable you will have access to these secrets and the possibility of polishing them. Each chapter contains exercises that you can implement into your life. So, be sure to roll up your sleeves and to the emotional work of a Navy SEAL. This is not a book about war or military strategy. It is a book based on a peaceful leadership technology for both men and women.

And see: 12 Must Read Leadership Books for Young Adults, by Tim Elmore

SOURCE: http://growingleaders.com/blog/must-read-leadership-books-young-adults/

EXCERPT:
1. Leadership and Self-Deception, by the Arbinger Institute

This is often the first book I recommend to a student who’s begun their leadership journey. It’s a parable about a self-absorbed man who learns to get beyond himself.

2. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey

This classic by the late Stephen Covey covers seven key habits that successful people in any industry have chosen to embrace: priorities, decision making, goals, etc.

3. How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

Another classic written decades ago, the book covers timeless truths for engaging people and earning the right to be heard. Simple lessons in emotional intelligence.