International Institute For Global Leadership
Issue #289 *January 2026
www.global-leadership.com
Asheville, NC USA
Guest Editorial
Critical Thinking
Francis Maundu (Kenya)
Here are some key points from my recent assessment:
Analysis: To implement effective analysis, I start by identifying the core argument or information. For example, if I am analyzing a research paper, break it down into sections like the hypothesis, methodology, results, and conclusions. Use visual tools such as flowcharts or outlines to map out the structure and clarify how each component contributes to the overall argument. This approach helps me to make complex information more digestible and organized.
Evaluation: This is essential because it ensures that the information and arguments you use are credible and relevant. Without this step, I risk basing decisions on faulty or biased information, which can lead to incorrect conclusions. Evaluating the quality and reliability of sources helps me maintain the integrity of your reasoning and supports well-informed decision-making.
Inference: To implement effective inference, I ensure that my conclusions logically follow from the evidence I have gathered. For example, if I am analyzing market trends, conclude future trends based on observed patterns. I avoid overgeneralization by considering alternative explanations and checking for consistency with the analyzed data.
Explanation: To implement an effective explanation, I summarize the main points in simple, straightforward language. For example, when presenting a project update, I clearly state the goals, progress, and next steps. Use relevant examples to illustrate complex ideas and structure your reasoning in a logical sequence. Visual aids like charts or diagrams can further enhance clarity and help convey your points more effectively.
Self-Regulation: To implement self-regulation, regularly I assess thinking patterns and biases through techniques like journaling or self-assessment tools. For instance, after making a decision, review the process and identify any biases that may have influenced it. I Seek feedback from others to gain different perspectives and reflect on how personal biases might impact your reasoning. This ongoing reflection helps refine my critical thinking skills.
Perception: To implement improved perception, actively reflect on how my context and biases might affect my thinking. Engage with diverse perspectives and use tools such as bias checklists or perspective-taking exercises to broaden your understanding. For example, consider how cultural or personal biases might influence your interpretation of data.
Fallacy Recognition: To implement fallacy recognition, familiarize myself with common logical fallacies, such as straw man arguments or ad hominem attacks. Practice identifying these errors in arguments and use critical questioning to challenge and test the validity of reasoning. Techniques like creating fallacy detection charts or using logical reasoning guides can help spot and address flawed reasoning effectively.
(Francis is a Level Six student and 2024 & 2025 Book Challenge Winner!)
What Others Are Saying
Atinuke Oyewunmi (Nigeria)
How I have Changed?
When I started the IIGL program in 2020, I looked forward to obtaining a leadership certificate since leadership is my core professional area. I, however, discovered before long that the program wasn’t designed to just award a certificate. It was designed to transform me. And so my transformation journey started with the first two books; “Jonathan Living Seagull” and “As a Man Thinketh.” Reading those two books refreshed my memory with the power of self-discovery, determination to break free of limiting beliefs, and the desire to recommit to my life goals. Joining the program as a whole has been a turning point for me. Before I started reading the books, I often moved through life on autopilot. I found myself reacting, making excuses, and assuming that some things were simply “the way I am.” Many of the books challenged that thinking completely. The biggest shift I experienced was realizing that my results are shaped by my beliefs, patterns, and daily decisions, not by talent, luck, or circumstances.
It seemed that I had been distracted by survival and lost my inner compass, but joining IIGL helped me reposition myself on a well-defined path. Once I commenced Level One, my transformation process deepened. Each book taught me lessons that I would never have known on my own. I did not rush to complete my assessments; rather, I took the time to practice the lessons while reading.
On Focus
I have become a more disciplined individual who sets goals and works consistently to improve daily. In a world of distraction, I find myself able to stay committed to my growth path because of my set goals, which are derived from my bigger life aims. Before, my goals were vague, I began writing specific, measurable goals and connecting them to strong emotional reasons. Being introverted by nature, I had a hard time taking necessary actions goal setting has helped me maintain momentum even when motivation dipped and live more intentionally.
On Personal Responsibility
Through the study of the books I have developed a stronger sense of personal responsibility. “Unlimited Power” for example made me confront the fact that I had been giving away my power; blaming situations, people, or background. I shifted into asking empowering questions and taking responsibility for where I am and where I want to go. That mindset alone boosted my confidence. I became more intentional about my thinking. The lesson on neuro-associations helped me see how my thoughts directly influence my emotions and actions. I started catching negative patterns early and replacing them with more empowering interpretations. Instead of saying “I can’t,” I began asking, “How can I?”
On Action Taking
I have started taking action more boldly. I mentioned earlier how I initially believed that being an introvert justified my inability to take necessary actions. I simply used words like, ‘that’s who I am, I am just not an outgoing and social person.’ I had learned about massive action taking before reading “Unlimited Power,” but the lesson did not do much to improve my behavior. However, when I read the book, I had a deeper understanding that “massive action equals massive results.” This radically changed the way I approached opportunities. Instead of over-thinking or waiting for the perfect time, I started taking small, consistent steps and trusting that progress would build confidence.
I have become more disciplined about my habits. I now understand the power of daily rituals. I started building routines around learning, health, and productivity. Over time, these routines created real growth.
On Leadership
“Leadership for Dummies” turned my leadership journey around! Leadership is my core professional area, therefore, the book delivered huge value to me in more ways than I can capture. Here are some of my personal lessons from the book. Leadership is more about influence than authority: As a CEO, I used to feel the weight of making every decision. The book reminded me that real leadership is not about position; it’s about influence. I learned to empower people rather than direct them, and this shift created a more engaged, confident team.
(Atinuke is a Level Three Student).
What our Students are Reading
The Innovators ($12.49)
A fascinating look at the people who created the computer and the internet and the talents that allowed them to turn their visionary ideas into disruptive realities. Innovation requires having at least three things: A great Idea; The engineering talent to execute it and the business savvy to turn it into a successful product.
Students/Graduates In Action
Congratulations to IIGL Book Challenge Winners!
From August 1-November 30, 2025, IIGL students were given the Challenge of completing one or more assessment or a level of study during this period of time! 33 students participated and 5 Winners were chosen by IIGL Board President Lynda Eze (Nigeria/USA) and Director Deb Rosen (USA/WI). Congratulations to the 5 Winners who received $20:
Yieh Odette Gwain (Cameroon)
Francis Maundu (Kenya)
Nadia Echechikhi (Morocco)
Michael Kelechi (Nigeria)
Atinuke Oyewunmi (Nigeria)
We will hold the Challenge again in 2026 and will announce the dates at the end of the second Quarter!
Valuable Resources for Personal and Planetary Transformation
E-Learning
Elearningindustry.com
“We’re firm believers in the power of Learning and Development and the power of sharing. While our beginnings were humble, we are now proud to say that more than 936,000 eLearning professionals and corporate training buyers visit our platform each month. As we continue to evolve, we strive to help our community with that same integrity and passion. Our focus is to improve the way our content is published and distributed. Our goal is to become even more efficient and user-friendly for our ever-growing community of eLearning members and partners.”
News
Annual IIGL Holiday Book Drive Results
Thank you to those who participated in our Annual IIGL Book Drive! We received 7 new donations in December which raised $877! We hope you enjoyed your holiday season and we wish you all the best for 2026!
Help IIGL Recruit New Students!
Feel free to share this newsletter or just this poster with your friends, family, co-workers and colleagues to help IIGL continue to grow and flourish globally! Thank you to those who have referred others!
IIGL Book Sales Continue…
The IIGL Board of Directors shared that the IIGL book, “Creating Your Path Through Leadership” book sales continue to provide a Royalty payment to IIGL each month. It has also helped new potential donors understand more about IIGL! The book is available both on Kindle and in Paperback on Amazon.com! Check it out! Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1…
Meet Our New Students
We had 2 new students this month.
Joel Duke (Kenya)
I am from Nyanza and I am professionally trained electrical engineer. I am married with 3 children two boys and one girl I have experience in electrical a highly motivated and analytical aspiring Electrical Engineer with a strong foundation in electrical principles, circuit theory, and physics, cultivated through a (Diploma in Electrical Engineering) program and hands-on projects. My inherent curiosity about how systems function, from microelectronics to power grids, led me to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, such as designing effective lighting circuits and studying renewable energy systems.
Yosif Elobeid (Morocco)
I have been working in the field of art and acting for several years, which has given me extensive experience in engaging audiences, understanding diverse human experiences, and conveying social and cultural messages in meaningful and inspiring ways. My work has allowed me to participate in numerous international festivals and to receive global awards, which have refined my creative skills and strengthened my ability to compete and excel on an international level.
To view complete profiles, Click Here Student Progress
We had 11 students from 6 countries complete a total of 14 books in December. These students were from Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Nigeria, Uganda and the United Kingdom
Joel Duke (Kenya)
* As a Man Thinketh
* Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Francis Maundu (Kenya)
* Critical Thinking
Edward Miaway Sr. (Liberia)
* PsychoCybernetics
* Success through PMA
Imane Echchikhi (Morocco)
* Keys to Success
dia Echchikhi (Morocco)
* The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Yosif Elobeid (Morocco)
* As a Man Thinketh
* Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Inas Ouafi (Morocco)
* PsychoCybernetics
Radouane Fatima Zahra (Morocco)
* Keys to Success
Kenneth Izuchukwu Nwakanma (Nigeria)
* PsychoCybernetic
Rwotomiya Isaac (Uganda)
* Think and Grow Rich
Irene Boham (United Kingdom)
* Keys to Success
Statistics
New Enrollments
7 enrolled in December
68 enrolled in 2025
Book Assessments
14 in December
186 in 2025
Books Shipped
0 in December
4 in 2025
Cost of Books
$0 in December
$73.20 in 2025
You Make It Possible
We extend a special thanks to the following individuals and/or organizations who contributed to IIGL last month. Your ongoing support makes this work possible.
Deb Silver (Israel)
Pierre Wittmann (Thailand)
Michael Kelechi (Nigeria/UK)
Lynne Murguia (USA/AZ) In Blessed Memory
Zach Rosen (USA/IL)
John Hornecker (USA/NC)
Michael Lightweaver (USA/NC)
Margie Tice (USA/NC)
Lynda Eze (USA/TX)
Deb Rosen (USA/WI)
Heidi & Ed Fallone (USA/WI)
Julie & Mike Walker (USA/WI)
Patrice Zorn (USA/WI)
Kathleen Oweegon (USA)
Make A Difference
Dream Team 22
Please join Dream Team 22 as our goal is to have 22 people contributing $22 per month. We understand that money is energy and that to sustain and build IIGL we need a lot of people pouring their energy into this endeavor on a regular basis. We also know that not everyone can afford to commit $22 a month – especially our students, who live in countries with economies in which this amount can be equal to a weeks’ salary. So we are offering two options for those who wish to become a part of the Dream Team. One can commit to a $22 a month contribution or to spending 22 seconds each day holding the vision of IIGL becoming financially sustainable by the end of 2025!
Please join the Dream Team and help us create an energetic foundation to support the transformational work of IIGL! You can really make a difference in the world by making a modest contribution of time or money. To make the $22 a month commitment or a one time donation, click the link below. To become a member of the Dream Team 22 by committing 22 second a day to help us hold the vision, contact Deb for details: drosen2@wi.rr.com
Checks on US banks, payable to the International Institute For Global Leadership, can be mailed to IIGL, 11537 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53092 USA. Contributions may also be made by credit card by clicking the link below. Contributions are tax deductible under the 501 (c) 3 tax code of the United States Internal Revenue Service.
To Contribute By Paypal, go to www.paypal.com and make donation to iigl.globalleadership@gmail.com
To Contribute By Credit Card, go to global-leadership.com