those traits would help one become a leader, much
             A series of inconsistent findings led others to continue the search for
             predictions and understanding of what makes one an effective leader (ROTC,
             2002). There was a widely accepted belief that a combination of traits was
             one element of the equation. However, personality alone was not proven to
             be the single or even the dominant factor in leading others.
             Early leadership theories were content theories, focusing on "what" an
             effective leader is, rather than on 'how' to effectively lead (Allen,
             1998). The trait approach to understanding leadership makes the assumption
             that certain physical, social, and personal characteristics come naturally
             to leaders. Sets of traits and characteristics were found to assist in
             selecting the right people to become leaders.
             According to Allen (1998): "Physical traits include being young to middle-
             aged, energetic, tall, and handsome. Social background traits include being
             educated at the "right" schools and being socially prominent or upwardly
             mobile. Social characteristics include being charismatic, charming,
             tactful, popular, cooperative, and diplomatic. Personality traits include
             being self-confident, adaptable, assertive, and emotionally stable. Task-
             related characteristics include being driven to excel, accepting of
             responsibility, having initiative, and being results-oriented."
             Trait theories have been used to identify traits to assist in selecting
             leaders since traits are linked to leadership effectiveness in many
             ...