What kind of person qualifies as a leader? Generally we tend to describe these types as hard working, aggressive, confident people. Leaders may be defined as competent, organized, thorough, determined, and loyal people. They possess the qualities that are desired by upper level management. They're doers, and "doing" extends to all hours of the day. Leaders try hard at everything they do, "elbow grease is their stock and trade" (Oldham and Morris, 64). Because they are willing to try hard, leaders tend to move toward the top rapidly in many professions. Men and women alike can be good, hard workers who do whatever they can to please the boss. These workers tend to take orders well, cooperate with their co-workers, and have little need to put their own imprint on the work or to "share the glory" (Oldham and Morris, 117). They need frequent expressions of appreciation even when thinks are going well. Conscientious leaders work in the service of others, however, are these people born or made?

Within the realm of genetics we tend to focus on the appearance, rather than personality. It is easy to conclude that we are drawn to those people who share our same facial and body fea

Oldham, John M. (1995). New Personality Self Portrait. New York: Bantam Books.

tures. Coincidentally, we surround ourselves with these people simply because they seem like family, and therefore attract us. The basic concept of genetics is simple: "for any characteristic that is genetically influenced, there's a range of values for that characteristic" (text 148). We tend to inherit many characteristics from those whom we are genetically linked. What kind of personality characteristics do we inherit? Both twin and adoption studies have researched heritability of "personality" in more general terms, however studies typically conclude that personality is definitely influenced by inheritance. If heredity can influence traditional personality traits, isn't it likely to inherit leadership characteristics? It has been often said that personality is like a deck of cards, you play the hand you are dealt at birth. You are who you are at the moment of conception, and "life experiences determine which genetic cards will be turned up and therefore what the nature of your normal experience will be" (Oldham and Morris, 17). It is conclusive to say that your personality will be fairly set at the end of childhood, and you will be "playing the game of life" in your own distinctive way for the remainder of your years. Of course, no psychologist or psychiatrist has invented a crystal ball that can predict every move we make, research shows that we can count on most people playing "the game" true to their personality. Generally, if you stem from a family of leaders, chances are you are a "born leader."

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Approximate Word count = 1483
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)