Introduction Leadership, as a concept, varies in many different situations and circumstances. As old as life itself, leadership is required in many aspects of human existence. The emergence of different civilizations, and the resultant organized societies and governments brought forth with them an urgent need to examine the concept of leadership. Leadership was required in homes, in various communal groupings, and in the overall governorship of societies. Today, the need for competent leadership within various groups and entities in the society is even more acute (Kim, McInerney, & Sikula, 2004, p.388). Effective leadership in homes, schools, workplace, and governance play a critical role in the overall socioeconomic progress of a nation. The Philosophy of Leadership Philosophy analyses the existence, mannerisms, and conduct of human beings in their daily pursuits. For leaders, the acquisition of a personal leadership philosophy is of critical importance. A philosophy of leadership provides a general frame and guideline within which a leader may function. A leadership philosophy also offers a point of reference for the leader, and when practiced long enough, it forms the basis of the entire leader’s actions naturally. Therefore, a positive and progressive leadership philosophy is beneficial to the leader and the persons under his/her leadership. Leadership philosophy chosen The leadership philosophy that I have chosen is one that adopts the golden rule/principle. This leadership philosophy/principle obliges the leader to treat his or her subjects, as the leader himself would wish to be treated were he/her the subject – the golden rule. This philosophy mandates the leader to take actions only after placing the best interests of the subjects at the heart. All the decisions made by the leader should be humane and progressive. This philosophy ties positively with three different leadership theories. These theories are the trait theory of leadership, behavioral theory of leadership, and the contingency theory of leadership. The ‘Golden Rule’ Leadership Philosophy and the Trait Theory of Leadership The trait leadership theory states that a leader has inherent characteristics and personal traits that he or she is born with. This theory slightly reassembles the ‘great man’ leadership theory that characterized much of the ancient Greek and Roman view of leadership and leaders. The trait theory of leadership views leadership as a concept and characteristic inherent in some people and absent in others (Northouse, 2008, p.15). Many leaders in history have been described as ‘born leaders’, and their actions and choices during times of crisis were mostly guided by empathy and inherent characteristics. For Instance, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th US president, has variously been described as compassionate and full of empathy. Despite having been the president during the nations’ most catastrophic civil war before or since, his leadership – born out of his personality traits – has always been described as compassionate. In line with the chosen personal leadership philosophy that urges the leader to show empathy, the trait theory of leadership applies to Abraham Lincoln. His abhorrence for the institution of slavery stemmed from his conviction t