I was speaking with a colleague about our experiences as a first-time manager. We both agreed that it is a critical juncture in one’s career … when leadership knowledge and mentoring are essential.

Yet, how often is it that people step into their first leadership position without any training? And how often is this compounded by a lack of leadership development resources at their firm?

It turns out these scenarios are quite common. Research from the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) sheds some light on the extremities.

• “20% of first-time managers are doing a poor job, according to their subordinates;
• 26% of first-time managers felt they were not ready to lead others to begin with; and
• Almost 60% said they never received any training when they transitioned into their first leadership role”

With reports like this, it is no wonder that “50% of managers in organizations are ineffective”, according to the CCL.

Just what will it take for first-time managers to feel confident and competent in their leadership?

Leadership success entails more than technical expertise. And it is certainly more than attempting to live up to a rule book filled with leadership do’s and don’ts.

One must also consider character.

So much of leadership is relational. A character flaw may impede a leaders’ efforts to build trust, be influential and drive results. That is why I am offering these insights on some essential qualities of effective leaders.

The five essential A’s of effective leadership are: authenticity, agility, adaptability, assertiveness and availability. Practiced repeatedly these attributes can help first-managers flourish in their roles.

1. Authenticity

Authentic leadership is quite the buzz phrase. This refers to leaders who are genuine and transparent. It encapsulates leaders who know their purpose, their strengths and their shortcomings.

Authentic leaders embrace and express their true self including their values and emotions. They are confident and optimistic individuals.

2. Agility

Agility factors in speed, creativity and innovation. The world is constantly evolving. Agile leaders ensure their companies products and services remain relevant. They keep the customers’ needs in sight.  Agile leaders move swiftly to introduce new ideas and solutions by taking entrepreneurial risks.

Agile leaders are navigators and trailblazers. They chart a way forward for the team and the company always striving to surpass competitors and distribute the marketplace.

3. Adaptability

Agility and adaptability are closely connected leadership traits. Adaptability addresses the need to identify and implement prudent changes. Agility is adapting with urgency.

Adaptable leaders are great listeners and learners. They are open to new perspectives. Adaptable leaders incorporate these insights into their strategy and modify in alignment with the trends.

Adaptable leaders are flexible. They are curious and have an experiential nature.

4. Assertiveness

Effective leaders are assertive, but not aggressive. Signs of aggression are being pushy, obnoxious or even rude. That’s not leadership.

An assertive leader is one with a clear vision and clear communication of that vision. The assertive leader speaks up to ensure team members recognize the leader, understand the vision and have the proper focus.

Assertive leader are calm and considerate of their team members. They strike a balance among being firm and sensitive.

5. Availability

When leaders become reclusive or confined to projects and meetings all day, they drive distance between themselves and their team members. One-on-one face time is an invaluable leadership tactic. It is useful for relationship building, mentoring and coaching team members.

Leaders are responsible for developing their team members into high performers. This is best achieved when leaders are available to meet with their direct reports and are fully engaged in the conversation.

What attribute would you add to this list? Please share your thoughts in the comments section, I’d love to hear from you.

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