| The general problem is new leaders fail to successfully develop their leadership identity prior to the onset of the transitional period, resulting in a significant expenditure of resources for organizations in time and valuable resources. The specific problem that prompted this research was a lack of understanding about the leader transitional period required to inform stakeholders responsible for resource allocation in leadership development. The purpose of this qualitative holistic, single case study was to explore perceptions about requisite skills, competencies, and behaviors needed at the onset of leader transitional period. Participants were 13 leaders from Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. Data was collected during semi-structured interviews and analyzed utilizing an inductive procedure. Themes related to perceived needed skills for new leaders were: communication, interpersonal, and problem solving; themes about perceived needed behaviors included, modeling, behavior management, and flexibility; and themes about perceived needed competences included knowing the individual member, dealing with political situations, and creating excellence in the workplace. The current findings suggested first time leaders need to possess certain skills, behaviors, and competencies from the first day on the job. Based on the study findings it was recommended individuals seeking leadership positions develop the identified requisite skills, behaviors, and competencies prior to application for leadership positions. It was recommended organizations hire new leaders who already possess the indicated requisite skills, behaviors, and competencies be considered for leadership positions. It was also recommended organizations offer leadership training for current employees to identify and cultivate the indicated requisite skills, behaviors, and competencies in current and future employees. Several recommendations for future research were also offered. |
