Here’s a sobering statistic: A whopping four out of 10 newly promoted managers and executives are fired, fall below expectations or voluntarily resign within the first 18 months. What enables some managers to beat this bleak prognosis? While successful managers usually have unique styles, they typically share four leadership qualities:

1. A strong backbone. Successful managers show conviction and tenacity. They go to bat for their employees, working hard to eliminate obstacles and competition for needed resources. They deal directly with conflict because they are not overly concerned with being everyone’s buddy. And they never “play both sides of the fence.”
2. 20/20 vision. Successful managers generate enthusiasm and commitment by communicating a vision about where the team should head and how it should get there.
3. An appreciation of individuality. Successful managers realize that they cannot change people. Rather, they focus on making the most of each person’s strengths. And, contrary to conventional wisdom, they don’t treat everyone the same. For example, they realize that some employees need autonomy while others require frequent handholding.
4. Good people skills. Successful managers avoid turmoil by choosing their battles and maintaining the dignity of others. They also are skilled at negotiation.