So a few things that come to mind on being a manager..
I work for a major supermarket chain where I spent 16 years as a Store Manager, and have seen all kinds of styles of managers. Some guys are such assholes, yet they seem to be looked upon positively by upper management. I never could manage like that. I generally did not want conflict for conflict's sake. I have to come to this place everyday, and I can't have manufactured conflict. There's enough legitimate conflict for that.
1. I always felt that I needed to be honest. I worked hard to not lie or fib, even handling confidential info. I would always say that I cannot get into it or comment on it. My people appreciated my honesty.
2. I also felt that it was my job to help my associates succeed. You have to learn the difference between someone asking you for help, or if they are dumping things in your lap.
3. When my people approached me, I had to remind myself that what they are bringing to my attention is important to them, and important to their job.
4. I never talked business on my first walk around the store, unless I walked into a train wreck. My current manager, and my last manager greet me everyday with something negative. It sucks. I tried to set the exact opposite tone.
5. People's jobs are tough enough. I felt what I owed them was leadership and guidance.
6. I never asked a question that I already knew the answer.
7. I tried to visibly do something to help every department in my store everyday. That was sometimes tough in a Union environment (meaning there were limits to what I could "do"), but when my people understood that, they were more than appreciative.
I'm sure I'll come up with a few more.
Everytime I got to a new store, I'd also explain my "Open Door" policy.
If the door is open..come on in.
If it's closed...do NOT knock on it. You can page or call my extension, but do NOT knock.
If it's kind of closed, but left open a bit, you can come in, but it better be important.