No matter how high we are in the "food chain", we are all working for someone. We are all employees in someone's team.
Here are five things I experienced as an employee and sometimes failed to do as a manager:
Set reasonable goals - The biggest frustration is to be set for failure. Therefore, first, set goals for your employees, and secondly, make sure they are achievable.
Decide - A manager's job is to decide. Don't drag decision-making too much because it it frustrates your subordinates and can make them apathetic. If you have all the data available to make a decision, there is no need for another meeting.
Be human - We are all humans. There is no point in trying to hide it and it can be extremely harmful to try and be a robot amongst humans. It is good to admit that you are sometimes wrong, to show that you are vulnerable too, and that you also need to rest and spend time doing non-work stuff.
Be empathetic - Try to see things from employees' perspective. Once you do, think if and how you would act differently. It will definitely help them but it will also help you as their manager and leader.
Fight - Fight the wars your employees cannot fight: the higher-level politics, the budget conflicts, and the strategy arguments. Remove obstacles and clear the way for them to do their job.
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