I approach managing software teams the way a coach approaches winning games. Top down leadership is not edicts from the top, it's about creating the conditions

I approach managing software teams the way a coach approaches winning games. Top down leadership is not edicts from the top, it's about creating the conditions from the top using the resources available (time, team, etc) that lead to bottom up enpowerment and action. IMO, any "manager" who asks the question "what are you working on today?" has no business being in the role. This type of clipboard task master nonsense is the hallmark of someone who doesn't have the emotional, intellectual, and leadership chops for the job. You job as the manager is to _know_ what people are working on, not to ask. A true manager doesn't ask "what are you working on?", they ask "how are you getting along?". Daily status reports and "what are you working on" create natural resentment and skepticism and rightfully so.