The biggest reason many managers are bad managers is because they haven't defined measurable goals and outcomes for the individuals on the team and for the team

The biggest reason many managers are bad managers is because they haven't defined measurable goals and outcomes for the individuals on the team and for the team as a whole. This leads them to micromanage, be stressed and every other characteristic associated with the stereotype. If you are able to define measurable outcomes/goals - then how those are achieved really should be left in the hands of the individuals/team. This is what makes you (imo) a capable manager. If you want to take it up a notch, learn how to motivate them. I highly suggest watching a) Dan Pink's talk on Motivation for this (and perhaps also picking up his book "Drive"): http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation and b) Simon Sinek's talk on leadership (and also picking up his book) on starting with why: http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspi.. http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspi.... I think this will give you a strong foundation to build off of.