1. Make their expectations crystal clear
2. Provide whatever resources may be needed to get the work done
3. Create opportunities for people to do what they do best
4. Recognize and praise performance “beyond the call of duty”
5. Care about workers as people
6. Are eager and attentive listener
7. Value others’ opinions
8. Make people feel that what they do really is important to the organization
9. Set and exemplify high standards for quality of work
10. Encourage and nurture a culture of camaraderie
11. Focus on achieving continuous improvement
12. Create opportunities for experimentation, learning, and growth
These were first discussed by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman (in First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently) and most recently by Rodd Wagner and James Harter (in 12: The Elements of Great Managing). You may also wish to check out: