The Gallup Organization did a 25-year study that included over 1 million employee surveys and 80,000 manager interviews across 400 organizations to identify 12 elements of a great manager. Mark Buckingham and Curt Coffman reported on these elements in First, Break All the Rules, and Rodd Wagner and James Harter further refined the ideas in 12: The Elements of Great Managing.

The 12 elements listed below correlated with increased productivity, profits, employee retention, and customer satisfaction.

http://businessjournal.gallup.com/content/25834/Discovering-the-Elements-of-Great-Managing.aspx#3

Translated into more actionable behaviors, these 12 elements could be interpreted as:

1. Make sure employees know what's expected of them.
2. Provide employees with what they need to do their jobs.
3. Match the right person to the job.
4. Recognize and praise good work often.
5. Care about your employees as people.
6. Encourage mentoring.
7. Listen to employee opinions.
8. Connect employees' work to the larger mission.
9. Hold high standards.
10. Encourage friendships in the workplace.
11. Provide regular feedback (at least once every 6 months).
12. Help your employees learn and grow.