Most of us have had bosses that made us want to eat bubble wrap at some point in our career. But is it possible that those horrible managers were just an exception to the rule? An overbearing, micro-managing minority we were unlucky enough to cross paths with?

Turns out, great managers are not few and far between, according to Zety’s latest survey of 1,016 US-based respondents about their expectations and day-to-day workplace reality on what they really think of their superiors.

 

The findings managed to capture a glimpse of what makes a manager special, aka the top traits of a good manager:

• Listens to their team members’ voices and factors them into his or her decisions.
• Gives meaningful and balanced feedback.
• Makes sure team members have enough autonomy to make decisions.
• Cares about their subordinates’ work-life balance.
• Is honest and trustworthy.
• Has a positive attitude and a good sense of humour.
• Supports the team members and has their back.
• Has a clear vision for the team.
• Is confident, displays strong leadership, interpersonal, and decision-making skills.