What Helps You be More Effective as A Manager?

I received this question not long ago and after reflecting on my personal experience, I came up with two things in particular that makes me a more effective manager:

The first is the learned ability to recognize people.  People are always surprised when their managers take notice of what they are good at, what they enjoy and what they do well.  They are even more surprised when their managers find ways to celebrate these talents.

I mention that this is a learned ability, and will emphasize that it is a significant skill to learn.  Marcus Buckingham in his book Now, Discover Your Strengths explains this in its greater work and life context.

The second is the willingness to remove obstacles from the paths of those who report to you. Exercising your privilege as a manager to engage in streamlining processes with other managers, as well as exerting the muscle that comes with your rank, to make your employees' work easier, is your job.  It's not your job to be manipulative or to pull rank; I am referring to the judicious use of your station, in a way your employees can't, to get things done.

These single two actions, executed with sincerity, have earned me the loyalty of not only my employees, but my union stewards and my co-managers, too.

I would be interested to hear what helps you be more effective as a manager.