How to be a good manager?

Start by reading The Peter Principle by Dr. Laurence J. Peter. Dr. Peter explained the hierarchical working world decades before Scott Adams Dilbertized it. You’ll understand the people above and below you on the totem pole, and you might think twice about taking that next promotion.

I’m no manager, but it would be helpful for you to find out what motivates your people. If you know that, it might be easier to work with them.

The pay differential and the profit motive unfortunately, means you are no longer of their world, can’t have your cake and eat it.

Age shouldn’t matter.

That aside- set clear expectations but don’t be a jerk about it and follow through on them. The follow-through is as important in work as it is in baseball.

Be genuine.

And, this is a big one. HUGE in fact.

SHOW APPRECIATION TO YOUR STAFF. Say thank you, do nice things for them, bring in cookies from a local bakery once in a while if it’s appropriate.

I know these things from having crappy managers and from my experience as a (good) manager.

Oh, and be a good example. No one likes hypocrites.

Have regular one-on-ones with each person that reports to you, like every other week. Talk about the work that they do, and what their development goals are, and their career interests, are there any barriers to being more effective in their job.

My manager sometimes leaves notes on our desks, saying what a good job we’re doing.

Appreciate and respect your staff. Remember not to overload yourself with too much stress. The stress you bring upon yourself reflects the stress your give upon your staff.
Make sure you give your staff the recognition they deserve (ie. If they accomplish a goal, make sure you let them know they did).
Be willing to drop a few dollars on them too. Even a nice bucket of gummy bears kept in the back or the office can really show that you care for your staff, but don’t make it a daily routine, reward them intermittently.

i used to be a people pleaser and do anything,

You will have to stop all that nonsense immediately if you wish to continue in management.

Simple answer, hard (for some) to accomplish.
1. Do not second guess yourself. Make the call stand up for your decision.
Everything eventually floats to the top. Becoming YOUR accountability.
2. Respect your co workers. Respect yourself more.
3. There are 5 ways to see things. Yours being one of them. Your goal is to go with the best. Not yours.
4. It is not personal. It is business.
5. Stay cool. The day ends you go home. It starts over again.

One more, but it is unique to me. I do my best and when ever possible to praise my employees and their work.
Slush funds, pizza and letting them cut out early (on occasion).

My people would kill for me. :-) Which is great when I need a break.

The standard you set is the standard you get. You have one chance to make a first impression on your workers. Make sure if you say you are going to do something for them that you do it.

Set up systems to follow up on assignments. If you never go back and confirm that tasks you assign are completed then people will figure out how much they can get away with when dealing with you.
When you go back to inspect an assignment and it’s completed, thank them. If it’s not, hold them accountable.
People will appreciate knowing exactly what you expect of them. Don’t make them read your mind.