"My best boss was someone who led by example. She was always open to hearing new ideas, and knew how to give feedback in a way that was empowering to the people under her, not something that sounded like personal criticism – even when it was warranted. That helped the whole team really invest in our goals as a team. My worst boss avoided feedback at all costs, and that often left the team floundering. On my own initiative, I started giving him regular status updates, which opened the door to a little more communication, but I can’t say that it was a problem I was able to fully solve as one of his reports."
What not to say: Let me tell you about this one guy, a real gem, whose most important business tool was the bottle he kept in his desk. He abused his entire team and got otherwise competent people to quit outright because he was impossible. It probably helped him that he was the CEO’s nephew, but what are you gonna do?