A competent Manager:
* Is willing to be a leader: https://www.modernservantleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/...
* Protects you from BS from the rest of the org.
* Eats the shit sandwich with you when they can't protect you.
* Can do your job if you end up rage quitting, getting sick or just needing a day off and there's an emergency.
* Can give you a candid and fair review. They can discuss your faults and successes in equal measure.
* Knows how to say NO, knows how to manage up. (sometimes hard to spot)
* Lets you earn your leash or your rope (don't hang yourself).
* Is not a gossip.
* Has good standing relationships with peers in other groups (accounting, marketing...) also hard to spot.
* Knows how to hire (skill and fit).
* Is someone you are willing to go to a social lunch with.