You might have been stuck in the dichotomy of wants of your manager and employees. According to The Harvard Business Review Managers Guidebook
"your supervisor may emphasize planning and resource management, supporting corporate goals, managing risk, and accepting final accountability for your unit. Your employees likely have a different view: they look to you to organize and direct the group's strategic goals, support them as they accomplish tasks, solve problems, and answer questions decisively, and facilitate their long- term growth"
