Best boss I ever worked under (in many ways, worst in others) had a simple philosophy. “I am the Law”.
That said, he encouraged us all to challenge him every step of the way with our own ideas. He was smart enough to understand that surrounding yourself with the expertise you lack, works when you listen to it.
But when he made his decision, there was no further debate wanted. And he achieved much success. Did I mention we didn’t create a problem by hiring idiots to begin with?
The manufacturer I worked for had an interest twist to that idea. The sales staff (of which I was one) was instructed to set-aside its loyalty to the company, and instead act as advocates for the company's customers. Open hostility to the marketing manager and the bean-counters was encouraged (I need to add that arguments usually were not about pricing--we all knew that our bonus was tied to profit).
Like I said, interesting because I had never experienced something like it before, and might not again. The company was #1 in the industry.
-— That said, he encouraged us all to challenge him every step of the way with our own ideas. He was smart enough to understand that surrounding yourself with the expertise you lack, works when you listen to it. ——
I went out of my way to allow my employees to contribute, even allowing them to compete with me, in presenting ideas to my boss.
Whenever they came up with a good idea, I credited them.
Why? Because I was confident in my skills.
Later on, one of my employees was promoted over me. He presented initiatives to my boss, initiatives that I had given him to do, as his own ideas. I found out well after the fact.
In an act of cosmic justice, we were all laid off a month later.
I have my own fast-growing company now. I would have hired the guy if he hadn’t stabbed me in the back. Oh well.
A good manager will hire smart and able people, who will naturally gravitate to him. He's not intimidated by people smarter than himself.
A poor manager not only will not, but cannot surround himself with good people. He wouldn't know a good employee if he saw one, would probably find be repulsed by somebody smarter than himself, and good people tend to stay away from fools.