As a manager your job is to manage, but as a “person” is ‘management’ all you can offer ?
It pays to be personable and approachable, especially when “rank” creates personal distance.
The tyranny of “distance” and the communication  challenges it creates can distort the perceptions of a managers, which may not affect “management”  but can inhibit the more personal “rapport building”.   
Here are a few tips to help connect with staff, opening the doors to vital communication.

1.         Be the listener
Speak to staff regularly and collect as much feedback as possible. You will most likely hear about problems before they flare up. Listening will also attract useful suggestions and will help to make decisions keeping the staff’s varied opinions in mind.

2.         “Owning the company”
When you get the opportunity, speak about the company as a whole. Staff members must not feel like replaceable cogs in a clock, they must have perspective regarding how they contribute and how much the organization needs them. Showing them the bigger picture helps imbibe in them a feeling of responsibility for the company. Telling them of the values the company stands by and how they help strengthen these values also helps. Try not to get too preachy !

3.         Humanize yourself
People can forget their bosses are human beings; they can idolize or fear them, respect them and hate them. Or all of the above. Good managers allow their staff to know them a little more than just as the person who calls the shots. Let them know your interests, talk about hobbies and activities other than work.
Loosen up a little.

4.         Get down on the floor….
Reserve the confines of the cabin for one on one talks and hold meetings outside. Meet staff at their seats instead of have them come to the office. Meeting them where they are comfortable will make them more comfortable with you. Having a general fixed time to do this means  staff members might pick up on it and be ready for your approach.

5.         Encourage in public, discipline in private