The most important job of an engineering manager is this one simple thing: TALK to your staff. The old book “The One Minute Manager” [1] (short and simple) I found to be good advice.
“… three techniques and of an effective manager: one minute goals, one minute praisings, and one minute reprimands.”
The key is to interact with staff often, not just once a month, and not always in a staff meeting. As a manager, people want to know you, to trust you, and to confide in you. They want your help, and you want them to be successful. Good luck!