My experience with programming managers is pretty crappy. I don't like many and the few that I do like, I can't work with.

Of those managers that I do like, they did all the status meetings, etc... and actively participated with the team. Reviewed code, made suggestions, hot fixed a problem or two. They were never condescending about the suggestions or fixes, in fact, the changes were welcomed.

From this anecdote you can take this away. Don't be the manager that sits around and shuffles paperwork all day. Do some interesting stuff with the team. If a couple devs are taking a little longer than normal, odds are they are stuck and are too embarrassed / head strong to ask for help.

Your job is what you make of it. If you feel like it's shit, it probably will remain that way until you change your thinking.