Based on your experiences working with different managers, what made the managers sounds out as amazing? Did you optimize for working with the best managers or content?
Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency. People on your team like getting a quality work product done on time, just like your clients do. On the flip side, nobody likes polishing the same page 20 times over because the manager keeps changing his/her mind or didn’t get enough senior input or client input on the deliverable before working on it. Be the change you wish to see in the world as you look upwards in terms of what MDs or Partners you prefer to work with over others... you will notice a pattern.
Agree that a manager that is clear and has reasonable expectations makes a good manager. It's also good to find someone that will allow you to take on extra responsibility and grow in areas that you are interested. When I have the choice I will always take a good project manager over a better geographic location or more interesting content. It doesn't help to be in a fun town when you are at the office until midnight every night.
A manager that gives clear and concise instructions and responds in a reasonable time. I definitely optimize for both almost equally but might lean towards content once in a while