I read the thread title as "How to be an effective ladder"

I don't have management experience, but I've got plenty of underling experience and I'd say that the managers that I respected most have been good at being an advocate for those they manage. The best thing that a manager has done for me is to make sure that the work I do is recognized by those that it should be recognized by.

I've managed both people and projects for many years. I've done it badly and I've done it well. I think the most important thing is to keep your own ego out of the management process. Respect those you manage, be open to ideas and suggestions, be a guide not an authoritarian, be willing to take on difficult situations and look for resolution, be willing to compromise, and give lots of praise when it is do, utilize the expertise of others and recognize their strengths. Team building is one of the most effective skills a manager can have. It's nice to be liked, but it's better to be respected and trusted. Be willing to admit when you are wrong or made a mistake and don't play the blame game.

I like many of the ideas I've read in this thread and would reiterate them, save for my laziness.

One suggestion, or at least a thought to put out there: be careful when talking to others about a desire to "move up." Depending on who your asking, how you ask it, and heck - what kind of day they're going through - it could be taken entirely the wrong way. One very safe way to talk to someone in a leadership position would be to do an informational interview with someone either in a different department/area, or even a different company. If you know someone outside of the company, invite them for some coffee, lunch or something, all with the understanding that you're looking for a little advice/information. They will probably be flattered and won't feel threatened. If someone within the company understands your position, then go within - since they'll understand things someone else might not.

The best managers I've had have been leaders who step up, but also encouraged my own growth. Seeing the strength and weaknesses in others is immensely beneficial and working with it and through it positively has always seemed like the right thing to do.

Oh, and if someone is suggesting that you do that - they probably see a lot of promise and you're probably doing things pretty right.