I'm a department manager where I work, so not very high on the ladder, but I run a 14 person team. That being said, I get where you're coming from. I'd never try to be my employee's friend, though I am most certainly friendly. I might grab a beer with one or two of them every now and again (usually on me, as why not?)

It's a hard line to tow, as I'd like to think of myself as a pretty agreeable person that wants to connect with people, and I've done that to an extent with my team. It has made certain work facets difficult though, especially "behavioral notices" and the like.