What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses with Mita Mallick

Brandon sits down with Mita Mallick, author of The Devil Emails at Midnight, to examine how well-intentioned managers slip into bad-boss behaviors and what leaders can do to course-correct. They discuss stress and personal crises as root causes, the outsized impact managers have on employee mental health, why one-on-ones are a retention tool, and how to prevent cultures of constant urgency. You’ll also hear practical tips for avoiding micromanagement, honoring names, reducing meeting bloat, and inviting real coaching from your team.

Key Timestamps

• 00:00 — Welcome, show purpose, and sponsor message

• 01:00 — Why “bad bosses” are made by circumstances, not born

• 03:00 — Three common triggers: market shocks, trickle-down behavior, personal “earthquakes”

• 06:30 — Managers’ influence on employee mental health

• 07:50 — Time signals care: one-on-ones as a retention tool

• 11:30 — Freeing the calendar: canceling meetings, async options, delegating attendance

• 13:30 — Inclusion in practice: the importance of saying names correctly

• 16:00 — Spotting disengagement and checking in with care

• 18:10 — Addressing the “napper”: direct conversations and recommitment

• 21:00 — Accountability for disengagement and leadership courage

• 22:15 — Escaping micromanagement: show what “done” looks like

• 25:10 — If everything is urgent, nothing is: reducing fire-drill culture

• 27:30 — The overly kind yet incompetent boss vs toxic positivity

• 30:30 — Gossip erodes trust and confidentiality

• 33:00 — Rethinking loyalty and stopping talent hoarding

• 35:00 — AI, time savings, and doubling down on human leadership

• 36:30 — Weekly reflection, reading the room, and asking for coaching

• 38:30 — Where to find Mita and her book

A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST

Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws

In Brandon's own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.”

About Xenium HR

Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more [https://www.xeniumhr.com/]

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