The Modern Manager 380: Why Good People Sometimes Turn Into Bad Bosses (and How to Change) with Mita Mallick
Most people don’t set out to be “bad bosses.” But good intentions aren’t enough when your habits unintentionally create frustration, fear, or disengagement.
Thankfully, today’s guest helps us see what’s really happening beneath the surface.
Mita Mallick is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling author. She’s on a mission to fix what's broken in our workplaces. She’s a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses and has had an extensive career as a marketing and human resources executive.
In this episode, we explore what makes a bad boss (and how to avoid becoming one). Mita reveals common behaviors that erode trust, how to give feedback that empowers instead of intimidates, and why inclusive leadership is the foundation of a healthy culture. You’ll learn small, everyday actions that rebuild connection, create safety, and turn self-awareness into your most powerful leadership tool.
In the extended members-only conversation, Mita opens up about the “Nap Boss,” “Tony Soprano,” and “Sheriff” archetypes—real examples of toxic leadership behaviors that managers can learn from. She also shares practical ways to respond to bullying or bias at work, including how to use the “Five Ds” framework to intervene and support colleagues safely and effectively.
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Conversation Topics
- (00:00) Introduction: What makes a “bad boss”?
- (00:51) Meet Mita Mallick and her leadership journey
- (02:40) The myths we believe about being a good boss
- (05:12) Why well-intentioned leaders can still be toxic
- (08:43) Understanding inclusion as a leadership skill
- (12:25) How to recognize your own blind spots
- (17:18) Building trust and psychological safety
- (21:36) Giving feedback with care and clarity
- (25:49) The small habits that make a big difference
- (29:10) Keep up with Mita
- (31:46) [Extended Episode Only] The Nap, Tony, and Sheriff bosses’ workplace impact
- (36:18) [Extended Episode Only] How to intervene: The Five Ds model
📚 Additional Resources:
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✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cw9_72_BLtfr5vsjDbb-U2Nb5KuX56A5Jo6TSGmOaWc/edit?usp=sharing
✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/
✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/
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✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1
✨Learn more about the 5Ds in episode 109 with Emily May: https://www.themodernmanager.com/podcast-109
Keep up with Mita Mallick
- Follow Mita on LinkedIn here
- Check out her book here
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