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Description

The Grinner. Medusa. The Sheriff.

No, these aren’t winners of a Halloween costume contest — they’re archetypes in Mita Mallick’s latest book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses.

The Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller author Mita Mallick joins the newest episode of Campaign Chemistry to discuss what all of us can learn from bad bosses. She emphasizes that communication isn't just about emails and meetings; it’s about fostering a culture in which people truly feel seen. In today’s climate of layoffs, dwindling retention and rising attrition, we tackle issues such as accountability, the risks of toxic positivity and the reason empathy may be advertising’s most underrated leadership skill.

From managing up and journaling for self-reflection, to acknowledging grief and personal challenges at work, Mallick’s new book offers a road map for leaders seeking to improve — and for employees navigating difficult dynamics.

The sound bite

"It's not easy being a boss.”

The takeaways

  1. It is critical to treat employees as valued consumers.
  2. Bad bosses are made, not born.
  3. Effective communication is crucial for good leadership and team dynamics.
  4. Leaders should regularly check in with their teams to foster a supportive environment.
  5. Journaling can help leaders reflect on their behaviors and improve over time.
  6. Asking for coaching and feedback from team members can enhance leadership effectiveness.
  7. Managing up is essential for employees to navigate difficult boss relationships.
  8. Empathy for bosses can grow from understanding their challenges and pressures.
  9. Toxic positivity can undermine team morale and lead to burnout.
  10. Leaders should acknowledge personal struggles and the impact these struggles can have on work relationships.

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