Human Resources For Small Business

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 say