How to Be a Great Boss: Creating Ethical and Competent Teams | Derrick Van Mell | Ep 83

Hey friends, it’s Wisdom here! In this episode, I sat down with Derrick Van Mell, a true advocate for better management and ethical leadership. We dove deep into why everyone deserves a boss who helps them feel safe, appreciated, and proud—and how powerful that is for any team or workplace. Derrick shared stories from his own career (yep, including what it’s like to have a bad boss!) and broke down why ethics and competence should always go hand-in-hand. We also talked about the difference between managers and leaders, how management can be a genuine calling, and simple, practical ways to run better meetings that actually matter. My hope is that you finish this episode inspired to raise your leadership game, treat your power with care, and build a culture where everyone thrives. Let’s keep growing together!Connect with Derrick Van MellLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickvanmell/I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:18 The Belief: Everyone Deserves a Good Boss02:13 Contrasting Good and Bad Bosses02:56 Defining Bad Bosses and Their Impact03:34 The Core Difference: Putting Others First03:56 Founding the Center for Management Terms and Practices04:48 The Need for Universal Management Standards05:24 The Journey to Creating Standards06:27 The Benefits and Adoption of Standards07:16 Real Stories That Validated the Mission08:02 Ethics and Competence: The Twin Pillars of Leadership09:21 How Ethics and Competence Connect in Practice09:43 Clarifying Manager, Management, Leader, and Leadership10:31 Defining Manager vs. Leader11:35 The Confusion of Management Titles Globally12:37 Management as a Calling, Not Just a Job13:59 Stories Illustrating Leadership as a Calling16:13 The Pledge of Managerial Power17:37 Ethics of Power and Influence in Management18:41 Ethical Use of Power and Information in the Digital Age20:25 The Four Questions for Using Power Ethically20:47 Ethics of Information, Honesty, and Trust21:55 Sharing Information Transparently in Business23:31 The Value of Honest Communication for Trust24:46 Influence vs. Manipulation as a Leader25:51 Listening and Feedback in Leadership Communication28:08 Clarifying Communication Through Active Listening29:28 How to Run Focused, Productive Meetings30:15 Types and Goals of Business Meetings31:42 Practical Steps for Great Meetings and Participation33:24 The Quarter Page Meeting Planner Tool34:02 Preparing Participants for Effective Meetings35:32 Advice for Young Managers in the Digital Age37:04 Making Purpose and Human Connection a Priority39:21 Closing Thoughts and Resource Links41:25 Final Thanks and Episode Wrap-Up