Season 1, Episode 9: Leadership is Not Enough with Dr. James Chitwood 

In the season finale of Bad Meetings, host Erika McKellar sits down with Dr. James Chitwood, leadership expert and author of Leadership is Not Enough, for a masterclass on transforming bad meetings into powerful opportunities for engagement and connection.  

Together, they explore the 50-50 meeting structure, how communication shapes organizational culture, and practical ways to create psychological safety in teams. Dr. Chitwood shares candid stories of meeting failures, lessons learned, and actionable strategies to elevate leadership and team dynamics.  

If you're ready to lead better, communicate effectively, and build a culture of trust, this is the episode you can't miss.

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 Key Takeaways  

• The 50-50 Meeting Structure: Balance data-driven discussions with relational, qualitative dialogue.  
• Communication is Everything: Clear, intentional communication fosters a positive organizational culture.  
• Preparation = Engagement: Thoughtful planning makes meetings more productive and keeps employees motivated.  
• Don’t Skip Internal Communication: It’s a vital yet underutilized tool for employee connection and morale.  
• Train Smart: Ensure training is led by experienced practitioners who bring credibility and insight.  
• Soft Skills Matter: Develop empathy, active listening, and vulnerability to become a more effective leader.  
• Onboarding is Ongoing: Reintroduce roles, processes, and expectations whenever teams or goals shift.  
• More Than Money: True employee engagement comes from meaningful work, not just compensation.  
• Psychological Safety: Cultivate an environment where employees feel secure to share ideas and concerns.  
• Vulnerability Builds Trust: Authenticity in leadership paves the way for open communication and stronger teams.  

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 Episode Breakdown  

• 00:00 – Introduction: Season Finale!  
• 01:54 – Meet Dr. James Chitwood  
• 04:12 – Bad Meeting Moments: Lessons from Failure  
• 08:25 – The 50-50 Meeting Structure: What It Is & Why It Works  
• 12:11 – Preparation as the Foundation for Effective Meetings  
• 15:28 – The Overlooked Power of Internal Communication  
• 19:54 – Training Done Right: From the Frontlines to Leadership  
• 23:45 – Why Soft Skills Are Non-Negotiable for Leaders  
• 27:31 – Onboarding & Re-Onboarding in a Changing Workplace  
• 30:52 – Motivation Beyond Paychecks: Engaging Your Team  
• 35:31 – Psychological Safety: Creating Space for Honest Conversations  
• 39:09 – The TRACK Model: Building a Culture of Performance  
• 41:57 – Vulnerability as a Superpower in Leadership  

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Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review to support the podcast. Season 2 is coming soon!  

• Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.
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