Best-selling author Kim Scott joins the show again to discuss her important work and bestselling book, Radical Candor. She’s also working on a new book right now – about gender dynamics at work and how radical candor applies to that. She and I discuss this important topic, as well as what has been surprising about her work, and her personal experience as a thought leader and woman working with many top leadership teams. She also gives practical advice on how we can engage more, be allies at work, and care about people personally while challenging them directly.
Key Takeaways:
[7:13] Radical Candor is about treating others with respect and compassion and challenging them directly at the same time. A common misconception is that a boss is not being “nice” or “kind” by giving an employee criticism but often times people are shocked when they are let go and they feel blindsided that no one had helped them grow.
[9:14] When we solicit feedback, we come at it with a growth mindset. When we feel as though it’s being directed at us without any end goal or reason, we often become defensive or push back.
[13:09] We have to bring emotional intelligence to the conversation and express care in a larger cultural context.
[17:01] We shouldn’t spare short-term feelings for long-term growth.
[25:00] One of the areas where we need radical candor the most but solicit it the least are issues of diversity, inclusion, and gender.
[26:20] Kim shares the powerful experience of a time in her career was when she was accused of creating a hostile work environment.
[37:39] Great leaders make an effort to prevent people from saying hurtful things for the greater good of the entire team, and company. They hold upstanders accountable and follow through with holding everyone accountable.
[50:01] The 5 Ds of standing up as a bystander:
- Direct
- Distract
- Delegate
- Delay
- Document
[57:15] When we are talking about issues and beliefs, it can elicit a very emotional response. This is why it’s very important to tell the truth and shed light on issues but with compassion and understanding.
[58:02] The way you express radical candor is different when you are expressing unconscious prejudice vs. conscious beliefs. You must make sure you are attending to your own personal dignity first.
[66:57] We tend to generalize erroneously. Managing against this is important.
Resources:
Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity, by Kim Scott
Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman
Shareables: