Building Trust through Honest Feedback: The Power of Radical Candor
Many of us sometimes feel frustrated by a lack of communication in our workplace. Maybe you're not getting the feedback you need to grow and develop in your career, or perhaps you're struggling to give honest feedback to your colleagues without causing offense.
If this sounds familiar, I highly recommend checking out the book Radical Candor by Kim Scott. In this book, Scott presents a framework for effective communication that combines both care and directness. She argues that to be a successful leader or colleague, you need to be willing to give and receive feedback that is both kind and honest. Sometimes it is not kind. She actually states it is better to give unkind feedback than no feedback at all!
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of creating a culture of open communication. This means being willing to have difficult conversations when necessary and encouraging your colleagues to do the same. When everyone feels comfortable giving and receiving feedback, the entire team can grow and improve together.
An important lesson from Radical Candor is the value of empathy in communication. Scott emphasizes the importance of understanding where your colleagues are coming from and what motivates them. By taking the time to really listen to others and understand their perspective, you can build stronger relationships and more effectively communicate with them.
The book is filled with real-life examples from her own experience, and since she had worked in Google, Apple, and taught in Apple University, started several own companies, it's really fascinating to me to think about how people who have "made it" in their careers, such as those who work at Apple or Google, still needed motivation and a continuous push to excel in their roles. I think that's a testament to how important it is to have a growth mindset and a willingness to constantly learn and improve, no matter how successful you may be.
I shared this observation with a friend of mine who works in another multinational corporation, and she confirmed that this drive for more and better is what helps these companies stay ahead of the game. It's a reminder that success isn't just about getting to a certain level or achieving a certain goal; it's about constantly striving for more and pushing yourself to be the best you can be.
Radical Candor also emphasizes that managing people is not just about giving tasks and pointing out mistakes. Motivation can happen when there is trust between leaders and their reports. Scott stresses that it's not about "subordinates," but rather "reports." This subtle change in terminology reflects the importance of treating your colleagues as equals and building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.
I highly recommend Radical Candor to anyone looking to improve their communication skills and management skills in their workplace. By embracing a culture of open communication and practicing empathy and directness in your interactions with others, you can become a more effective leader and colleague. So give it a read and see how it can help you in your career.
