In the quest for authentic and effective leadership, few concepts are as powerful as radical candour. Coined by Kim Scott, this philosophy blends direct, honest feedback with genuine personal care.
What is Radical Candour?
Radical candour encourages leaders to challenge directly while caring personally. It’s a delicate but vital balance — too much criticism without care leads to “obnoxious aggression,” while too much care without feedback results in “ruinous empathy.” Striking the right tone builds trust, strengthens communication, and accelerates team growth.
Why it Matters
Radical candour doesn’t mean being unfiltered or harsh. It’s about offering feedback that is both challenging and kind. A key component is creating an environment of psychological safety — which links closely with shielding your team from unnecessary external pressure so they can thrive.
How to Practice It
- Start with care: Get to know your team as individuals. Demonstrate genuine interest in their well-being.
- Be specific with feedback: Avoid vague praise or criticism. Instead, name behaviours and outcomes clearly.
- Invite challenge: Radical candour is a two-way street. Encourage your team to give you honest feedback, too.
Further Reading
For a practical overview and tools to apply radical candour in the workplace, Atlassian offers a great resource: What is Radical Candor and how can you practice it?
Final Thoughts
When practiced with care and consistency, radical candour builds stronger, more resilient teams. It pushes us to be better leaders — and better humans — through clarity, compassion, and courage.