Radical Candor — how to get what you want by saying what you mean — Book Summary

by Andrew Wien


Posted on February 19, 2021


Radical Candor — how to get what you want by saying what you mean — Book Summary
Radical Candor by Kim Scott

​Boss job description: guide a team to achieve results. This is only possible with strong relationships where you can both (1) show you care and (2) say what you mean.
 
On giving criticism: The simplest advice is "just say it." More nuanced advice is to worry more about praise and less about criticism. When you share either, do so in a way where (1) the person knows you care, (2) you are not criticizing them as a person, and (3) you say what you mean, leaving no room for interpretation.

On career tracks: You need both superstars and rockstars. Superstars want constant challenge and change and want to be promoted. Rock stars want consistency and to continue to do their job well. Understand what motivates people on your team, recognize them authentically, and reward them appropriately.
 
On managing: You can't tell people what to do. Instead, drive results collaboratively through these steps: listen, clarify, debate, decide, persuade, execute, and learn.
 
On relationships: First care for yourself. Then care for others. Form relationships while working rather than relying on outside social events, and consider hugging.
 
On guidance: Reward people that criticize you, especially publicly. Give praise and criticism often, frequently, and quickly rather than waiting for a 1:1
 
On building a team: You must understand folks to build a successful team, including their career ambitions, what they want to learn now, and how to recognize them without promotion.
 
On meetings: This is how you get stuff done. 1:1s, staff meetings, decision and debate meetings, and think time (which are meetings with yourself). Schedule them wisely.
 
Did I miss something? Did I simplify a section to the point of confusion? Comment below and I’ll add to the article.

Recent Posts

What I learned as I return to BCG
I decided to re-join BCG as an internal coach and facilitator! ​Six years ago I made the decision to leave BCG. At the time, I struggled to articulate what made me happy and fulfilled, and I wanted to figure that out. Wha ...
Goodnight Moon

March 5, 2021

Goodnight Moon
​My son Rudy is 7 months old. Every night I put him to bed following the exact same routine. Change diaper. Put on lotion, then pajamas. Read Goodnight Moon. Put him in crib and kiss him g ...
Radical Candor — how to get what you want by saying what you mean — Book Summary
​Radical Candor by Kim Scott​Boss job description: guide a team to achieve results. This is only possible with strong relationships where you can both (1) show you care and (2) say what you m ...
My problem with goals

February 10, 2021

My problem with goals
​I have been a huge fan of life goals. I believe they serve as an incredible tool to change your external conditions to increase your likelihood of happiness.However, I’m now realizing that goals might have the opposi ...
The single biggest problem in communication
​“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” -George Bernard Shaw​My wife and I bought ou ...