Radical Candor

by Kim Scott

I’ll admit—Radical Candor was a book I avoided for a while. Not because I wasn’t interested, but because I assumed it wouldn’t apply to me. It’s geared toward management, and as a Product Owner, I don’t handle things like performance reviews. But after seeing it recommended over and over, I finally caved—and wow, was I glad I did.

What surprised me most about Radical Candor is how refreshing it felt compared to other management books I’ve encountered. A lot of those tend to lean heavily on “staying professional,” focusing on processes while leaving human emotions and connections at the door. But Radical Candor does the opposite. It’s all about empathy, real connections, and creating an environment where open feedback flows freely and honestly, leading to a culture of growth. I found this incredibly inspiring, and in many ways, it felt more human than any management approach I’ve seen before.

I devoured the book so quickly that I didn’t even realize I was at the end. It was thrilling to see how much of the advice resonated with things I had intuitively done in the past, especially when I ran my own company, ReddLock Studios. There were moments when I doubted some of my decisions back then, but Scott’s insights helped me see that, even in those uncertain times, I was getting some things right. Of course, it also highlighted areas where I had room for improvement, and offered concrete, actionable advice on how to get better. I’ve already started applying some of the techniques in my current role, and I’m noticing real improvements in how I communicate with and empower those around me.

Whether you’re a manager now, aspire to be one in the future, or just want to improve how you give and receive feedback, I can’t recommend this book enough.

What is Radical Candor about?

Radical Candor by Kim Scott is, at its heart, a guide for building stronger relationships at work by offering honest, caring feedback. Drawing from her experience at companies like Google and Apple, Scott uses real-life examples to illustrate how Radical Candor can transform workplace culture, making it a tool for leadership that’s not just effective but also compassionate. Scott introduces the concept of “Radical Candor,” which is the sweet spot where you deeply care about your team while also challenging them directly. It’s about being able to speak the truth without coming off as harsh or insincere—a balance that many of us struggle with in professional settings.

The book outlines how to avoid two common pitfalls: ruinous empathy (where you care but avoid tough conversations) and obnoxious aggression (where you’re brutally honest but lack empathy). Scott emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where people feel both safe and motivated to grow, even when the conversations are difficult.

Ultimately, Radical Candor is about fostering environments where people feel seen, heard, and respected—whether you’re giving feedback or receiving it. It’s a leadership style that prioritizes genuine human connection, making it a must-read for anyone looking to build stronger, more supportive relationships at work.