
Hosted by Kim Scott, Jason Rosoff & Amy Sandler · EN

When a PIP feels like a setup, how do you handle it without compromising your integrity? Trapped between an HR-driven process that feels like a sham and a direct report who’s not meeting expectations? That’s a management nightmare. When a boss hands you a struggling employee with the unspoken expectation that you’ll “manage them out,” how do you stay honest, maintain trust, and avoid turning into the workplace grim reaper? Kim, Jason, and Amy break down the emotional and ethical toll of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), how to navigate them without feeling like a pawn, and why Radical Candor is the only way through. This isn’t about sugarcoating or corporate theater—it’s about handling tough conversations with clarity, fairness, and a whole lot less BS. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript The Radical Candor Order of Operations | Radical Candor Managing Challenging Conversations At Work | Radical Candor What Does Managing Out Mean? | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 6 Performance Improvement Plans | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 20 The Measurement Problem | Radical Candor Podcast 3 | 7 How To Gauge Your Feedback | Radical Candor Are You 'Helping' or Micromanaging? | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 2 Is Your Employee In The Wrong Job? Don't Let Ruinous Empathy Ruin Your Team Absentee Management vs. Quiet Firing | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 3 Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Chapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionKim, Jason, and Amy introduce a listener’s question on handling a PIP with integrity.(00:02:28) Leadership FailuresHow bad management decisions created this unfair situation.(00:06:15) Is This Process Disingenuous?Struggling with feeling inauthentic when following HR's PIP process.(00:09:19) The Emotional Toll of Performance ManagementThe frustrations of the process for both the manager and the direct report.(00:13:51) Communicating Radical Candor During a PIPFraming tough conversations without misleading employees.(00:18:51) Why Informal PIPs ExistThe value of informal PIPs in ensuring fairness.(00:22:17) Responding to Employee PushbackHandling direct reports who challenge the PIP process.(00:28:28) What Can a Manager Legally and Ethically Say?Making difficult conversations feel more human and constructive.(00:32:59) Radical Candor TipsLessons for managing performance issues with Radical Candor.(00:36:05) Pushing Back to the Boss Having a candid conversation about being put in this situation.(00:37:25) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Too many direct reports and not enough time? Fix that without losing your sanity. Drowning in direct reports and barely keeping your head above water? When you’re responsible for 30 to 50 people, the idea of meaningful one-on-ones is a joke—but so is pretending you can manage that many people without a meltdown. On this episode, Kim and Amy rip apart the myth that “just working harder” will fix the problem and get real about why traditional leadership approaches fail at scale. From no-nonsense strategies like idea teams (so you’re not drowning in suggestions), walking the floor like a pro, and knowing when to listen without turning into everyone’s personal complaint department, they share simple strategies to build trust and keep things running smoothly. Reality check: You cannot have deep, weekly 1:1s with 40+ people. But you can create a system where your team still feels seen and heard. Tune in to learn: ✔ How to set up an Ideas Team so great feedback doesn’t overwhelm you✔ Why walking the floor is more powerful than endless meetings✔ How to make the most of the few 1:1s you do have Leadership doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Let’s do it smarter, not harder. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript 7 Ways To Improve One-on-One Meetings | Radical Candor Effective 1:1s - Tips For One-on-One Meetings With Your Team Have More Effective 1:1 Meetings | Radical Candor Podcast 2 | 9 How To Get Shit Done | Radical Candor Podcast 4 | 2 Radical Candor – Boost Leadership Capability | Joyous You Have Too Many Managers | Kieran Snyder Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Chapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionKim and Amy introduce a listener’s question on managing one-on-ones with large teams.(00:01:27) The Limits of Scaling RelationshipsThe importance of creating an environment where employees feel heard.(00:02:47) Using an Ideas TeamWhy managers should set up an ideas team to filter and prioritize suggestions.(00:06:15) Purpose of One-on-OnesCreating structured feedback systems to improve efficiency and innovation.(00:07:29) Small Fixes, Big ImpactHow small operational changes can have a massive effect.(00:11:47) Management by Walking AroundObserving employees, asking how they’re doing, and being present.(00:14:15) Overcoming Employee HesitancyHow to introduce walking around without making employees anxious.(00:16:51) Small Talk & Active ListeningTips for managers who struggle with casual check-ins.(00:18:46) Structuring One-on-Ones for Large TeamsAvoiding emotional whiplash by spacing out conversations.(00:22:46) Managers Shouldn’t Solve EverythingHow to balance problem-solving with empowering employees.(00:27:42) Listening Versus FixingThe value of asking: "Do you want me to listen or help?"(00:30:37) Practicing Active Listening Amy leads an exercise on listening and discusses its impact.(00:38:39) Scaling Management StructureGiving high-performing employees leadership opportunities.(00:39:47) Radical Candor Tips Tips on fostering a culture of feedback with large teams.(00:42:07) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Undermining, defiant and disengaged direct report—coach them or cut them loose? Dealing with a direct report who questions everything, isolates their team, and actively undermines leadership? YIKES. That’s not just frustrating—it’s a full-blown leadership headache. When radical candor turns into outright defiance, how do you respond without losing your mind (or your team’s trust)? In this episode, Kim and Amy tackle the tricky reality of managing someone who refuses to engage, blames leadership for team turnover, and resists every attempt at coaching. From figuring out whether this is a communication breakdown or a serious performance issue, to deciding if a PIP is the right move, they walk through strategies to reset expectations, shut down toxicity, and lead with confidence. Because at the end of the day, if you’ve ever thought, I literally don’t know what to do with this person, keeping a toxic presence around does more damage than having a tough talk. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Creating Consequences For Bullying At Work | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | Bonus Performance Improvement Plans | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 20 How To Gauge Your Feedback | Radical Candor 4 Things To Do When Firing Someone | Radical Candor What Does Managing Out Mean? | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 6 The Go-To Question | Radical Candor Podcast 2 | 8 Listen, Challenge, Commit | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 17 How To Care Personally When You Don't Care | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 48 Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) IntroductionKim and Amy introduce a manager’s challenge: a disengaged, undermining direct report.(00:04:46) Generational Gap or Performance Problem?Whether this is a workplace culture clash or a deeper issue.(00:06:28) Red Flags: Undermining & ResistanceSigns of bad-faith questioning, team isolation, and leadership defiance.(00:14:18) The Tough Feedback ConversationRole-playing a direct, no-nonsense conversation to reset expectations.(00:23:49) Handling Pushback & DefianceWhen a direct report resists leadership—what’s your next move?(00:26:38) PIP or Part Ways?How to decide if coaching, a PIP, or letting them go is the right call.(00:34:03) Emotions in LeadershipHandling a direct report who dismisses the emotional impact of their behavior.(00:38:06) Accountability Without MicromanagingCreating clear expectations and consequences without constant oversight.(00:42:53) Next Steps: Coach, Challenge, or Cut Ties?How to assess whether a direct report can grow—or if it’s time to move on.(00:53:22) Radical Candor TipsBalancing Caring Personally with Challenging Directly to lead effectively.(00:55:43) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How the CORE method can help you thrive in the messy middle. Caught in the middle of a boss who’s all care but no action and a team lead who’s full steam ahead with no brakes? That’s a workplace tightrope no one wants to walk. Your ability to Care Personally and Challenge Directly can seriously be affected when communication falls apart on both ends of the spectrum, and it’s not just frustrating—it’s debilitating. How do you stay productive and keep your sanity when you’re managing up and down with people who either dodge conflict entirely or bulldoze through it? In this episode, Jason and Amy tackle the messy middle, breaking down how to use the CORE method (Context, Observation, Result, Expected Next Steps) to navigate these tricky situations. It’s not about pointing fingers or playing favorites—it’s about finding a way to ditch the drama and focus on what really matters: working better together. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Give Candid Feedback With the CORE Method | Radical Candor Feedback from Your Boss | Radical Candor Asking for Feedback | Radical Candor The Radical Candor Order of Operations | Radical Candor Make Work Less Like Jr. High: Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 10 Managing Challenging Conversations At Work | Radical Candor Navigating Workplace Tensions: Stuck Between Ruinous Empathy and Obnoxious Aggression Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) IntroductionAmy and Jason introduce a listener dilemma about a ruinously empathetic boss and an obnoxiously aggressive team lead.(00:02:15) Defining Ruinous Empathy and Obnoxious AggressionWhat it means to care without challenging and to challenge without caring.(00:04:44) It’s the Boss’s Job: Accountability MattersWhy the manager has ultimate responsibility and how to provide feedback.(00:07:53) Raising the Issue with Your BossHow to approach a ruinously empathetic boss with care and directness.(00:11:46) Involving Your Boss EffectivelyHow to engage your boss in resolving team tensions without blame or shame.(00:17:55) Using the CORE MethodA step-by-step approach to delivering clear and constructive feedback.(00:20:55) Role-Play: Navigating a Clean Escalation ConversationHow to handle a tough conversation between a team member and an aggressive lead.(00:31:11) Building Common GroundTips for fostering mutual understanding and creating actionable steps.(00:34:02) Radical Candor TipsKey takeaways and practical tips for addressing conflict.(00:36:35) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune in to the Radical Candor podcast to learn to love your job and kick ass at work without losing your humanity by practicing the principles of Radical Candor. Host and Lead Radical Candor Coach Amy Sandler leads discussions with Radical Candor Author and Co-founder Kim Scott and CEO and Co-founder Jason Rosoff about what it means to be Radically Candid, why it’s simple but not easy to Care Personally and Challenge Directly on the daily, and why it’s worth it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Effectively manage feedback you disagree with. On this episode of the Radical Candor podcast, we tackle a challenge that's at the heart of Radical Candor: what to do when you receive feedback you don't agree with. It's a question we get all the time, and it's crucial because how we handle these moments can make or break our relationships at work. The team gets into the get into the nitty-gritty of how to respond to tough feedback and suggests specific phrases you can use to show you're listening, even if you're not fully on board. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript How to Respond to Negative Feedback at Work That You Disagree With | Radical Candor Listen, Challenge, Commit | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 17 Radical Candor Community 6 Tips For How To Receive Feedback Well | Radical Candor Follow These 4 Steps to Create Psychological Safety in Your Teams | Fast Company Tell Me Why I'm Wrong: Resolving Disagreements with Your Direct Reports | LinkedIn The Power Of Rituals At Work | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 16 How To Get Stuff Done | Radical Candor Podcast 4 | 2 How To Give Candid Feedback Using The CORE Method | Radical Candor How To Encourage Feedback Between Others In The Workplace | Radical Candor Alan Mullaly of Ford at Stanford Graduate School of Business | YouTube Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) IntroductionJason and Amy introduce the live streaming episode about disagreeing with feedback.(00:02:23) Listener Question: Disagreeing with FeedbackA listener's question about how to handle feedback they disagree with.(00:03:42) The Pocket Veto: The Dangers of Silent DisagreementThe concept of a "pocket veto" and why it's harmful to silently disagree with feedback.(00:05:27) Strategies to Handle DisagreementTips on how to approach feedback in the moment.(00:11:02) How to Create Space for DisagreementInviting challenges during feedback conversations to foster honest communication.(00:16:19) The “Listen, Challenge, Commit” FrameworkThe “Listen, Challenge, Commit” approach, which helps to handle feedback.(00:19:10) Personal Experiences with FeedbackA personal story about learning to approach feedback with curiosity and humility.(00:27:51) Following Up After Formal FeedbackHow to approach follow-up conversations after receiving formal feedback.(00:34:58) Psychological Safety and Radical CandorA listener question on the link between psychological safety and Radical Candor.(00:41:11) Creating a Culture of Learning with Radical CandorExamples of workplace rituals that reinforce Radical Candor and continuous learning.(00:45:29) Metaphors for Radical CandorUsing metaphors to understand Radical Candor in communication.(00:49:17) The Radical Candor Quadrants Whether people tend to fall more frequently into one of the Radical Candor quadrants.(00:54:09) Radical Candor TipTips on practicing Radical Candor, emphasizing listening, identifying, and committing to feedback.(00:57:17) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Radical Candor Podcast, Jason and Amy discuss how to introduce radical candor to teams effectively. They emphasize the importance of starting small, creating pockets of excellence, and the role of accountability and praise in fostering a feedback culture. The conversation also covers effective communication strategies for implementing change, real-world examples of cultural shifts, and practical tips for individuals and teams looking to embrace radical candor. The episode concludes with an invitation to join the Radical Candor community for ongoing support and resources. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Building a Radically Candid Culture | LinkedIn 6 Steps for Rolling Out Radical Candor | Radical Candor 3 Ways to Introduce Radical Candor's Feedback Framework to Your Organization | Radical Candor Radical Candor Book Discussion Guide | Radical Candor Radical Candor Community How To Give Candid Feedback With the Radical Candor CORE Method | Radical Candor Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Facebook X YouTube Chapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionJason and Amy introduce the topic of bringing Radical Candor into the workplace.(00:00:27) Starting with Small ChangesWhy starting with small steps is key to building a culture of Radical Candor.(00:02:57) Pockets of ExcellenceThe concept of pockets of excellence and why they are crucial for cultural change.(00:05:30) Highlighting Small SuccessesThe importance of highlighting successes rather than focusing on failures to drive cultural shifts.(00:08:30) Avoiding Overwhelming ChangeEffective communication about small wins to shift organizational perceptions and build optimism.(00:10:49) Small Change Success StoryA story on how small experiments can create big organizational change.(00:15:38) Making Feedback Visible and AccessibleSimple tools to share user feedback that can have a powerful impact on organizational culture.(00:19:37) Effective Communication for Cultural ChangeCommunicating the rationale behind introducing Radical Candor to a broader team.(00:24:07) Handling Executive SkepticismAddressing skepticism from executives and making the case for Radical Candor.(00:27:03) Building Momentum After Initial SuccessExpanding Radical Candor across more teams after initial success.(00:30:16) Individuals Practicing Radical CandorAdvice for individuals looking to start small and integrate Radical Candor into their work.(00:33:09) Radical Candor TipsTips for developing a more radically candid culture individually and in organizations.(00:34:56) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you handle political conversations at work without crossing boundaries or alienating colleagues? The team dives into the complex and often uncomfortable topic of discussing politics at work, exploring the impact of these conversations on workplace dynamics, productivity, and personal relationships. Kim, Jason, and Amy share insights on navigating political discussions with respect, setting boundaries, and maintaining open dialogue without imposing beliefs on others. Drawing on personal anecdotes and thought-provoking statistics, the conversation provides practical tips for managers and employees alike on fostering an inclusive environment where diverse viewpoints can coexist without derailing professional harmony. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript ResumeHelp’s Politics in the Workplace Study 2024 | Resume Help Reacting To Trump's Bloviating BS With Radical Candor | Radical Candor What to Do When Your Coworker Brings Up Politics | HBR The Story of Basecamp’s Disastrous Policy | The Verge Radical Candor Podcast Swag Kim Scott & Tiffani Lee Discuss Using Radical Candor to Improve DEI Conversations | Radical Candor 2 | 5 Q&A: Why 'Respect' Is A Radical Workplace Concept | Yahoo Finance Another Contentious US Election Means A Worker Productivity Dip | The Seattle Times Sarah Palin and Hillary Address the Nation | SNL Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) IntroductionKim, Jason, and Amy introduce the episode’s focus on the impact of political discussions in the workplace.(00:02:55) The Value of Being ChallengedThe importance of being open to challenges to avoid turning beliefs into prejudices.(00:07:00) Banning Political Speech: Is It Helpful?The consequences of banning or discouraging political discussions at work.(00:11:22) Managing Expression in the WorkplaceThe boundaries of expressing political beliefs without personalizing or offending.(00:16:31) Building Bridges Over BoundariesBuilding bridges between differing viewpoints, using curiosity and respect.(00:21:49) The Challenge of Constant Election CyclesHow perpetual election cycles can deepen divisions and polarize discussions.(00:23:20) Working Through Political DifferencesManaging team members with conflicting political views and policies.(00:27:09) The Dangers of Silence Around Sensitive TopicsWhy avoiding discussions on polarizing subjects can lead to more significant conflicts.(00:33:24) Setting Clear Boundaries on Political ExpressionWhether companies should set proactive policies on political expression.(00:36:13) Balancing Productivity and Political DiscussionsWays to address the potential productivity dip during heated political periods.(00:39:51) When Humor Crosses the LineA time when sharing a politically charged joke at work made a team member feel excluded.(00:45:18) Radical Candor TipsPractical tips for fostering respectful discourse and maintaining professional boundaries.(00:48:18) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the finale of the Radical Candor FAQs series, together Kim, Jason, and Amy answer a new round of most frequently asked questions about Radical Candor. They explore how Radical Candor operates across different cultures and discuss strategies for managing defensiveness in feedback. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, they illustrate how to apply Radical Candor both at work and at home. The episode also delves into the importance of building authentic relationships, increasing employee retention, and enhancing team productivity through clear and compassionate communication. Concluding with the handy Radical Candor checklist, this episode is packed with insights to help listeners become better leaders and communicators. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript How To Navigate Feedback Conversations On Diverse Teams | Radical Candor Radical Candor Cultural Differences Radical Candor Knows No Boundaries Responding To Negative Feedback: 5 Ways To Disagree | Radical Candor Navigating Emotional Reactions at Work | Radical Candor 2 |16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge history - Bridge - Lessons from failure Radical Respect | Amazon Books Applying Radical Candor To Dysfunctional Family Dynamics | Radical Candor The Four Horsemen: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling Radical Candor Q&A: Jason Answers Our Most Frequently Asked Questions 6 | 28 Radical Candor Q&A: Kim Answers Our Most Frequently Asked Questions 6 | 27 Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionKim, Jason and Amy introduce the episode's topic of Radical Candor FAQs.(00:00:24) Radical Candor in Different CulturesHow Radical Candor varies across cultures and the importance of adjusting communication styles.(00:07:22) Defensive Reactions to FeedbackAdvice for dealing with defensive reactions when giving feedback.(00:09:16) Three Stories of Defensive Reactions Three personal stories illustrating different approaches to handling defensive reactions to feedback.(00:13:32) Managing Emotions and DefensivenessManaging one's own emotions and defensiveness when providing feedback.(00:20:13) Addressing Power DynamicsPower dynamics when dealing with physically or hierarchically intimidating individuals.(00:29:20) Radical Candor at HomeApplying Radical Candor in personal relationships and its benefits at home(00:36:34) Radical Candor as a Communication ModelRadical Candor being not just a feedback model but a comprehensive communication model.(00:38:25) Building Collaborative RelationshipsHow Radical Candor fosters collaboration, improves relationships, and increases employee productivity.(00:44:21) Radical Candor TipsSummary of key tips from the episode for practicing Radical Candor.(00:45:43) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason shares his perspective on defining Radical Candor, addressing its misuse, and handling feedback in various work environments, including remote, hybrid, and multi-generational workplaces. The conversation covers effective communication strategies, building relationships, and maintaining accountability. Jason also discusses navigating toxic work environments and offers rapid-fire answers to common questions. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of how to apply Radical Candor in different contexts to foster better relationships and clearer communication. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript The Evolution of Email: From DARPA to Daily Overwhelm | LinkedIn Frequently Asked Questions About Radical Candor Radical Candor Q&A: Kim Answers Our Most Frequently Asked Questions 6 | 27 App Overload At Work | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 21 How to Practice Radical Candor With Your Boss | Radical Candor Podcast 3 | 10 Don't Let A Bad Boss Derail You | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 18 Practicing Radical Candor In Remote Workplaces | Radical Candor Podcast 3 | 7 How to Choose a Radically Candid Boss | Radical Candor Podcast 3 | 13 Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) IntroductionJason and Amy introduce the episode, in which Jason answers the same FAQs posed to Kim in the previous episode.(00:01:08) Defining Radical CandorJason’s definition of Radical Candor and how it can differ based on personal interpretation.(00:02:18) Misuse of Radical CandorWhat to do when someone uses Radical Candor as an excuse to act like a jerk.(00:06:53) Challenges in Remote and Hybrid EnvironmentsThe application of Radical Candor in remote and hybrid work settings.(00:12:43) Building RelationshipsTips for building relationships, such as having regular one-on-one conversations outside of the usual work context.(00:15:59) Multi-Generational Workplace DynamicsChallenges and solutions for practicing Radical Candor in a multi-generational workplace.(00:23:03) Accountability and Generational DifferencesClarifying expectations and appreciating different perspectives on work value.(00:26:38) Being Radically Candid with Your BossStrategies for practicing Radical Candor with one's supervisor.(00:29:51) Dealing with Toxic Work CulturesNavigating and transforming toxic workplace environments using the principles of Radical Candor.(00:36:03) Radical Candor TipsA quick recap of key points from the episode in a lightning speed round.(00:38:32) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices