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Radical Candor: Fully Revised & Updated Edition: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity Hardcover – Big Book, October 1, 2019
Purchase options and add-ons
* New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller multiple years running
* Translated into 20 languages, with more than half a million copies sold worldwide
* A Hudson and Indigo Best Book of the Year
* Recommended by Shona Brown, Rachel Hollis, Jeff Kinney, Daniel Pink, Sheryl Sandberg, and Gretchen Rubin
Radical Candor has been embraced around the world by leaders of every stripe at companies of all sizes. Now a cultural touchstone, the concept has come to be applied to a wide range of human relationships.
The idea is simple: You don't have to choose between being a pushover and a jerk. Using Radical Candor―avoiding the perils of Obnoxious Aggression, Manipulative Insincerity, and Ruinous Empathy―you can be kind and clear at the same time.
Kim Scott was a highly successful leader at Google before decamping to Apple, where she developed and taught a management class. Since the original publication of Radical Candor in 2017, Scott has earned international fame with her vital approach to effective leadership and co-founded the Radical Candor executive education company, which helps companies put the book's philosophy into practice.
Radical Candor is about caring personally and challenging directly, about soliciting criticism to improve your leadership and also providing guidance that helps others grow. It focuses on praise but doesn't shy away from criticism―to help you love your work and the people you work with.
Radically Candid relationships with team members enable bosses to fulfill their three core responsibilities:
1. Create a culture of Compassionate Candor
2. Build a cohesive team
3. Achieve results collaboratively
Required reading for the most successful organizations, Radical Candor has raised the bar for management practices worldwide.
- Print length336 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSt. Martin's Press
- Publication dateOctober 1, 2019
- Dimensions6.65 x 1.15 x 9.65 inches
- ISBN-101250235375
- ISBN-13978-1250235374
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"I think this is an incredible book for anyone who is hoping to create better relationships in the workplace. Whether you manage 1 person or an entire company, this is for YOU." ―Rachel Hollis, New York Times bestselling author
"Scott’s experiences leading teams at Google and Apple led to this book, which espouses a workplace culture where leaders care deeply about their employees and challenge them to be their best selves.” ―Jeff Kinney, author of the bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, in the New York Times
"I raced through RADICAL CANDOR―it’s thrilling to learn a framework that shows how to be both a better boss and a better colleague. RADICAL CANDOR is packed with illuminating truths, insightful advice, and practical suggestions, all illustrated with engaging (and often funny) stories from Kim Scott’s own experiences at places like Apple, Google, and various start-ups. Indispensable." ―Gretchen Rubin author of NYT bestseller THE HAPPINESS PROJECT
"Reading Radical Candor will help you build, lead, and inspire teams to do the best work of their lives. Kim Scott's insights--based on her experience, keen observational intelligence and analysis--will help you be a better leader and create a more effective organization." ―Sheryl Sandberg author of the NYT bestseller LEAN IN
"Kim Scott has a well-earned reputation as a kick-ass boss and a voice that CEOs take seriously. In this remarkable book, she draws on her extensive experience to provide clear and honest guidance on the fundamentals of leading others: how to give (and receive) feedback, how to make smart decisions, how to keep moving forward, and much more. If you manage people―whether it be 1 person or a 1,000--you need RADICAL CANDOR. Now." ―Daniel Pink author of NYT bestseller DRIVE
"I read Kim's blog on Radical Candor and was immediately convinced that we needed to modify our culture. Being nice, was not nice at all. Not only does it hurt the company, but it also hurts the person who isn't receiving important feedback. We rolled out the Radical Candor framework at a 600-person company meeting six months ago. Despite having only applied modest reinforcement to date, we are already seeing the benefits. People will often start a conversation with "In the spirit of radical candor..." I love that it has allowed us to grab onto that phrase to transition toward a radically candid company. I can't think of a better way to improve our culture and, most important, help our people improve and develop. Thank you Kim!" ―Greg Schott, CEO of Mulesoft
"When I first heard Kim's presentation of Radical Candor, I was blown away. In a nicely compact 2x2 with just eight words, she perfectly summarized what I had known my whole career, but just didn't have the right way to say it. To me, Radical Candor was business poetry. Success in business is completely dependent on having the hard conversations and exposing the truth about what needs to happen in your organization. We all know how difficult those conversations can be and they are less effective if your team can't hear the message. Radical candor is about combining a desire to push the organization and achieve the vision while communicating in a way that lets your team know you care personally about them. I am so pleased when I hear an employee start a conversation, "In the vein of radical candor…”, as I know we will be speaking the truth and on a path to accomplishing great things." ―Christa Quarles, CEO of Open Table
"With Radical Candor, Kim has bottled some of Google's magic and shared it with the world." ―Shona Brown, former SVP Business Operations at Google
"Her seven-step methodology―listen, clarify, debate, decide, persuade, execute, learn―is the tool by which bosses and employees get work done well. Plus it completely overcomes the paralysis and concerns during appraisal time. An amazing process that should work, when embraced and applied." ―Booklist
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : St. Martin's Press; Updated edition (October 1, 2019)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 336 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250235375
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250235374
- Item Weight : 1.15 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.65 x 1.15 x 9.65 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,387 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #5 in Workplace Culture (Books)
- #25 in Business Management (Books)
- #43 in Leadership & Motivation
- Customer Reviews:
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Push past the discomfort and enter the conflict.
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SEE a Balance Between Care and Directness HERE!
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About the author

Kim Scott is the author of Radical Respect: How To Work Together Better as well as Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity. Jason Rosoff and Kim co-founded the company Radical Candor to help rid the world of bad bosses. Kim was a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and other tech companies. She was a member of the faculty at Apple University and before that led AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. Earlier in her career Kim managed a pediatric clinic in Kosovo and started a diamond-cutting factory in Moscow. She lives with her family in Silicon Valley.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book provides valuable advice and guidance for best management practices in Silicon Valley. They find it an easy read with relatable examples and insights. The author's storytelling style is appreciated for its authenticity. The book focuses on developing personal, caring relationships with your team and coworkers. It provides practical advice for giving feedback and encouraging conversations where people strive to improve.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book provides valuable resources and a comprehensive guide for best management practices in Silicon Valley. They appreciate the principles and examples that help them apply them. The book offers practical tips and insights from Kim's career. Overall, customers feel they have gained valuable knowledge of leadership and genuine feedback.
"...and professionally resulting from author Kim Scott's intelligent, informed and sensitively written guidance." Read more
"...place on my bookshelf like Crucial Conversations does, but it's helpful and adds some tools to my toolbox that I didn't have before." Read more
"...This by far is the best, giving easy to understand concepts and more importantly real life examples...." Read more
"...This book definitely gave me some valuable resources that I might use in the future...." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They appreciate its well-researched, practical approach to a complex topic. The author does an excellent job of explaining her personal experiences and providing a logical and effective solution to a complex issue.
"...Radical Candor" has easily become one of my favorite books of the past year, a terrific option for those who are challenged by difficult..." Read more
"...Love this book - a must read for any reader! - Erin Diehl, host of the improve it! podcast" Read more
"Great read!" Read more
"The book is worth reading but its not a page turner, the stories are vague , uneventful and yet I still question if some actually occurred or were..." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and follow. They appreciate the author's sensitive guidance and clear explanations of concepts. The book provides a framework for implementing what they already believe, with a straightforward storytelling style. Overall, readers find the information useful and implementable.
"...resulting from author Kim Scott's intelligent, informed and sensitively written guidance." Read more
"...studies and specific RELATABLE anecdotes to explain the topic, "how to" pointers and what happens if you or don't do the pointers provided...." Read more
"...The concept is not difficult and your inner voice may tell you you don't need this book because you already do it. Don't listen to that voice...." Read more
"...Kim Scott has a great storytelling style and makes her points very clearly. She provides both a framework and a lot of tools to use it...." Read more
Customers find the book relatable and well-written. They appreciate the author's storytelling and practical advice. The personal stories and examples help explain the concepts. Readers enjoy the honest and authentic stories about her own successes and failures as a manager. The book provides real-life scenarios and guidance on applying Radical Candor.
"...Both case studies and specific RELATABLE anecdotes to explain the topic, "how to" pointers and what happens if you or don't do the pointers provided...." Read more
"...It’s all really good and moves along at a good clip. Lots of relatable stories. Great work. It’s going on my “must read” for leaders list." Read more
"...Kim Scott has a great storytelling style and makes her points very clearly. She provides both a framework and a lot of tools to use it...." Read more
"...The honesty made reading the book feel like a conversation and it immediately gave you permission for any mistakes you have made or might make...." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for building personal and caring relationships with their team and coworkers. It provides insights into how to be kind and direct while also being empathetic. The book is useful for managers and applies to many relationships in life.
"...us with the tangible tools to make it happen professionally and empathetically. Love this book - a must read for any reader! -..." Read more
"It was a Rollercoaster of engagement... some high some low. Overall I feel I have gained valuable knowledge of leadership." Read more
"...book is about being a better human being and doing your part to help others be better human beings...." Read more
"...Scott gives amazing examples for each lesson that allow you to humanize and think of a situation where you could apply those skills...." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for improving communication with others. They appreciate the practical advice on giving feedback and encouraging conversations where people strive to improve. The framework for structuring large conversations is appreciated. The approach to radical candor feedback is transparent and balanced, fostering open communication and honest interactions with their teams.
"...The other thing that Radical Candor provides is a framework for structuring large conversations...." Read more
"...The book addresses getting to know your team, handling conflict, expressing concerns, providing constructive and genuine feedback, receiving/ giving..." Read more
"...in Silicon Valley - taken directly from Kim Scott's incredible experience at Google and Apple...." Read more
"...specific advice for running 1:1s and meetings, and focused how to encourage conversations where people strive to improve themselves as well as..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's writing style. They find it engaging and witty, with relatable stories and visual aids. The book helps readers develop a team and have more fun at work.
"...This book is a compelling, entertaining and useful read. Every global training team should buy a copy for first-time and tenured company leaders." Read more
"...implementable, logical approach to developing a team and having more fun at work. Solid." Read more
"This is one kick-ass book, fun to read, too. I don't even work for a company and I found it useful and applicable to many relationships in life...." Read more
"This book is an amazing management tool while also being a fun and fast read...." Read more
Customers find the book valuable for startup founders. They say it's worth reading, applying, and sharing. It retrains them effectively to think about how to accomplish goals.
"...has said that if he gets one idea from a $20 book then it's a great investment...." Read more
"...of the typical communication problems with subordinates and reprograms you effectively to think about how to accomplish the best outcome for all..." Read more
"Updated and modern examples and ideas. Definitely worth revising from time to time...." Read more
"...It is written in a natural and humble way, it's not just a bluffing bestseller...." Read more
Reviews with images
The best management book I've ever read
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2019I first heard about "Radical Candor" during my government agency's annual training conference, a conference that included a workshop based upon "Radical Candor" led by our HR director. While I hadn't heard of the book, I fell in love with the ideas behind it and upon my return home set out to pick up the book for myself. "Radical Candor" has easily become one of my favorite books of the past year, a terrific option for those who are challenged by difficult conversations and who want to grow in leadership.
While "Radical Candor" is likely most applicable to those in management or leadership positions, I've found the book really has been of tremendous benefit in my personal life. Within weeks of reading the book, I found myself in a challenging situation dealing with a healthcare provider and took much of what I learned from the book to resolve the situation positively and to work through a potentially negative situation. I displayed a side of myself I didn't really know and was rather awestruck by the positive results.
Since reading the book, I've actually been promoted into a supervisory position and am now seeing the ways in which the book complements my existing leadership skills and management style. Truly, "Radical Candor" remains one of my favorite books from the past year and I've seen positive growth both personally and professionally resulting from author Kim Scott's intelligent, informed and sensitively written guidance.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024Have definitely used some techniques in this book to resolve issues at work.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2024Would recommend to friends
- Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2024This book makes people better.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2023I read Radical Candor and knew I immediately had to get Kim on my podcast. After interviewing her twice, she not only talks the talk, but walks the walk.
After our recording she asked “do you have any feedback for me” which is the biggest takeaway I got from this book. Feedback is a two way street, and I’m so glad this book provides us with the tangible tools to make it happen professionally and empathetically. Love this book - a must read for any reader!
- Erin Diehl, host of the improve it! podcast
- Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2020This was an odd one, in part because it wasn't a book I chose. Our team has a book club at work and the Radical Candor was the first book we covered, in part because our manager is looking for us to provide each other with more radical candor.
So first: this book is written for managers, and I am not a manager. (I don't foresee wanting to be a manager any time soon.) If you are a manager, it's probably a better fit.
Second, well, there's a lot of Silicon Valley privilege dripping from this book. At one point, Kim talks about how letting poor performers go can be a blessing for both the company and poor performer because the fired employee can go do something like starting that coffee shop they always wanted.
Maybe on a West Coast IT severance package (assuming they move somewhere else) but most people on the East Coast and all points in between lose a job and immediately have to go find another job.
Kim also talks about how things like minority status or being female might make radical candor more complicated, but doesn't actually talk about what to do about them. Frankly, I don't think she knows.
So yes, problematic book from multiple angles.
At the same time, this book gave me some tips and tools that I need. For example, Kim puts a lot of emphasis on giving praise, which I don't do enough. One of the highlights of my year so far was an unexpected piece of praise from my manager for a wiki I'm putting together. I'm trying to pay that forward to the folks I work with, because we all should hear about the things we're doing right at least as often as we hear about the things we're doing wrong.
The other thing that Radical Candor provides is a framework for structuring large conversations. When you have a business question where you know gaining consensus is going to be an issue, you can separate the "debate" meeting from the "decide" meeting, for example, to ensure that everyone gets a chance to have their say and at the same time there isn't pressure to make a decision right now.
I don't think that Kim Scott provided enough direct advice on how to structure a piece of criticism. I think that Crucial Conversations does a much better job in that sense. But I do think that this book gives better examples of why constantly providing just-in-time feedback can help a team move from a place where crucial conversations are necessary to a place where everyone is communicating clearly enough that high-stakes behavior discussions are fewer and far between.
In summary, this is not a book I'd say will have a permanent place on my bookshelf like Crucial Conversations does, but it's helpful and adds some tools to my toolbox that I didn't have before.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2023Title says it all. I've read at least 15 books on the topic. This by far is the best, giving easy to understand concepts and more importantly real life examples. Both case studies and specific RELATABLE anecdotes to explain the topic, "how to" pointers and what happens if you or don't do the pointers provided. I will keep this guide close to me.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2024Great read!
Top reviews from other countries
Ema FreitasReviewed in Italy on December 11, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Arrived in time.
carla gregoryReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 6, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Great management book
Good read and lots of interesting ideas
NATO CIS GROUPReviewed in Belgium on October 4, 20235.0 out of 5 stars super ok
ok
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SkeezerReviewed in Germany on October 30, 20235.0 out of 5 stars (SE) Einwandfrei, perfekt für Feedback von Mitarbeitern
Das Buch ist auf Englisch und bietet unfassbar viele Anreize für Feedback, Ansprachen, Ansichten etc.
Ich wollte weg von der Sandwich Methode und bin hiermit fündig geworden. Das Buch bietet sehr gute und neue Ansätze. Ich kann es nur empfehlen, gleichzeitig kann man sein Englisch deutlich verbessern.
Aditya WagleReviewed in India on September 18, 20205.0 out of 5 stars Great for managers but tread carefully when practicing
Really good book to help you build your own management style. Do not consider this book as a bible and I do recommend reading more management books to create your own style. The tools provided are really good to get started to build highly effective teams which trust each other. Not everyone likes Radically candid people so tread carefully when practicing in real life.































