Book Review: 3/5 Impact On Me (Book By Kim Malone Scott)
Read more about the book here
This book made a 3 out of 5 impact on me.
I've seen many memes on radical candor, including in the TV series "Silicon Valley," which made me hesitant to read it.
The core message that caught my attention is the importance of speaking up if you care about someone or something. This is to help achieve a better outcome or to support someone in becoming a better version of themselves. However, being honest or giving feedback should never hurt the person.
The book mentions a 2x2 matrix explaining different feedback styles. There's the abrasive person who is direct but not gentle. Some may not care and do not give feedback. The magic quadrant is to be both gentle and direct, which is radical candor.
What I didn't enjoy about the book was the author's extensive discussions about her experiences with people and processes at Yahoo, Google, and Apple, among other Silicon Valley companies. It felt biased. It suggested success due to these processes or people, similar to how the book "Good to Great" by Jim Collins describes practices of once-successful companies that are now less known.
I felt a friend was not applying best practices to her job search. She wasn't seeking advice, and I usually avoid giving unsolicited advice. So, I tried "radical candor." I explained her actions and what I perceived from them. I expressed my concern and desire to help. This was a new approach for me.
I appreciated the book's focus on using radical candor in communication with management or when managing a team. It emphasizes how crucial it is to inform an underperforming employee about their situation directly. Failing to do so, especially by being indirect, might cost them their job. It reflects poorly on you fulfilling your responsibility as a manager.