Asking for and providing candid feedback, with care, can help improve relationships and work environments.
Addressing bias and prejudice in communication is essential for creating an inclusive and productive work culture.
Deep dives
The Power of Feedback
Kim Scott discusses her career trajectory and how she became an expert in feedback. She talks about the importance of giving candid feedback, even if it may be uncomfortable in the short term. Kim shares a personal story of failing to give timely feedback to a colleague, which ultimately led to the person's termination. She emphasizes the need for feedback to be caring and challenging at the same time, and highlights the dangers of obnoxious aggression and manipulative insincerity. Kim also provides practical tips for soliciting feedback and creating a culture of open communication.
The Impact of Effective Feedback
Kim recounts a personal experience where receiving feedback about her speech habits led to her seeking improvement. She emphasizes the importance of being open to feedback and not getting defensive when our biases are pointed out. Kim introduces the concept of bias disruption and shares strategies for addressing biases in the moment. She also discusses the need for shared vocabulary and norms in order to create a safe environment for feedback and address bias in a constructive manner.
Confronting Bloviating Bullshit
Kim addresses the issue of bloviating bullshit, where individuals dominate conversations and engage in excessive posturing without actually contributing valuable insights. She advocates for creating consequences for bullying behavior, both in the moment and in terms of compensation and career advancement. Kim highlights the negative impact of bullies on team dynamics and encourages leaders to address this behavior to foster more inclusive and productive environments.
Creating a Culture of Feedback and Inclusion
Kim discusses the connection between her books, Radical Candor and Just Work, and the importance of creating a culture that fosters honest feedback and eliminates bias. She talks about the need to root out bias and prejudice in order to create an inclusive space where everyone feels safe to share their full selves. Kim shares examples of how bias, prejudice, and bullying often masquerade as feedback, and encourages leaders to take proactive steps to disrupt these patterns and promote a more inclusive and productive work environment.
You know what they say about unsolicited advice (don’t give it!) but when it comes to SOLICITED feedback, author and executive coach Kim Scott says: bring it on. Kim believes that when it comes to improving your life at home, work, and anywhere in between, it helps to ask for – and provide – kind, but radical, candor. In this episode, Kim shares what she’s learned about embracing candidness and care in the workplace, gives tips on how to engage in constructive conversations, and opens up about the benefits of addressing bias in communication. Her latest book, "Just Work: How to Root Out Bias, Prejudice, and Bullying to Build a Kick-ass Culture of Inclusivity" is out now. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts
