Radical Candor: Communication at Work

Susan Fowler Rigetti, author of "Whistleblower" and former Uber engineer, discusses the emotional toll of toxic workplaces and the vital role of speaking out against injustice. She shares her journey of calling out harmful practices, emphasizing how silence can perpetuate dysfunction. The conversation dives into coping strategies for overcoming challenges and the importance of documenting experiences to empower future generations. Fowler's powerful testimony encourages listeners to find their voice and advocate for psychological safety at work.

Denise Hamilton, author of "Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences Into a Stronger Future," joins to discuss navigating workplace tensions post-2024 elections. She shares insights on fostering respect amid differing beliefs and emphasizes emotional awareness in communication. With a focus on building trust, Denise encourages leaders to open dialogues around political topics while maintaining a sense of community. Their conversation highlights the importance of authentic relationships and managing emotional challenges in today’s polarized environment.

Explore the tangled web of nepotism and workplace bullying. Discover how family ties can undermine team dynamics and psychological safety. Learn practical strategies for addressing unethical behavior linked to favoritism, including the importance of documentation and direct communication. Hear firsthand accounts of navigating these tricky situations, while emphasizing empathy and solidarity among colleagues. Gain insights into maintaining mental health and fostering open discussions in challenging work environments.

Dive into the dynamic world of feedback, where understanding emotional reactions is key to effective communication. The hosts explore how to adapt your approach based on how feedback is received, highlighting the balance between care and direct challenge. Discover practical strategies for navigating tough conversations while fostering open dialogue. They also discuss the importance of a supportive environment for growth, underscoring the value of emotional awareness in feedback interactions.

Discover how to effectively handle feedback you don’t agree with. The conversation dives into navigating impromptu criticism and fostering open dialogues. Explore the 'listen, challenge, commit' framework for workplace disagreements. Strategies for managing performance reviews and emotional readiness are highlighted. Emphasizing curiosity in conversations can lead to surprising outcomes. Finally, learn how to build trust through open communication and avoid feedback pitfalls like 'ruinous empathy' and 'manipulative insincerity'.

Discover how to spark meaningful organizational change by starting small. Learn about creating pockets of excellence to cultivate a thriving culture of radical candor. The conversation delves into the vital role of accountability and feedback loops in fostering comfortable team communication. Explore practical strategies leaders can use to implement these concepts while encouraging open dialogue. Gain insights into overcoming common challenges and making radical candor integral to a team's success.

Jacob Morgan, author of "Leading with Vulnerability," navigates the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership. He discusses how leaders can harmonize vulnerability and competence, reshaping misconceptions that link vulnerability with weakness. Through engaging anecdotes, Jacob illustrates the importance of timing and intention in sharing challenges, fostering trust, and enhancing team dynamics. The conversation also touches on creating psychological safety, managing workplace difficulties, and the proactive role of leaders in crisis, emphasizing vulnerability as a crucial leadership superpower.

Dr. Steven Rogelberg, an organizational psychologist and author focused on meetings, dives into why many gatherings feel unproductive and costly. He shares surprising insights on the dynamics of meetings and emphasizes the importance of one-on-one interactions for fostering connections. Listeners learn about practical strategies for enhancing meeting engagement, effective scheduling, and leadership's role in productive communication. Rogelberg's humor adds a light touch to the serious topic, making it both informative and entertaining.

Explore the hidden dangers of vague and insincere praise. Misguided affirmation can harm more than help, blurring lines of accountability. Discover the nuances of ruinous empathy and the art of giving meaningful feedback. Listen to anecdotes that illustrate how specific, genuine praise fosters true growth. Also highlighted are cultural contrasts in communication styles against the backdrop of real-life events, making the case for a balanced approach that combines care with honesty.

Kieran Snyder, founder of Nerd Processor and co-founder of Textio, explores the intricacies of inclusivity in meetings. She dives into surprising data on how in-person versus remote settings affect participation, especially for women. The conversation highlights the dynamics of interruptions and the impact of power and gender on communication. Kieran shares practical strategies for leaders to enhance engagement and create inclusive meeting environments, emphasizing the need for structured agendas and balanced participation.