Caring Deeply and Challenging Directly in Hard Conversations

To practice radical candor, it's important to care deeply and challenge directly. The feedback should come from a place of wanting to make the person better, not to punish or dominate. Hard feedback can be received well when people trust that it is coming from someone who genuinely cares about their development. Just like trying on jeans, you want the friend who tells you honestly which ones look good on you. Executives also desire tough feedback, even though it may sting. It's crucial to create a strong relationship where people feel comfortable being their true selves and giving honest responses. Despite any defensiveness or pushback, trust is maintained, and the conversation moves forward in a respectful manner.