Lead with Radical Candor to Build Trust Beyond Language
As a non-native English–speaking executive, you know that clear, honest communication is the backbone of high-performing teams.
Kim Scott’s Radical Candor framework, Care Personally + Challenge Directly, is your fast-track to trust, engagement, and results, no matter what your native language is.
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Why It Matters
Trust Trumps Fluency: Teams value authenticity over perfect grammar.
Better Feedback, Faster Growth: Candid conversations accelerate performance and prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
Inclusive Culture: When everyone feels heard, language barriers fade and collaboration soars.
3 Actionable Steps
Show You Care
One-on-One Check-Ins: Schedule 10 minutes each week to ask a colleague about their goals or challenges.
Active Listening: Paraphrase: “So you’re saying X—did I get that right?” This builds rapport and clarifies meaning.
Challenge Directly
Behavior-Focused Feedback: Frame feedback around actions, not personality.
✔️ “When you paused mid-demo, I noticed the team lost focus.”
✖️ “You’re too nervous.”
Practice the “3-2-1” Model:
Praise one specific success.
Critique one improvement opportunity.
Repeat with a follow-up plan.
Model and Embed
Lead by Example: Offer Radical Candor feedback publicly so others feel safe to follow.
Peer Feedback Session: Once a month, host a 15-minute “candor circle” where team members exchange quick, structured feedback.
Your Next Step
Ready for personalized guidance designed specifically for non-native speakers? Apply for the Leadership Communication Accelerator and lead with confidence, clarity, and connection in English.
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