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.

Click here to watch the videos.

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:

    1. Praise one specific success.

    2. Critique one improvement opportunity.

    3. 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.

Subscribe to the Leadership English Newsletter, the best source for career-boosting communication tips for global executives who are non-native English speakers.

 
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Break the Accent Barrier and Lead Confidently in English