Radical Candor – A New Approach to Leadership

Creating a culture of trust and growth starts with giving clear, compassionate feedback. Radical Candor, a leadership approach that encourages leaders to both challenge directly and care personally, is a powerful way to foster this environment.

Here’s how to practice Radical Candor with your team:

1. Start with Intent: When offering feedback, make it clear that your goal is to help, not criticize. Frame the conversation around growth, such as saying, “My goal is to help you become the best nurse possible, and to do that, I’ll offer constructive feedback.”
2. Be Specific and Timely: Avoid vague feedback. Focus on specific behaviors and address issues within 72 hours so that feedback is fresh and actionable. For example, “I noticed in yesterday’s shift you handled the patient handoff a bit quickly. Let’s review how we can slow that down to ensure safety.”
3. Create a Feedback Culture: Encourage open dialogue by asking for feedback on your own performance. This builds mutual respect and shows your team that feedback is about growth, not blame.

By embracing Radical Candor, you can build a culture of trust and continuous improvement, where feedback is a tool for growth, not a source of stress.

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