When I first read Radical Candor by Kim Scott, it really resonated with me. The idea that you can be both direct and caring at the same time was a game changer. Too often, people either shy away from tough conversations or give feedback in a way that feels harsh. This book showed me that there’s a better way—one that not only makes you a stronger leader but also creates a healthier, more open work environment.
At Working Planet, this philosophy isn’t just something we admire from a distance; it’s infused into our culture and the way we engage with each other and our clients. We don’t see ourselves as just another marketing agency—we’re true partners in growth. And real partnership means being willing to have tough conversations, to challenge ideas when needed, and to do it all with a deep sense of care and respect.
How We Apply Radical Candor Internally
One of the most powerful aspects of Radical Candor is how it fosters trust. Within our team, we hold ourselves accountable not just for delivering great work but for supporting each other’s growth. That means we give honest, constructive feedback—whether it's about refining a strategy, improving communication, or pushing each other to think bigger.
It’s not always easy. Honest conversations can be uncomfortable. But because we approach feedback with the intent to help—not tear down, it strengthens our relationships. Team members know that when someone offers a critique, it’s an investment in their success. Over time, this has created an environment where people feel safe to take risks, innovate, and continuously improve. In fact, we’ve reached a point where people actively seek out feedback because they know it will only help them grow.
How We Apply Radical Candor with Clients
Being a true partner to our clients means doing more than just executing marketing strategies—it means being deeply invested in their success. That requires honest, sometimes difficult conversations about what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. We don’t just tell clients what they want to hear; we tell them what they need to hear to grow their business.
For example, there have been times when we’ve had to challenge a client’s initial assumptions about their digital marketing strategy. Rather than passively following orders, we ask the tough questions: Is this really the best use of your budget? Are we measuring the right outcomes?
These discussions can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but they lead to better, more profitable decisions. And because we build relationships on trust and mutual respect, our clients understand that our candor comes from a place of genuine care. Likewise, we ask our clients to be radically candid with us. We want them to be brutally honest because their feedback helps us improve and ensures they know this relationship is truly a two-way street.
The Personal Impact
Embracing Radical Candor has made me a better person, both professionally and personally. It’s helped me become more open to feedback, more confident in delivering it, and more intentional about how I communicate. I’ve learned that being direct doesn’t mean being harsh—it means being honest and kind.
Early on in my management days, I would watch the short clips on the Radical Candor YouTube channel of Kim Scott talking about different concepts, and it felt so comforting and educational. As a brand-new manager, I felt more prepared to handle challenging situations and to help each of my team members grow. Those videos, along with the book, gave me a sense of confidence in navigating difficult conversations and reinforced that caring deeply while being direct was the best way to support both individual and team success.
This philosophy has also deepened my appreciation for the people I work with. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a team that values transparency, growth, and partnership, both internally and with our clients. Radical Candor has given us all a framework for communication that leads to stronger relationships and better outcomes.
Why It Matters for Growth
At the end of the day, businesses—and people—grow when they’re willing to face the truth, adapt, and improve. Radical Candor has helped shape Working Planet into a company that thrives on real conversations, real solutions, and real partnerships.