Unfolding Success with Radical Candor by Kim Scott

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“Radical candor and being direct helps drive change quickly.” -Alex Gorman, former Success Academy school leader

We are continuing our summer reading series with another one of our favorites, Radical Candor by Kim Scott. At Success Academy, we believe that being radically candid in conversations with teachers, families, and students is essential to building positive and productive school communities. Keep reading to learn more from experienced Success Academy school leaders about how radical candor can transform your classroom or school building.

What is radical candor? 

“Here at Success Academy, we fully embrace the idea of being clear, honest, and direct with teachers, with parents, and even with kids.” -Jen Haynes, former Success Academy school leader

Radical candor is when you pair directness with empathy in your conversations. Too often, we beat around the bush, fearing that we will hurt someone’s feelings with our straightforwardness. When we employ radical candor, we quickly realize that the kindest thing we can do is be honest with people. When leaders are radically candid with their teachers, it builds trust that strengthens the school community. When teachers are radically candid with students’ families, it helps kids grow faster. 

Learn more about what radical candor is in part one of our video series here!

How does radical candor improve school communities? 

“Being a first year teacher can be overwhelming. You’re juggling multiple things every single day and it really helps when your manager is clear and direct about where you need to focus your time and energy and how you need to grow within your role.” -Alex Gorman, former Success Academy school leader

Working in a school is challenging. Everyday, teachers and leaders juggle dozens of priorities, responsibilities, and relationships. When they are ineffective in their roles, it can have real and lasting impacts on the lives of students and families. Radical candor helps close performance gaps fast. It ensures that everyone in a school building knows how they can grow, improve, and bring their best so that students can succeed. 

Learn more about the positive impact radical candor can have on kids’ lives in part two of our video series here.

Do you use radical candor in your conversations? Tell us about the impact it has had on your work, and order your copy of Kim Scott’s book here to build radically candid conversations in your school community this year!