This concept has weighed on me since I began listening to the podcast regularly. I have always tried to couch my feedback in such a way that even the most sensitive "hearer" would be open to the feedback, but in my efforts to ease into the conversation have I been "too nice?" According to Scott and Laraway, as a leader it is now my job to "Just Say It." In other words, at times we need to be radically candid so that the person receiving the feedback can produce their best work or be their best selves. And, it is not only the "hearer" that benefits from the radical candor. The rest of your team benefits from the feedback as well because the work as a whole becomes more efficient or effective.
So, how does this idea of shutting down ruinous empathy to give radical candor actually apply to schools? One connection I have made is to a recent article I read concerning irreplaceable teachers. According to the researchers at TNTP (2012), when administrators fail to address negligent retention, we dismiss or even undermine the work of the most effective teachers in our buildings. Furthermore, our lack of effort to address the poorest of professionals may even drive our best teachers out of the profession. So, while we may have a teacher shortage quickly coming on the horizon, the real issue goes far beyond actual teacher retention. The question at hand really is about how we keep our best teachers while also raising the expectations for all, even if this means we must retain fewer of the poorest performing professionals in the building. In order to address poor performance, leaders must go back to the radical candor Scott and Laraway (n.d.) describe in their podcast. According to Scott and Laraway, the steps for giving quality feedback is simple. They suggested that leaders do the following:
- Just say it.
- Go into a criticism conversation with the criticism and the objectives written down prior. (Go into the conversation with a "I just want to be helpful" mindset.)
- Find someone that you trust, and practice your message. Sharpen the message so that it lands the way you intend.
- Accept the fact that you may not have a solution to offer in the moment. Ask the person you are working with to help you identify a solution to the problem collaboratively.
In the end, I feel their candor checklist above is doable, especially if it is planned and executed in love and respect. Will the candid feedback always be well received in the moment? Probably not, but if I truly care for a person and the health of the school, I must notice and act so that all children have a chance to become their best selves.
References
Scott, K. & Laraway, R. (n.d.). Ruinous empathy and criticism [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from
https://www.radicalcandor.com/blog/podcast-episode-4/
https://www.radicalcandor.com/blog/podcast-episode-4/
TNTP. (2012). The irreplaceables: Understanding the real retention crisis in America's urban schools [PDF document]. Retrieved from
https://tntp.org/assets/documents/TNTP_Irreplaceables_2012.pdf
https://tntp.org/assets/documents/TNTP_Irreplaceables_2012.pdf
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1 comment:
Nat,
It has been great to read your reflections as you learn and grow regarding radical candor. I feel that, through this entry, you highlight the importance of maintaining a level of respect while demonstrating commitment to the growth of our teachers and colleagues. The thought that “being too nice” could actually be harming a fellow professional and stunting growth is one that we should all be considering as we move forward in leadership. I agree that if we are to continue to progress, we have to be willing to facilitate conversations that challenge us to create our best work and present our best selves. As a result, teams become better, stronger, and more effective. (Standards 2.0 and 3.0).
Throughout your post, I noted your core value of noticing and communicating in love (Standard 1.2). Leading from those practices is key in maintaining relationships with irreplaceable teachers and ensuring opportunities to honor their work/growth. Your assertion that these practices also present children with the chance to be their best selves is powerful as well. Great work!
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