Radical Candor “Asks” Jeff Wetzler: The Foundational Skill of Asking Questions 6 | 26

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

The fundamental skill of asking questions to solicit feedback and create a culture of Radical Candor.
Kim sits down with Jeff Wetzler, author of "Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life." Recorded live, the conversation explores the fundamental skill of asking questions to solicit feedback and create a culture of Radical Candor. Jeff shares insights from his book, discussing the importance of tapping into the knowledge and perspectives of those around us. They delve into the five practices of “The Ask Approach" and reflect on audience questions, offering valuable takeaways for leaders and individuals alike. Tune in to learn how to transform your communication and leadership through the power of asking questions.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:

• Jeff Wetzler: LinkedIn
• Ask | Jeff Wetzler
• Radical Candor Coffee Break: Exploring The Ask Approach YouTube

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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Amy introduces a conversation between Kim and Jeff Wetzler, founder of “The Ask Approach” and author of “Ask.”

(00:01:01) Jeff's Book "Ask"
Jeff explains the premise of his book and the importance of tapping into the hidden wisdom of those around us.

(00:02:50) The Desire to Read Minds
The common desire to read minds and how asking questions effectively achieves this.

(00:04:00) Misinterpretations and Feedback
The challenges of interpreting facial expressions and the importance of asking directly.

(00:05:08) Ruinous Empathy
The concept of ruinous empathy and the reasons people withhold valuable feedback.

(00:08:14) The Importance of Commitment Conversations
The need for clear commitment conversations in management and leadership.

(00:11:11) The Certainty Loop
The concept of the certainty loop, and how assumptions shape perceptions and limit curiosity.

(00:13:01) Expanding the Repertoire of Questions
The need for a variety of questions to uncover deeper insights and perspectives.
(00:14:30) Strategies for Quality Questions
Strategies for posing quality questions and highlights the importance of soliciting feedback.
(00:17:28) Inviting Critical Feedback
The importance of explicitly inviting critical feedback and how to respond to it constructively.

(00:19:22) Checking for Understanding
Better ways to check for understanding without sounding patronizing.

(00:23:04) Handling Emotional Responses
The value of curiosity in handling emotional responses and moving towards Radical Candor.

(00:25:32) Listening to Learn
The concept of listening to learn, focusing on content, emotion, and action.

(00:28:04) Choosing Curiosity
Curiosity as a choice and foundational step in the ASK approach, which focuses on learning from others.

(00:29:44) Making It Safe
Strategies to make it safe for others to share their thoughts and the role of psychological safety.

(00:33:40) Pose Quality Questions
Differentiating between clumsy and quality questions, and asking questions that seek to understand others genuinely.

(00:39:04) Listen to Learn
Listening effectively not just for content, but also the emotion and action in the words.

(00:40:37) Reflect and Reconnect
Reflecting on feedback and reconnecting with the person who provided it to ensure clarity and appreciation.

(00:43:32) Conclusion
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