Difficult conversations don’t get easier by avoiding them—but they can get better when you prepare for them by getting curious. On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim talks with Jeff Wetzler, author of ASK, about how staying curious helps us understand what others are really thinking and feeling.

Jeff walks us through the curiosity curve and explains how to move into greater curiosity to reduce misunderstandings, deepen trust, and make space for more honest, helpful conversations—at work and at home.

If you’ve ever faced a moment where you weren’t sure how to start, what to say, or how someone might react, this episode offers simple tools to help you connect with care and communicate with greater clarity.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com⁠

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00) Preparing for High Stakes Conversations

Jeff and Kim chat about why curiosity is essential for high stakes conversations

(03:17) The Curiosity Arc

Jeff introduces the sections of the Arc

(12:34) The Curiosity Check

Checking in to see where you are and where you want to be

(18:16) How to Move Along the Arc

Jeff explains head, heart, and hand-based ways to move along the Arc

(27:06) Letting Go

The importance of exhaling and letting go of the agenda in leadership

(31:34) Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

Kim & Jeff discuss the use of DBT

(32:43) Checking Someone Else’s Curiosity Level

Jeff explains how to help others get curious

(37:56) Curiosity and Candor

Kim explores why curiosity is essential to candor

(41:54) Conclusion

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