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Home > Radical Candor > A Framework for Communicating Hard News (That Actually Works) 7 | 31
Podcast: Radical Candor
Episode:

A Framework for Communicating Hard News (That Actually Works) 7 | 31

Category: Business
Duration: 00:45:17
Publish Date: 2025-07-30 07:00:00
Description:

Candor Coach and executive coach Farrah Mitra joins Amy Sandler to share her 4-step Communicating Change Framework—a practical guide for leaders navigating layoffs, performance conversations, or org changes. Learn how to deliver tough news with kindness, clarity, and confidence, without causing unnecessary harm. A must-listen for anyone leading through change with Radical Candor.


Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


Episode Links:


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Chapters:


(00:00:00) Introduction

Amy introduces Farrah Mitra, Radical Candor coach and creator of the Communicating Change framework.

(00:01:49) Why This Matters

Two stories that highlight the power of how change is communicated.

(00:04:47) Framing Makes the Difference

How message delivery impacts emotional response.

(00:06:28) Goals of the Framework

The overarching goal of the Communicating Change framework.

(00:07:36) Why We Avoid Empathy

Why leaders struggle with human-centered communication during change.

(00:09:54) Structure Creates Confidence

Creating a process that facilitates courage and clarity in conversations.

(00:11:30) Communicating Change Framework

A framework that gives leaders direction during tough conversations.

(00:13:00) Coaching for Mindset Shifts

Coaching to focus on reframing how leaders feel before they speak.

(00:14:20) Reframing from Guilt to Partnership

A real coaching story shows how shifting mindset changes everything.

(00:17:51) Grief, Identity & Communication

Why emotional processing is key before delivering hard news.

(00:21:00) Clarifying the Message

Choosing a narrative that doesn't mix performance and role decisions.

(00:25:13) Focus on the Receiver

Questions to help reverse engineer empathetic communication.

(00:29:02) Helpful Phrasing Tips

Phrasing examples to tailor language to ensure authenticity and clarity.

(00:31:15) Empathy vs. Niceness

Thoughtfully using structure to communicate with clarity and compassion.

(00:35:24) Company-Wide Implementation

How one org made the framework part of their leadership culture.

(00:38:19) Why Empathy Still Wins

Human-centered communication prevents harm—even in tough moments.

(00:39:52) Connect with Farrah

Where to connect with Farrah and find her framework.

(00:41:11) Conclusion

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