Candid Conversations

In this episode of Candid Conversations, we dive into Chapter 6 of the book Candid to discuss building an effective feedback "engine." We explore five critical design focuses for creating a system that moves beyond simple reassurance to drive real organizational change. The episode highlights why continuous systems are superior to traditional yearly surveys comparing the latter to a smok...

Burnout is a systems failure, not a personal one . When "emotional dissonance" the conflict between what staff feel and what they are expected to display becomes too high, the system breaks. In this episode, we break down how to move from "survival mode" to a sustainable, burnout-resistant organization. Inside the Episode we discuss:The Trust Loop: We deconstruct the feedback c...

Are you asking for feedback but seeing no results? Most organizations treat feedback like a project, but it’s actually a circuit. If that circuit isn’t closed, the power goes out. In this episode, we break down why so many feedback loops fail and how to fix yours before your team or clients disengage. We discuss deep into the five critical stages of a healthy loop: Asking, Collecting, Analyzing, I...

Why do we keep doomscrolling even when it makes us feel terrible? Why does a single bad mood in the office spread like wildfire? The answer lies in Feedback Loops. In this episode, we deconstruct the four "genres" of feedback from the addictive "Enhancing Loop" to the dangerous "Forgotten Loop" that wreaks havoc in the shadows. We move beyond just identifying the prob...

Non-profits run on urgency, but often sacrifice effectiveness for activity. We challenge the myth that you're too busy to listen. Learn why stakeholder feedback from clients, staff, and donors is not a chore, but the most powerful tool for maximizing mission impact and accountability. Discover how to create a simple, reliable feedback loop that validates your programs, secures future funding,...

Have you ever felt lost just steps away from your destination, but unable to find the right path? Studies show that nearly 1 in 5 hikers lose their way near the very start of their journey simply because they take their eyes off their goal. In this podcast, we explore the barriers that keep us from reaching our personal and professional “peaks.” Discover how setting a clear goal or destination can...

Candid was born out of a decade of listening. Our clients often asked for proven ways to turn feedback into real improvement within human service organizations. After ten years of sharing our insights one conversation at a time, we wrote Candid to make those best practices available to every provider committed to learning, listening, and growing.