In the workplace, your people are your greatest asset - but they can also be your biggest challenge. We don’t live in a world of NPCs (that’s Non-Player Character in video game speak!) - everyone is unique with their own multidimensionality and idiosyncrasies. This is where HR consultants come in, they're like Swiss Army knives ready for human complexities.

Take a look at some different industries – and you’ll find coaches and mentors galore. They’re most obvious in sports, but they’re also built into a doctor’s residency or a mechanic’s apprenticeship. So why not utilize that resource in business?

Radical Candor, a management philosophy coined by Kim Scott, is about giving feedback that is both direct and empathetic. When implemented effectively, this approach can foster a high-performance culture by encouraging open communication, personal growth, and stronger relationships between managers and staff. It strengthens the ability to achieve your company's goals, setting it up for long-term success. 

If your plan is going to be successful, you absolutely have to ask and answer questions in three key areas – assumptions about your organization and the world in which it operates, barriers that will prevent you from being successful, and the unintended consequences that might occur if you’re successful. The next time someone says, "Well, obviously..." or "Everybody knows..." in your planning meeting, raise your hand and play devil's advocate.