A Radical Candor Year-End Reflection for Leaders

By: Radical Candor

As the year comes to a close, many leaders rush straight into planning for what’s next. Goals, strategies, resolutions.

But before you do that, it’s worth pausing.

Reflection isn’t about self-criticism or self-congratulation. It’s about learning, what worked, what didn’t, and how you want to show up differently going forward.

At Radical Candor, we believe great leadership starts with caring personally and challenging directly. That applies not only to how you lead others, but to how you reflect on your own leadership.

That’s why we created a Year-End Reflection Worksheet and why we’re sharing it openly, not just with our Community.

What This Reflection Is (and Isn’t)

This isn’t a performance review.

It’s not a checklist.

And it’s not about being “hard on yourself.”

It’s a chance to look back with care and clarity.

The worksheet invites you to reflect on questions like:

• Where did I care personally this year?
• Where did I challenge directly?
• Where did I avoid one or the other, and what did that cost?

There’s no “right” way to answer these questions. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s awareness.

How to Use the Worksheet

You can use this reflection in whatever way works best for you:

• Quietly, on your own
• Over multiple sittings
• As a starting point for honest conversations with your team

Some leaders use it as a personal journal. Others use it to prepare for year-end conversations or to reset their leadership approach in the new year.

Two Ways to Reflect

If you’d like to complete the reflection online, you can use the Typeform version. After you submit it, you’ll receive a downloadable PDF with all your responses sent straight to your email, so you can revisit your reflections anytime.

If you prefer to work offline, there’s also a downloadable PDF worksheet you can print or fill out at your own pace.

👉 Take the Year-End Reflection online here:

👉 Download the PDF worksheet → [link]

Reflecting Together

We’re also exploring a live, guided reflection session in early January for those who want to reflect alongside others. More details soon.

For those who want ongoing support practicing Radical Candor, not just at year-end, the Radical Candor Community is a place to keep learning, practicing, and reflecting together throughout the year.

Whether you join us there or simply use this worksheet on your own, we’re glad you’re here!

Thank you for taking the time to reflect and for doing the work of leadership.