Obnoxious Aggression® is what happens when you challenge someone directly, but don’t care about them personally. It’s being clear, but not kind; praise that doesn’t feel sincere or criticism that isn’t delivered kindly. Obnoxious Aggression is also called “brutal honesty” or “front stabbing.”
Unfortunately, some confuse Radical Candor with Obnoxious Aggression — for example, in HBO’s Silicon Valley. And Dilbert, who mistakes Radical Candor for Obnoxious Aggression.
This type of behavior can get short-term results, but it often leaves a trail of damaged relationships and hurt feelings in its wake. People will see you as an insensitive jerk, even if you’re technically right. Obnoxious Aggression erodes trust and makes it harder for your team to grow and improve.
The key is to balance the direct challenge with genuine care and concern for the other person. That’s what separates Radical Candor from Obnoxious Aggression. It’s about being clear AND kind, not just clear at the expense of kindness.
What Kim Says About Obnoxious Aggression
Another example is a company I worked at where the executives would routinely dismiss positive feedback as “babysitting people’s egos.” They wanted a tough, no-nonsense culture, but it just came across as callous and uncaring. People were afraid to give each other praise or recognition, which really stifled morale and collaboration.
The worst is when a boss uses their intimate knowledge of someone’s insecurities or vulnerabilities to deliberately hurt them. I had a manager who would constantly make snide comments about my appearance or personal life, knowing it would get under my skin. It was a calculated attempt to assert dominance and control, and it was incredibly damaging.
Obnoxious Aggression might seem effective in the short term, but in the long run, it just leaves a trail of resentment and broken trust. As a leader, it’s so important to balance challenging your team directly with genuinely caring about them as people. That’s the only way to create a healthy, productive work environment.
Learn more about Obnoxious Aggression >>