Radical Candor: Communication at Work

Radical Candor: Communication at Work

Kim Scott, Jason Rosoff & Amy Sandler

Moving from command-and-control to successful collaboration isn’t easy. But telling people what to do doesn’t work. Learn how to kick ass at work without losing your humanity by practicing the principles of Radical Candor. Host Amy Sandler leads...

46 minutes 42 seconds

A Leader's Guide to Managing Post-Election 2024 Tension at Work With Denise Hamilton 6 | 43
Examining and expanding our capacity to hold different beliefs.

Brace yourself—this episode is all about navigating workplace tension with Radical Candor. Kim and Amy team up with Denise Hamilton, author of Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences Into a Stronger Future, to tackle the complicated landscape of workplace polarization and the radical power of respect. Denise, known for her "irrational optimism," sheds light on how we can bridge deep divides, even when it feels impossible and that respect isn’t something earned through understanding—it’s the baseline that makes understanding possible. They explore why caring personally means building trust, even when opinions clash, and how we can create workplaces that honor both individual voices and collective purpose. With Denise’s wisdom and Kim’s Radical Candor principles, this episode digs into the tough conversations leaders often avoid but desperately need. If you’ve ever felt the strain of differing views at work, this conversation is for you—because staying connected is the only way forward.

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

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Amy introduce Denise Hamilton, author of Indivisible.

(00:03:32) Discussing Politics at Work
Insights into the discomfort around political conversations in professional settings.

(00:05:01) Contradictory Messages
The conflicting messages people face around authenticity at work.

(00:07:22) Building a Respectful Work Culture
How workplace culture influences political discussions.

(00:10:59) Personal and Workplace Boundaries
Balancing personal beliefs and professionalism at work.

(00:12:59) The Role of Respect in Understanding
Respect as the foundation for understanding others.

(00:16:42) Holding Space for Emotions Post-Election
The importance of allowing emotional expression at work after tense events.

(00:21:36) Leaders Counteracting Negativity
The role leaders play in intentionally fostering positivity.

(00:24:03) Common Ground in Heated Times
Finding common ground with people who hold different views.

(00:27:05) Approaching Sensitive Topics Mindfully
Denise shares her “four-question rubric” for starting difficult conversations.

(00:31:52) Navigating Information Curation
The pitfalls of curated news and incomplete information.

(00:35:43) Misinformation and a Leader’s Responsibility
How leaders should address misinformation in their organizations.

(00:39:23) Owning vs. Renting: Social Responsibility
Adopting a long-term, invested mindset for societal change.

(00:44:06) The Vision for a Relationship-Centered Future
Hope for a future rooted in personal connections and humanity.

(00:46:05) Conclusion

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6 November 2024, 8:00 am
55 minutes 55 seconds

When the Nepo Baby is a Bully 6 | 42
Handling workplace bullying when family dynamics are involved.

We need to talk about nepotism and workplace bullying, because WHEW, does it ever mess with our ability to Care Personally and Challenge Directly! Here's the real deal — when family ties eclipse talent, we're not just hurting individual careers. We're poisoning the well of psychological safety that teams need to thrive. How can you tell someone to "bring their whole self to work" when the rules aren't the same for everyone? KIm, Amy, and Jason explain why avoiding these conversations doesn't help anyone. Whether you're dealing with the CEO's daughter who's actually crushing it, or the founder's cousin who's... not so much, you've got to stay rooted in those two key principles: Care Personally AND Challenge Directly.

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

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim, Jason, and Amy introduce the episode’s topic on a listener’s question about workplace nepotism.

(00:02:52) Listener Question: Nepotistic Bully
A listener’s challenging situation involving a CEO's son who is bullying employees.

(00:03:48) Strategies for Workplace Bullying
Documenting incidents and preparing for a conversation with higher-ups.

(00:11:43) Building Solidarity and Seeking Support
Strategies for finding allies to support you and sharing experiences with others.

(00:15:44) Challenges of Confronting Nepotism
The difficulty of escalating issues involving family ties at work.

(00:19:25) Exit Strategies and Self-Protection
Knowing your exit options and protecting your well-being.

(00:31:17) Direct Conversations and Escalation
Preparing for a direct conversation with the bully and their higher-ups.

(00:38:52) The Role and Limitations of HR
When HR should be involved in addressing workplace bullying.

(00:49:06) Seeking External Legal Support
Guidance on consulting a lawyer for severe or unresolved bullying cases.

(00:52:43) Radical Candor Tips
Tips for handling bullying, documenting, building solidarity, and escalating issues.

(00:54:44) Conclusion

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30 October 2024, 7:00 am
1 hour 5 minutes

Say What? How to Measure Feedback Responses 6 | 41
With feedback, how do you measure what matters?

Kim, Jason, and Amy dive into the art of measuring feedback, emphasizing that it's not just about what you say, but how it's heard. It's crucial to pay attention to how your feedback lands and be ready to adjust your approach, especially when you notice defensiveness or indifference. Tune in to explore practical strategies for handling emotional reactions while keeping your communication clear and compassionate. Learn how to stay present in tough conversations and create a space where open dialogue leads to growth and stronger relationships, both at work and in life. We'll also cover how to effectively solicit feedback and navigate defensiveness, ensuring that your interactions are not only productive but also supportive and understanding.

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

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim, Jason, and Amy introduce the episode’s focus on feedback gauging and emotional awareness.

(00:01:25) Gauging Feedback
The importance of understanding how feedback is received.

(00:05:30) Reactions to Feedback
The different reactions people may have to feedback and how to adapt.

(00:09:14) Staying Present in Emotional Conversations
Strategies for staying present when emotions rise during difficult conversations.

(00:15:59) Brushing Off Feedback
Situations where people brush off feedback and how to address it.

(00:26:21) Tailoring Feedback
How people with different sensitivities and personalities respond to feedback.

(00:34:47) Pushing Further on Challenge Directly
Gauging whether you should increase directness in feedback or focus on empathy.

(00:43:09) Role-Play: Defensive Feedback
A scenario to illustrate how to handle a defensive response in real time.

(00:50:59) Role-Play: Emotional Feedback
A scenario to illustrate how to handle an emotional response in real time.

(01:00:08) Radical Candor Tips
From checking in on feedback delivery to fostering a supportive environment.

(01:03:36) Conclusion

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23 October 2024, 7:00 am
58 minutes 38 seconds

Navigating Disagreements: How to Challenge Feedback Effectively 6 | 40
Effectively manage feedback you disagree with.

In this episode of the Radical Candor podcast, we tackle a challenge that's at the heart of Radical Candor: what to do when you receive feedback you don't agree with. It's a question we get all the time, and it's crucial because how we handle these moments can make or break our relationships at work. The team gets into the get into the nitty-gritty of how to respond to tough feedback and suggests specific phrases you can use to show you're listening, even if you're not fully on board.

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

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(00:00:00) Introduction
Jason and Amy introduce the live streaming episode about disagreeing with feedback.

(00:02:23) Listener Question: Disagreeing with Feedback
A listener's question about how to handle feedback they disagree with.

(00:03:42) The Pocket Veto: The Dangers of Silent Disagreement
The concept of a "pocket veto" and why it's harmful to silently disagree with feedback.

(00:05:27) Strategies to Handle Disagreement
Tips on how to approach feedback in the moment.

(00:11:02) How to Create Space for Disagreement
Inviting challenges during feedback conversations to foster honest communication.

(00:16:19) The “Listen, Challenge, Commit” Framework
The “Listen, Challenge, Commit” approach, which helps to handle feedback.

(00:19:10) Personal Experiences with Feedback
A personal story about learning to approach feedback with curiosity and humility.

(00:27:51) Following Up After Formal Feedback
How to approach follow-up conversations after receiving formal feedback.

(00:34:58) Psychological Safety and Radical Candor
A listener question on the link between psychological safety and Radical Candor.

(00:41:11) Creating a Culture of Learning with Radical Candor
Examples of workplace rituals that reinforce Radical Candor and continuous learning.

(00:45:29) Metaphors for Radical Candor
Using metaphors to understand Radical Candor in communication.

(00:49:17) The Radical Candor Quadrants
Whether people tend to fall more frequently into one of the Radical Candor quadrants.

(00:54:09) Radical Candor Tip
Tips on practicing Radical Candor, emphasizing listening, identifying, and committing to feedback.

(00:57:17) Conclusion

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16 October 2024, 7:00 am
36 minutes 4 seconds

Building Pockets of Excellence: Introducing Radical Candor to Your Team 6 | 39
Start small to make change more achievable and impactful.

In this episode of the Radical Candor Podcast, Jason and Amy discuss how to introduce radical candor to teams effectively. They emphasize the importance of starting small, creating pockets of excellence, and the role of accountability and praise in fostering a feedback culture. The conversation also covers effective communication strategies for implementing change, real-world examples of cultural shifts, and practical tips for individuals and teams looking to embrace radical candor. The episode concludes with an invitation to join the Radical Candor community for ongoing support and resources.

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

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Jason and Amy introduce the topic of bringing Radical Candor into the workplace.

(00:00:27) Starting with Small Changes
Why starting with small steps is key to building a culture of Radical Candor.

(00:02:57) Pockets of Excellence
The concept of pockets of excellence and why they are crucial for cultural change.

(00:05:30) Highlighting Small Successes
The importance of highlighting successes rather than focusing on failures to drive cultural shifts.

(00:08:30) Avoiding Overwhelming Change
Effective communication about small wins to shift organizational perceptions and build optimism.

(00:10:49) Small Change Success Story
A story on how small experiments can create big organizational change.

(00:15:38) Making Feedback Visible and Accessible
Simple tools to share user feedback that can have a powerful impact on organizational culture.

(00:19:37) Effective Communication for Cultural Change
Communicating the rationale behind introducing Radical Candor to a broader team.

(00:24:07) Handling Executive Skepticism
Addressing skepticism from executives and making the case for Radical Candor.

(00:27:03) Building Momentum After Initial Success
Expanding Radical Candor across more teams after initial success.

(00:30:16) Individuals Practicing Radical Candor
Advice for individuals looking to start small and integrate Radical Candor into their work.

(00:33:09) Radical Candor Tips
Tips for developing a more radically candid culture individually and in organizations.

(00:34:56) Conclusion

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radical-candor-communication-at-work--5711404/support.
9 October 2024, 7:00 am
46 minutes 16 seconds

The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership with Jacob Morgan 6 | 38
How leaders can balance vulnerability with competence.

Kim and Jacob Morgan, author of Leading with Vulnerability, discuss the power of vulnerability in leadership and its role in building trust and driving performance. They explore the common misconceptions about vulnerability, the balance between competence and connection, and how to navigate the fine line between strength and openness. Jacob shares stories of successful and failed leadership, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right moments to be vulnerable. The conversation also touches on how to foster psychological safety, deal with workplace bullies, and follow with vulnerability in challenging environments.

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

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Amy and Kim introduce guest Jacob Morgan, author of Leading with Vulnerability.

(00:00:38) Defining Vulnerability in Leadership
The concept of vulnerability in leadership and how it can be misinterpreted.

(00:03:45) Denial in Leadership
How denial impacts leadership and the challenges leaders face when addressing mistakes.

(00:06:48) Exploiting Vulnerability
An example of a leader who used an exployee’s vulnerability against them.

(00:10:41) Self-Compassion in Leadership
The need for self-compassion, particularly when vulnerability is exploited.

(00:12:46) Vulnerability in Uncertain Situations
A step-by-step approach to assessing when and how to display vulnerability at work.

(00:18:36) Knowing Who to Trust
How leaders and employees can discern when it’s appropriate to be vulnerable.

(00:21:11) Effective Leadership in Times of Crisis
A success story about Fleetwood Grobler’s leadership during a financial crisis at Sasol.

(00:25:28) Dealing with Workplace Bullies
The complexities of vulnerability when facing workplace bullying.

(00:33:03) Following with Vulnerability
Tips on how to assertively respond to challenging leaders while maintaining professionalism.

(00:37:18) Fundamental Attribution Error
The importance of not jumping to conclusions about people's intentions.

(00:43:22) Creating Psychological Safety
The balance between accountability and psychological safety.

(00:45:37) Conclusion

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radical-candor-communication-at-work--5711404/support.
2 October 2024, 7:00 am
46 minutes 57 seconds

Why Your Meetings Suck (And How to Fix Them): Insights from Dr. Steven Rogelberg 6 | 37
Make your meetings count.

Explore the surprising science of meetings and how to make them suck less with Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg, a renowned organizational psychologist and author of The Surprising Science of Meetings, Glad We Met: The Art & Science of 1:1 Meetings, and more. Dr. Rogelberg discusses with Kim and Amy why meetings often feel unproductive and costly, covering common pitfalls and offering actionable strategies to enhance their effectiveness. The conversation spotlights the power of one-on-one meetings, emphasizing their unique role in fostering meaningful connections between managers and employees. Dr. Rogelberg shares insights on how to structure these meetings to maximize engagement, support, and productivity, making them a crucial tool for leadership and team success.

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

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(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Amy introduce guest Dr. Steven Rogelberg, organizational psychologist and an expert on meetings.

(00:04:18) The Impact of Meetings
The surprising volume of meetings globally and the underestimated economic impact.

(00:07:03) Misconceptions and Optimizing Meeting Strategies
Misconceptions about meetings and advice on improving their effectiveness.

(00:10:36) Are Your Meeting Questions Valuable?
How to ensure that the meeting agenda questions are valuable.

(00:11:39) Using Radical Candor in Meetings
The idea of a Radical Candor framework with signals during meetings.

(00:13:32) Should Feedback Be Part of the Meeting?
Whether feedback should be solicited at the end of meetings.

(00:16:05) Speaking Up in Meetings
Advice on encouraging team members to speak up in meetings.

(00:20:03) The Importance of 1:1 Meetings
Research that highlights the desire for more 1:1 meetings.

(00:23:21) Relationship Building in 1:1s
The importance of building genuine relationships through consistent 1:1 meetings.

(00:28:42) How to Start 1:1 Meetings
Tips on starting 1:1 meetings, their appropriate cadence and setting the right tone.

(00:31:24) Locations and Structure for 1:1 Meetings
The best locations for 1:1 meetings and structuring the agenda for them.

(00:41:16) Preparing for Meetings with Your Manager
How employees should prepare for meetings with their managers.

(00:46:19) Conclusion

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radical-candor-communication-at-work--5711404/support.
25 September 2024, 7:00 am
43 minutes 34 seconds

How Ruinous Empathy Ruins Praise 6 | 36
How misguided praise can do more harm than good.

Praise can be powerful, but when it’s vague, generic, or something you can say to a dog like "good job," it can backfire and do more harm than good. Kim, Jason, and Amy explore the nuances of Ruinous Empathy and praise, sharing real-life examples, like the infamous FEMA response during Hurricane Katrina, to illustrate the pitfalls of Ruinously Empathetic feedback. They discuss the importance of making praise specific and sincere so people know what was good and why, allowing them to repeat their success.

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

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(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim, Jason, and Amy introduce the episode's focus on how praise can become ruinously empathetic.

(00:00:53) What Is Ruinous Empathy in Praise?
How praise can be ineffective when it's vague, insincere, or lacks specific feedback.

(00:02:19) Defining Praise vs. Criticism
What constitutes praise, how it differs from criticism and the dangers of insincere praise

(00:06:06) Effective Public Support and Praise
Guidance for leaders on how to support team members publicly after a mistake.

(00:11:51) Consequences of Praising Failure
Why offering praise after failure can be misleading and harmful.

(00:17:04) The Role of Specificity in Praise
The importance of specificity in making praise feel sincere and useful.

(00:22:11) Ruinous Empathy and Manipulative Insincerity
The nuances between ruinously empathetic praise and manipulatively insincere praise.

(00:33:07) Insincere Praise
Avoiding the common pitfalls of insincere praise in leadership and team management.

(00:36:53) Offering Effective Praise
Practical tips on how to offer specific and sincere praise that drives improvement.

(00:40:56) Radical Candor Tips
Tips for applying Radical Candor to praise, ensuring feedback is specific, sincere, and purposeful.

(00:42:18) Conclusion

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radical-candor-communication-at-work--5711404/support.
18 September 2024, 7:00 am
53 minutes 51 seconds

Inclusion in Meetings: Kieran Snyder On In-Person vs. Remote Dynamics 6 | 35
The surprising data on inclusivity in different meeting settings.

Kieran Snyder, founder of nerd processor and co-founder of Textio, joins the Radical Candor podcast to explore inclusivity in meetings, revealing data-driven insights from her research on in-person versus remote settings. Kieran discusses the dynamics of interruptions, idea credit-taking, and the impact of power and gender on participation. With over 1,100 hours of meeting data analyzed, she sheds light on the complexities of remote work, the significance of structured agendas, and the importance of leadership in fostering inclusive environments. The episode offers practical tips for leaders to enhance meeting engagement and navigate the evolving landscape of workplace communication.

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

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Amy and Kim introduce Kieran Snyder, founder of Nerd Processor, to discuss inclusivity in meetings.

(00:02:36) The Abrasive Trap
The abrasiveness trap and how high-performing women are more often criticized.

(00:07:27) Power Dynamics in Meetings
How power dynamics influence interruptions in meetings.

(00:14:27) In-Person vs. Remote Meetings: Research
Kieran’s study comparing remote and in-person meetings to measure inclusivity.

(00:18:02) Meeting Participation Rates
The changes in participation rates as meeting size increases.

(00:20:27) Gender Differences in Meeting Participation
The impact remote meetings have on women's participation rates.

(00:27:42) Idea Annexation vs. Spotlighting
The concept of idea annexation and the importance of idea spotlighting.

(00:32:22) Dynamics of “I Told You So”
Usage of “I told you so” in meetings and the demographic variations.

(00:36:52) Practical Tips for Inclusive Meetings
Tips on fostering inclusive meeting environments.

(00:43:14) Balancing Remote Work and Inclusivity
The trade-offs between diversity and ensuring inclusivity in meetings.

(00:47:53) Leadership in Meeting Inclusivity
The importance of leadership in setting inclusive meeting norms.

(00:51:10) How to Connect
Information on how to connect with Kieran Snyder.

(00:52:38) Conclusion

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radical-candor-communication-at-work--5711404/support.
11 September 2024, 7:00 am
49 minutes 30 seconds

Political Discussions at Work: Productive or Problematic? 6 | 34
Political discussions at work can be polarizing, but they don't have to be.

How do you handle political conversations at work without crossing boundaries or alienating colleagues? The team dives into the complex and often uncomfortable topic of discussing politics at work, exploring the impact of these conversations on workplace dynamics, productivity, and personal relationships. Kim, Jason, and Amy share insights on navigating political discussions with respect, setting boundaries, and maintaining open dialogue without imposing beliefs on others. Drawing on personal anecdotes and thought-provoking statistics, the conversation provides practical tips for managers and employees alike on fostering an inclusive environment where diverse viewpoints can coexist without derailing professional harmony.

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

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(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim, Jason, and Amy introduce the episode’s focus on the impact of political discussions in the workplace.

(00:02:55) The Value of Being Challenged
The importance of being open to challenges to avoid turning beliefs into prejudices.

(00:07:00) Banning Political Speech: Is It Helpful?
The consequences of banning or discouraging political discussions at work.

(00:11:22) Managing Expression in the Workplace
The boundaries of expressing political beliefs without personalizing or offending.

(00:16:31) Building Bridges Over Boundaries
Building bridges between differing viewpoints, using curiosity and respect.

(00:21:49) The Challenge of Constant Election Cycles
How perpetual election cycles can deepen divisions and polarize discussions.

(00:23:20) Working Through Political Differences
Managing team members with conflicting political views and policies.

(00:27:09) The Dangers of Silence Around Sensitive Topics
Why avoiding discussions on polarizing subjects can lead to more significant conflicts.

(00:33:24) Setting Clear Boundaries on Political Expression
Whether companies should set proactive policies on political expression.

(00:36:13) Balancing Productivity and Political Discussions
Ways to address the potential productivity dip during heated political periods.

(00:39:51) When Humor Crosses the Line
A time when sharing a politically charged joke at work made a team member feel excluded.

(00:45:18) Radical Candor Tips
Practical tips for fostering respectful discourse and maintaining professional boundaries.

(00:48:18) Conclusion

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radical-candor-communication-at-work--5711404/support.
4 September 2024, 7:00 am
27 minutes 12 seconds

When Feedback Fails: Repairing Relationships After Feedback is Ignored 6 | 33
Rebuilding Trust and Communication When Feedback is Ignored

Feedback can be tough to give and at times even harder to receive. But what about when it’s ignored? Jason and Amy tackle a listener's challenging workplace scenario involving ignored feedback, toxic dynamics, and a strained relationship with their boss. Through role play, practical advice, and Radical Candor tips, they explore how to rebuild trust, address emotional wounds, and navigate difficult conversations when feedback isn't properly received.

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

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Jason and Amy introduce the episode and outline the listener's challenging feedback scenario.

(00:00:49) Listener's Story: Feedback Ignored
A listener's story about workplace toxicity and a strained relationship with their boss.

(00:02:26) Insights on Conflicting Perceptions
Thoughts on the listener's situation, drawing parallels with similar experiences.

(00:07:57) Role Play: The Listener and the Neglectful Boss
A role-play of the scenario, with Amy as the listener and Jason as the unresponsive boss.

(00:12:04) Analysis of the Role Play
Reflecting on the role play, discussing the emotional challenges and complexities of the situation.

(00:15:00) Strategies for Rebuilding the Relationship
Practical steps for the listener to rebuild trust and communication with their boss.

(00:17:31) The Value of Regular Check-Ins
The importance of scheduling regular one-on-ones to maintain alignment and trust.

(00:21:17) Managing Expectations: When to Ask for an Apology
The need for apologies versus focusing on practical solutions to improve the work relationship.

(00:23:19) Radical Candor Tips
Actionable tips on managing feedback, emotions, and when to consider leaving a job.

(00:25:56) Conclusion

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radical-candor-communication-at-work--5711404/support.
28 August 2024, 7:00 am
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