How can leaders create more clarity in uncertain times? In this episode, Kevin and Karl Hebenstreit discuss why clarity has become such a critical leadership need, especially in uncertain times, and why so many performance problems can be traced back to assumptions instead of explicit conversations. They talk about the danger of relying on the Golden Rule in leadership, the importance of moving toward the Platinum Rule by understanding how others want to be treated, and the reality that expectations must flow in every direction, not just from leader to team member. Karl shares practical insights on making one-on-ones more effective, keeping goals current as priorities change, and creating the consistency, communication, coaching, and compassion that build confidence and engagement.

Listen For

00:00 Why clarity matters in leadership 01:49 Guest introduction Karl Hebenstreit 02:50 Why this topic is so timely 03:10 Clarity vs inclusivity in leadership 04:11 Clarity builds confidence 05:36 The big idea behind explicit expectations 05:54 The problem with the golden rule 06:40 Why expectations must be explicit 07:10 Expectations go both ways 09:02 The cost of unclear expectations 11:04 The platinum rule explained 12:22 Emotional intelligence and expectations 13:55 What if you cannot meet expectations 18:06 Why leaders struggle with expectations 20:26 Why one on ones matter 23:09 How to run effective one on ones 25:04 Why goals must be updated regularly 27:04 The seven Cs of expectations 31:57 Final leadership challenge

Karl's Story: R. Karl Hebenstreit Ph.D., PCC, PHR is the author of the PenCraft Award-winning and international conference best-seller The How and Why: Taking Care of Business with the Enneagram (now in its third edition), the PenCraft Award and Readers' Favorite 5-Star Award-winning Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision (available in English, Spanish, French, Greek, and Portuguese), and the Axiom Award-winning Explicit Expectations: The Essential Guide & Toolkit of Management Fundamentals. He has 25+ years of global experience in the biotechnology, healthcare, telecommunications, high-tech, pharmaceutical, and real estate services industries. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from Alliant International University/California School of Professional Psychology, a MS in Human Resource Management from the Rutgers Graduate School of Management and Labor Relations, and a BA in Psychology, French, and Political Science from Rutgers College. Karl received his executive coaching training through Fielding Graduate University. He is an accredited Enneagram Teacher, an IEA Accredited Professional with Distinction, and is also certified in the Myers-Briggs Type Instrument (MBTI).

http://www.performandfunction.com/

https://linkedin.com/in/rkarlhebenstreit

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Book Recommendations

Explicit Expectations: The Essential Guide & Toolkit of Management Fundamentals by R. Karl Hebenstreit Ph.D.
The How and Why: Taking Care of Business with the Enneagram
Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision

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Setting Explicit Expectations with R. Karl Hebenstreit