Setting Explicit Expectations with R. Karl Hebenstreit

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