The Science (and Soul) of Great Teams

What if the Golden Rule is not enough to build truly healthy independent school teams?

In this conversation, executive coach and organizational psychologist Dr. Karl Hebenstreit of Perform & Function explores how understanding the "why" behind behavior through the lens of the Enneagram can transform leadership and team dynamics in independent schools.

Listeners are guided through the nine Enneagram types and discover how emotional intelligence, motivation, and collaboration intersect.

From the Golden Rule to the Platinum and Rhodium Rules, Karl provides a clear framework for school leaders seeking to deepen empathy, strengthen their teams, and foster cultures of belonging.

What You'll Learn from Dr. Karl Hebenstreit:

1. Behavior has a backstory: The Enneagram helps leaders move beyond what people do to understand why they do it, unlocking motivation and empathy.
2. The Golden Rule isn't enough: Treating others as they want to be treated (the Platinum Rule) leads to better communication, trust, and engagement.
3. Team balance matters: When leaders know their team's collective Enneagram profile, they can predict and prevent collaboration pitfalls.
4. Coaching drives transformation: Once reserved for executives, coaching is now essential at every leadership level and increasingly scalable through technology.
5. Start with self-awareness: Emotional intelligence begins with understanding your own Enneagram type before applying it to others.

Recommended Next Steps

1. Take the Enneagram assessment. Complete an assessment such as the IEQ9 to identify your leadership motivations, strengths, and blind spots.
2. Facilitate a team workshop. Bring your team together for an Enneagram session to surface communication styles, stress patterns, and shared dynamics.
3. Integrate Platinum Rule thinking. Shift daily practices in hiring, supervision, and board collaboration toward “treat others as they want to be treated.”
4. Build coaching into leadership. Embed coaching conversations into regular routines to strengthen reflection, feedback, and self-awareness.
5. Reflect on team culture. Examine whether your leadership team leans toward one Enneagram type and explore how that shapes decisions and conflict.